My engine tilt is stuck and always on in up position

[Pri123]

My engine tilt is stuck on and the engine is full up.  The down tilt buttons won't do anything, either on engine or throttle lever.  I need to keep battery off or else tilt motor is running.  I think it drained one of my batteries because it just decide to turn on while I was away.  I had left one battery on unfortunately.

Its a Johnson 90 hp on a Aquasport Osprey 175. The year is 2003.

Any suggestions?

[Blue Agave]

Probably a bad relay

[Pri123]

Changed the 2 relays on the engine and it worked...but then it did it again a few hours later when the boat was in the driveway...the engine just started tilting up on its own and the tilt motor would not shut off.

I removed the relay on the left and changed it and now it works again...but I am worried there is another issue with the electrical that is causing the relay to blow.

Ideas?

[fitz73222]

You have a bad trim switch that is shorting. Either the cowl mounted switch or the control handle switch. It's probably full of water. I have had it happen to me after I washed the boat and got water in the switch. When inside to grab some tea, came back out and the engine was in the up position and trying to fry the trim motor. I could also hear the water sizzling in the switch. Replaced the switch and it never happened again.

[Pri123]

This is an awesome reply.  I totally agree because my trim switch wasn't working well...so I disconnected it for now and will only use the switch on my throttle lever.

Once I am sure it is the problem, I will replace the engine trim switch.

I am surprised my tilt motor is not fried....I was gone for the weekend when it happened and it drained one of my batteries...what a show.

THANKS FOR THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[john250x]

Pri123,

    It sounds like you have your problem sorted out.

I had a similar problem where the tilt-up stopped working on one of my Johnson Ocean runners. It turns out there is a

[john250x]

Pri123,

    It sounds like you have your problem sorted out.

I had a similar problem where the tilt-up stopped working on one of my Johnson Ocean runners. It turns out there is a

switch that rides on a cam to prevent the motor from being lifted too high. The switch was stuck closed so I could only trim down.

John

[smccall]

Same issue with my 1998 rude spl. It’s on a same year 175. Constantly trimming down. Fished in the rain must be the culprit, disconnected the the bulletin connectors on motor side. Hooked battery backup and it continued trimming down. So must be the helm switch? Is that a tough job to replace? Thanks I’m advace to the smart guys. And you know who you are.

[RickK]

I would think the handle can be disassembled - check it out and you could possible clean the contacts, like the one on my Yamaha.

[smccall]

Hey RickK
  Took it apart and it looks like it’s solid state and sealed. Could manipulate the up and down buttons while wd 40 the rubber parts. Your thoughts. Just trying to get my 84 yr old Dad back on the water. Thanks for everyone s help.

[Capt. Bob]

Here's a Yamaha model.

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=9062.msg76767#msg76767


I believe this style was replaced with a model you could not open so yours may be that type and is a remove and replace.

Good luck.

[smccall]

Capt Bob,
   My switch is sealed on the backside. Determined that by taking it off . Does that switch go all the way inside the center console? Thanks

[wingtime]

There should he some type of a connection inside or near the binnacle.

If it is a 2003 then it is a MWS type harness. You should be able to  buy a replacement switch. Go to Evinrude Website to find the correct part number. You can also go to boats.net or even iboats.com. I find Dusky has the best prices but you need to find the part number first and then enter it into Dusky Website.

[wingtime]

I think this is the control you have:

https://www.boats.net/catalog/evinrude/outboard-accessories/2001-2004/remote-controls-and-cables-2001-2004/remote-control-binnacle-single-level-key-switch-2001-2004