Outboard won't trim up or down: relays, fluid and motor

Applies to: Suzuki DF and all power trim and tilt outboards

Symptoms

  • Trim switch does nothing
  • Motor hums but the engine doesn't move
  • Trims one way only, or creeps down

Why it happens

A failed trim relay, corroded switch, weak battery or low trim fluid. If you hear the motor run but nothing moves, it's usually fluid or the pump.

How to fix it

  1. Check battery voltage and the trim fuse.
  2. Listen for the relays clicking; swap or test them.
  3. Check trim fluid level with the engine tilted up per the manual.
  4. Test the trim motor with direct battery power.
  5. Use the manual release valve to tilt by hand if you're stuck.

Tools and parts

  • Multimeter
  • Trim fluid per manual
  • Trim relays

What the factory service manual covers

Power trim and tilt: wiring diagram, relay test, fluid type and fill procedure. The full procedure, specs and wiring diagrams are in the factory service manual for your machine.

Get the factory service manual

Volver al blog