Logo
FULL SITE MENU

1999 Optimax Trim Motor keeps turning on - PLEASE HELP

C

chiefhuntum

New member
Two months ago I purchased a 95 Ranger with a 150hp 1999 Optimax. About two weeks ago it was sitting in my driveway when out of nowhere the trim motor came on. It wants to go down (never up). I have disconnected the trim motor switches in the bow thinking they got wet or something, but it still occurs without warning or reason, so I'm ruling out the switches. It is also occuring while fishing. If I dissconnect the battery wait a few minutes and reconnect everything is fine until the trim motor comes on again for no apparent reason. Friends have told me that it may be the relays but no one can give me an answer as to where they are or what they look like? Are they the black boxes located in the engine immediately below the engine trim switch or are the relays outside the engine somewhere? Are they labeled?

I had people from a different forum try to help, but all they could offer is "trace the wires" or provide me full of termonologies and jibberish I couldn't understand. All I want to know is where are these trim relays and what am I looking for? Please help as I leave for vacation next week and the local marinas are too busy to look at it. Thanks!
 
Look for two side-by-side black square relays under the starter relay on I believe the starboard side of the engine. They are interchangable. Replace them as a pair.
 
Thanks for the quick reply. I see two side by side immediately below the trim switch on the motor but are hard to get to because of power cords in front of them. I don't know where the starter relay is or what it looks like? If I try to remove what I described, do they dissconnect a certain way or do I remove a mounting screw somewhere? Dang, I wish a marina around here would take the time to look as I don't have a manual!
 
...so I'm ruling out the switches...
Click to expand...

I reread your post. If the throttle lever has a toggle trim/tilt switch there could be wires chafed and rubbing together inside the handle. You'll have to check for it. If you switch the relays and the trim motor wants to go up instead of down then the relay is the problem. If it still wants to go down then there is a wiring problem very likely in the throttle control.


...do they dissconnect a certain way or do I remove a mounting screw somewhere?...
Click to expand...

I'm not sure on that model. You'll have to look closely at them for a mounting screw. Check the wiring closely for chafing.
 
SOOO late at night, but thank you. You gave me a great start and from there was able to identify the part. I thought maybe the throttle switch. I took the screw out but still couldnt separate the throttle housing to check that switch (maybe prying but don't want to crack it). I'll switch the relays and if the motor goes up, I'll know its the relay. Thanks again!
 
Back
Top