Expert: Jeff Grigg - 1/20/2008

Question
I think that is what they are.  The tilt trim just clicks and won't move like a starter with a weak battery.  I took them both off and they have part numbers on the bottom which is 8996156 with no other markings, these have two posts on top and two smaller posts on one side. I think that these one or both might be my problem but am not an expert, I hope I don't need to replace entire motor, I would like to try these first if I can find the parts.  Any ideas? Thanks

Answer
Tim, I need the engine make and model to tell you everything you need to know. But try the following;
Check the battery is fully charged. The ground wire from the battery to the block must be clean and tight.
On each solenoid you have one large terminal goes to the battery or 12V source, the other large terminal goes to the trim motor. One small terminal goes to ground and the other goes to the trim switch. On the up solenoid the two blue wires, and on the down solenoid the two green wires.
Get yourself a 12V test light, any auto supply store has one.
Put the test light on the large terminal from the battery on each solenoid, check for 12V. Next put the test light on the blue or green wire from the switch, small wire, activate the switch and check for 12V. Check for a good ground with the test light on each solenoid. Finally check for 12V at the large terminal going to the trim motor on each solenoid. If you have 12v where specified but the trim motor doesn't work replace the trim motor. If you have 12V everywhere BUT NOT on the large terminal to the trim motor, replace the solenoid(s). Use ONLY marine grade certified solenoids.
Jeff