wiring diagram for a Honda trim indicator

johnbenj

Hello Brats...

My engine tilt / trim indicator head (Honda BF90) isnt working. I see that at least two of the wires are not connected as part of the wiring harness.

Before I start the "random" method I thought to ask if anyone has a picture / copy of the Honda instructions for wiring the indicator in the panel with the rest of the wiring harness?

Thanks,
John

Dreamer · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:47 pm Post subject:

John,
Can't help you with the 90 diagram but be aware there are usually lots of unused wires in a Honda harness. I'm sure someone has their installation paperwork handy.

johnbenj · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 5:10 pm Post subject:

Thanks Roger. That is good to know. Specifically, I am not seeing any indications on the panel indicator. I've assumed that the problem is in the wiring at the panel but perhaps there is a problem at the engine.

And I'm sure a Honda BF40 or BF75 would have the info I need, in case any one has any useful info from those motors.

Thanks again - John

Jazzmanic · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 5:24 pm Post subject:

johnbenj,

We don't have a Honda but a Suzuki 90. However, our power trim control went haywire on us two summers ago. It turned out that it was a relay, a part which didn't cost much and was literally plug and play. Luckily it was covered under warranty so our shop took care of it. Hope this helps.

Peter
C-Dancer

TyBoo · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 6:16 pm Post subject:

If the trim gauge says it is all the way down all the time it is probably due to a stuck switch finger. There is a little plastic lever under the motor that is pushed down by the motor and up by a spring. A little crud and she stays down. A little WD40 and wiggling and she frees up.

There are usually 3 or 4 unused wiring connectors behind the helm for the Honda harness.

Find the little black plastic switch gizmo and see if it is stuck down. I think you will like it.

mpmccoy · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 1:05 am Post subject:

That plastic finger thing Tyboo Mike mentioned...
I've had mine stick during a channel crossing in a rough sea. Cured itself later. Hope it's that simple for you.

johnbenj · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 1:07 am Post subject:

Yes, the gauge does show all the way down, so I am hoping it will be as simple as stuck switch. I'll have a chance to look tomorrow and will report my findings. Thanks very much!

mpmccoy · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 2:03 am Post subject:

Checked mine again today. Found that the plastic arm was bending and slipping out of place. It's supposed to apply pressure upwards. I observed it slip in front of the transmision casting instead of staying behind. Some marine lube (grease) on the points of cantact helped. Further lubrication with some light oil (WD40) on the spring and working the arm back and forth helped. It appears to be working for the time being. BTW I've got twins and both needed attention.

Chester · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:48 pm Post subject:

You can put some nylon spacers under the sending unit which will help with the slippage problem.

One of my trim meters suddenly started reading low. I'm not clever enough with a multimeter to chase down the problem. Any Ideas?

mpmccoy · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 2:07 am Post subject:

I'm assuming that your observed motor position doesn't jive with what your meter is reading? The Honda manual says if there is a problem to change the sensor. The picture in the trim/tilt supplement for my BF50 shows that the trim angle sensor has a connector that should pull apart...so its "plug and play" . The wiring diagram shows that the sensor is a resistor but it doesn't say what kind.

You could just loosen the nuts that hold the gauge at your helm station and twist the thing clock wise until it reads correctly Wink

Chester · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 2:39 am Post subject:

The Honda manual is about the most disorganized thing I've ever seen.
I could possibly rotate the gauge, Doubt if I'd be happy with it that way.
The sensor is about $102 discount or $135 retail. Hmmm.

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 8:19 am Post subject:

You could always turn around and look at your motor from the helm.. Shocked

Most of us trim by feel or speed of the boat anyway. It'll stop when it gets to the limits and you can usually hear that. At a buck a look, that's about 100 looks!! Wink

Charlie

Chester · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:10 pm Post subject:

One thing I've done is to bottom both motors then hold both trim switches up the same amount of time while raising the motors. As usual any fine tuning is done by feel.

Mebby I affix a pointer to one motor and a corresponding graph or scale to the other motor... Rolling Eyes

johnbenj · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:41 pm Post subject:

I finally had a chance to look at my tilt-position sending unit on the engine and sure enough it is stuck in the down position. I'll get some lube /wd-40 on it.

A big thanks to everyone who replied. I was close to plugging in random loose wires in the back of the panel until it worked! (just kidding, really!)