226 trim issue

Drifter80

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I noticed that my trim tabs stopped working yesterdat. There is a slight click when I hit the switch sometimes but no motor or pump sounds. I read a post about the location of the pump being under the starboard bunk in the small storage area (and confirmed with a friend who has a 94 24' Grady) but mine is not located there. I didnt see one mounted aft or by the fuse panel. Also, the fuse for the tabs appeared to be good but I replaced it with a new one and theres still no response when I hit the switch. Any help would be welcome.

thanks

:bang
 

Tabman

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Drifter,

Can you tell me how old your system is?

See if you can follow the four color wire harness from the switch on the dashboard to the pump. I seem to recall that some Gradys have the pump mounted under the dashboard down near the floor, but it sounds like you have looked there.

The first thing to check after you locate the pump is to make sure the connector in the wire harness is in good shape and not corroded. Also check both ends of the black ground wire at the pump.

Here is a general layout drawing:

sys.jpg


Once you locate the pump here are links to two videos to help you troubleshoot;
System Overview and General Troubleshooting http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/videoplayer.php?vID=10
Tabs Don't Move, No HPU Sound http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/videoplayer.php?vID=13

Below is basic troubleshooting that you can print and take to the boat when you are troubleshooting the system. Step 3 is very helpful in isolating where the fault may be.

Let me know what you find and I will be delighted to help.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

Fluid: Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) any type. Hydraulic Power Unit is self bleeding, running the Trim Tabs up and down 3-4 times will purge air from the system.

Fuse: 12 volt system use 20 amp in-line fuse on positive. (24v & 32v use proportionately smaller)

Red= Port Valve
Green= Starboard Valve
Blue=Motor Forward (pump pressure)
Yellow= Motor Reverse (pump retract)
Black on HPU=Ground
Orange on Helm=Control Positive

Troubleshooting

1.If one side is not operating reverse hydraulic lines on the front of the Hydraulic Power Unit to determine if the malfunction is in HPU or actuator / hydraulic lines. If after reversing the lines symptom shifts to the other side the malfunction may exist in HPU. If the symptom remains on the same side, malfunction may exist with the actuator / hydraulic lines

2. Is the unit receiving a solid 12 volts? Low voltage will some times cause the solenoids to not open preventing the tabs from moving even though the pump motor is running.

3. Conduct the following test:
Remove the wires from the helm control and touch together as follows:
Operation=Reaction
Orange (+), blue, red= Port trim tab down
Orange (+), blue, green=Starboard trim tab down
Orange (+), blue, red, green= Both trim tabs down
Orange (+), yellow, red= Port trim tab up
Orange (+), yellow, green=Starboard trim tab up
Orange (+), yellow, red, green= Both trim tabs up

If the trim tabs function correctly for each wire grouping then the switch is at fault. Also note that any loose or missing screws on the back of the switch (whether a wire is connected there or not) can cause the pump to malfunction.

This test may also be done right at the pump by substituting a "hot lead" for orange. There is usually a connector to the wire harness within a foot or so of the pump. You want to check this connection for corrosion. You may wish to cut the connector off on the pump side and try the test on bare wires.

4. If you suspect corrosion on the wire connector near the pump, cut it out, test as above and reconnect using butt splices.

5. If you conclude the problem is in the pump, contact me. Bennett Trim Tab Systems carry a five year warranty.

6. Check to see if there is a relay in line on the wiring harness near the hydraulic power unit. If there is it is an Interrupter Relay (IR1000). It prevents the system fuse from blowing if you try to actuate one trim tab up and the other down at the same time. After you test as outlined above, try removing the relay from the wiring harness and retest the unit.(Note: the interrupter relay is no longer used in current Bennett Trim Tab systems and has been replaced with a Switches that "lock out" preventing a blown fuse).
 

Drifter80

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Wow, thanks for the info! I am going to take another shot at it when I get back from vacation next week.