df115 tilt trim short problem

[relmet454]

I've got a 2005 df115 and now have developed what I think is a bad short some where. when motor running and I activate the trim up or down it causes what appears to be a major short, the motor kills or nearly kills if I let up on trim button soon enough, and all the depthfinders shut off too, seems like a major power drain. However the trim motor will go up or down and seems to work with the motor not running.

It also seems I could have some current draw on my whole battery system while the electrical use is all off? is there an easier way to look for current drains on a electrical system?

thanks, Greg

[artdf175]

It could be corrosion in one of the electrical connection
Would start at battery terminals
How old are the batteries? If they are close to the end of their life cycle may need replacing Would probably take than in to a dealer and have them load tested as a minimum
Your other question may be more difficult
You may have to sisconnect all items and reconnect one them onejcat a time

[relmet454]

Thanks, I did clean and charge all batteries before this problem so it not likely battery terminals. But I'll see if I see any connections towards the wires that take the power right to the power trim motor look corroded.

The batteries seem fine otherwise, but I must have a major problem when I press tilt up or down, so I am thinking something else like a relay or other part? Although I don't think its a simple trim switch as I have 4 tilt/trim switches and while running they all seems to produce this same problem, so that leads me to something in the actual system circuit.

so I am still stumped a bit.

oh and I agree the other issue is a slow process to try and find what is going one wire at a time.

[artdf175]

I thought of one more place to check ground
On my 175 I believe the major ground for the engine is connected to the starter
Check that connection
There is another ground that connects to the ECM through the emergency stop switch on the remote
Forget all that --your comment about the depth finder cutting out is symptom of another issue ---
Here is another thing to check - have you seen any of the posts that deal with the white wire problem?
The white wire off the battery switch to the helm then to the remote
I will bet with the engine running and you use the PTT switch on the side of the engine you do not experience the same symptoms
IF SO--you have a connection/splice going bad on the white wire -- this wire feeds the dash and though the ignition switch the ECM
Any loss of power to this wire cuts out the engine and effects your depth finder -all at the same time

When my wire went bad it was the splice off the battery switch On the outside the wire and connector looked perfect - inside the wires finally corroded completely
Check that out and let me know the results
Art

[relmet454]

interesting - white wire?

ok I have never heard "white wire" issues so I'll have to check that one out and see if I can find anything out. First I have to look and see if I can find a diagram or photo so I can find the right white wires in case they are different in my 115

thanks, I'll report back

[artdf175]

Look at the back of your battery switch
IF it is like mine there is a fairly short red wire, maybe 6 inches, with a spliced in connector - more than likely a white wire

Cut that connector out and replace it- when you inspect it you may find the copper wires are toast

The ECM on these engines need 100% power to run well - The ECM gets its power from this wire via the ignition switch on many cases
Your depth finder cutting out the same time the engine sputters is a dead giveaway this wire is the problem
Art