How to replace Mercruiser trim switches on 2003 3300SE?

[maxum3300]

I have a 2003 Maxum 3300SE with twin 5.7 Mercruiser engines and Bravo 3 sterndrive. The switch for the starboard drive trim needs to be replaced. I have shifter part number 88688A23 with both switches located on the handle of the port shifter. I can get the switch for about $20 but I have no idea how to remove the old switch and replace it. Has anyone does this or know how it's done? Thanks.

[mmwjr]

Have you verified it's the switch? I am assuming the drive won't trim up and or down, correct? This is seldom the switch but instead the trim limit switch on the gimbal ring or a bad soleniod.

If you can provide details of the issue better help will be provided. i.e. drive won't go up, however does go up if trailer button is pressed. This would be a trim limit switch on the gimbal ring. or drive sometimes works, most likely a bad soleniod.

[maxum3300]

It will trim down fine, but not up. I have verified it is the switch. If I hit it just right I can get it to work. On my boat to get the drives into the trailer position I have to hold the trailer button while trimming the drive up. The limit switches were replaced last spring. I tested operation yesterday with the drive down I kept hitting the switch until I could get the drive to start trimming up. Once it started trimming up I held it until it trimmed all the way up to normal trim height then while holding the trim up button I held the trailer button and the drive rose to the trailer position. I repeated this method several times, the one variable was the problematic trim switch. It works one in every 20 times. I read on another thread I may be able to speak it with some contact cleaner and be able to resserect the switch but for $20 I'd like to replace if I can figure out how to remove it from the shifter handle.

[mmwjr]

up and down have seperate soleniods. They are know for getting pitted contacts and give just what you are describing. On the pump the green wire is up. use a jumper on the low current side of the soleniod and see if it works every time or if it behaves just like the helm switch. If the latter it is a bad soleniod which is my bet.

to be honest I have never found the helm switch to be a fault in 30+ years of being around boats

[maxum3300]

I'm certain it's the switch. When I place a jumper across the solenoid it works flawlessly, however operation from the switch is intermitten. When I push up on the switch I should see current on the green wire with a test light shouldn't I? I'm not seeing that.

[mmwjr]

A test light indicates voltage not current. But voltage not at the green wire is a problem.

Are you jumping to the large diameter green wire or small? If small on the solenoid then yes this would indicate a bad switch else if the large wire on the large top stud you are bypassing the switch and solenoid and only proving the trim motor is ok

[mmwjr]

CORRECTION!

Sorry it's been a long week. Green is down an blue is up (green = grass and blue = sky)
You want to jump 12 V to the blue/white smaller stud, see link. This will bypass helm switch.

http://www.justanswer.com/boat/3n5jz...ern-drive.html

[oldno7]

mmwjr

not trying to hi-jack a thread but just wanted to say thanks for your time contributing to this forum.(maxumownersclub)

[mmwjr]

no7 thanks and call me Mike.

Just can't help myself it's in my blood

[mmwjr]

If it turns out to be the switch see the attached link. Looks like $50-$60

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_...A46+%2D+A50%29