Bennett Trim Tab Issue with 228G

[SGGW228G]

I did some troubleshooting to my GW 228G last few days and I noted the Bennett Trim Tabs is not working in order. The Bennett Trim Tabs is factory install at Grady White for the 228G, which was purchased in 2011.

The malfunction is at the "retrieval", which is Bow Up, Bow Down has no issues. I tested the engine off and the trim tabs will auto retract without any issue.

I suspect the Euro Style Rocker switch is spoilt or the solenoid is spoilt. I understands the UP and DOWN to the Hydraulic is control by 2 separate solenoid which is activated by the rocker switch. So the rocker switch is basically not sending signal(positive) to the solenoid. On the other hand the solenoid actually works when engine is off, the trim tabs will auto retract without an issue. If the solenoid is spoilt, this auto retract solenoid should not work in whatever case? Is my assumption correct? Else, the worst nightmare will be the wiring or contacts is the problem.

Beside I noticed even with Bow Down working the speed of hydraulics for left and right is slightly different -> should I bleed and flush and re-inject flesh ATF?

I believe the Bennett Trim Tab System comes with 5 year factory warranty and the question I've is with regards to who should I seek help from? The Grady White Dealer or Bennett Agent? I've inform the agent and still pending his reply as he have no answer till date.

Any suggestion or advice - weather getting rough here and if I can solve the issue myself, why not...........

 

[Tabman]

Here is a link to a video that covers the basic system and general troubleshooting http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/videoplayer.php?vID=10

Here is a link to a video that covers troubleshooting the pump if it runs and a Trim Tab does not move http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/videoplayer.php?vID=22

Take a look at step 3 below, it will walk you through the test I think will isolate your problem. Make sure that ALL the screws are tight on the back of the switch even if they don't have a wire attached, this could be your problem. Also pay particular attention to the yellow wire since it runs the pump in reverse to bring the Tabs up. A loose or missing screw could cause this issue.

Where are you located? The Bennett Trim Tab system has a 5 year warranty in the US and the electronics have a 3 year warranty.

Let me know what you find and I will walk you through fixing it.

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).

 

[Doc Stressor]

I had the exact same problem a few years ago. After running through the trouble shooting procedure and replacing the switch, the problem was solved.

 

[SGGW228G]

Thanks, I will be getting back to troubleshooting this Wednesday as the boat is berth at yacht club. BTW, when u stated replacing the switch, do you mean replacing the rocker switch?

I had the exact same problem a few years ago. After running through the trouble shooting procedure and replacing the switch, the problem was solved.

 

[Doc Stressor]

Yes, the rocker switch on the dash. The contact for retracting the port tab was dead and the one for the starboard tab was intermittent. Both tabs would retract fine when the ignition was shut down.

 

[grady23]

TabMan ROCKS ---

 

[zimm]

Yes, he does. Also I'm pretty sure there is no bleeding proceedure- just make sure the tank is full and running the tabs up and down purges the air out. The switches do crap out, I've had two boats and each needed new switches.