Mercury Active Trim Specification sheet

Operation and Installation
Manual
© 2016 Mercury Marine Active Trim
8M0120820 616 eng

eng

Welcome
You have selected one of the finest marine power accessories available. It
incorporates numerous design features to ensure operating ease and durability.
This manual contains specific instructions for using and maintaining your
product. We suggest that this manual remain with the product for ready
reference whenever you are on the water.
Thank you for purchasing one of our products. We sincerely hope your boating
will be pleasant!
Mercury Marine, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Read This Manual Thoroughly
IMPORTANT: If you do not understand any portion of this manual, contact your
dealer. Your dealer can also provide a demonstration of operating procedures.
Warranty Information
Mercury Precision parts and accessories have a standard limited warranty of
one year.
Mercury gauges, controls, and rigging components—if installed on the boat at
the same time as the engine—will have a standard limited warranty equal to
that of the engine (if built after 5/1/2007). If purchased separately, Mercury
gauges, controls, and rigging components will have a standard limited warranty
of one year.
For details concerning the one year Mercury Precision, SmartCraft, and
Quicksilver Part and Accessories Limited Warranty, refer to the Mercury
Precision Parts Accessories Guide or contact your local authorized Mercury
Marine dealer.
Copyright and Trademark Information
© MERCURY MARINE. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in
part without permission is prohibited.
Alpha, Axius, Bravo One, Bravo Two, Bravo Three, Circle M with Waves Logo,
K‑planes, Mariner, MerCathode, MerCruiser, Mercury, Mercury with Waves
Logo, Mercury Marine, Mercury Precision Parts, Mercury Propellers, Mercury
Racing, MotorGuide, OptiMax, Quicksilver, SeaCore, Skyhook, SmartCraft,
Sport‑Jet, Verado, VesselView, Zero Effort, Zeus, #1 On the Water and We're
Driven to Win are registered trademarks of Brunswick Corporation. Pro XS is a
trademark of Brunswick Corporation. Mercury Product Protection is a registered
service mark of Brunswick Corporation.
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Important Information
Electrical Safety Requirements........................................................................... 1
Operation
Introduction to Active Trim.................................................................................. 2
Active Trim Keypad............................................................................................. 3
Active Trim Operation......................................................................................... 4
Adjustable Profiles.............................................................................................. 5
Selecting the Correct Profile............................................................................... 6
Troubleshooting
Red Status Light Fault Codes............................................................................. 9
Owner Service Assistance
Service Assistance........................................................................................... 10
Installation
Active Trim Kit Contents................................................................................... 12
Installation Notes.............................................................................................. 15
Keypad Installation........................................................................................... 16
Vessel Control Module (VCM) Installation........................................................ 17
Harness Connections....................................................................................... 18
Trim Profiles Overview...................................................................................... 32
Setup and Configuration................................................................................... 33
CDS G3 Setup.................................................................................................. 35
Templates......................................................................................................... 37
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eng iv

Electrical Safety Requirements
! WARNING
This unit has not been assessed as a safety component and is not to be
relied upon as a safety device.
SPECIFICATIONS
IMPORTANT: Always refer to the Operation and Maintenance manual included
with each engine for fuse holder location, fuse rating, and electrical system
overload protection.
This equipment is only intended for connection to 9–16 VDC, low voltage,
electrical systems of boats or similar marine vessels. Do not connect this
equipment to any circuit rated in excess of 16 VAC (RMS), 22.6 VPK, or 35
VDC, and only connect to boat electrical systems powered by batteries or
alternators or otherwise only to circuits separated from main voltages by at
least double or reinforced insulation.
This product must not be installed in a manner inconsistent with the
recommended procedures set forth in the installation instructions included
herein. Improper removal or installation of the product can cause injury or
damage to the vessel or engine components.
BATTERY INSTALLATION
Always refer to the installation manual included with each engine for battery
specifications and battery installation procedures.
Electrical rating 9–16 VDC
Maximum fuse size Mechanical: 15 A DTS: 5 A
Maximum rate input current 300 mA
IP rating IP4X
Environmental conditions
Altitude < 3000 m (9842 ft)
Operating temperature –20–60 °C (–4–140 °F)
Overvoltage Category 1
For use in pollution degree 4 (outdoor use)
IP rating IP4X
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
eng 1

Introduction to Active Trim
Active Trim is Mercury Marine’s patented GPS‑based automatic trim system.
This intuitive, hands‑free system continually adjusts engine or drive trim for
changes in operating conditions to improve performance, fuel economy, and
ease of operation. It responds to boat maneuvers with precision and delivers a
better overall driving experience. No knowledge of trimming an engine or drive
is needed to take advantage of Active Trim.
• As the boat accelerates, the engine or drive will trim out.
• As the boat decelerates, for example, while making a turn, the engine or
drive will trim in.
• Active Trim can be overridden at anytime by using the regular, manual
trim buttons.
• Active Trim allows the boat operator to compensate for changes in boat
load, driver preferences, and weather conditions while maintaining full
automatic control.
HOW IT WORKS
The Active Trim system has four modes of operation:
61896
1. Idle Speeds
Maintains the existing trim position.
61897
2. Acceleration (hole shot)
Tucks the engine or drive under to minimize bow
rise and improve time‑to‑plane.
61898
3. Planing Speeds
Progressively trims the engine or drive based on
GPS speed to maintain the most efficient
running attitude.
61899
4. Override
When the boat operator uses manual trim, the
Active Trim system is immediately overridden,
returning full control to the operator.
At boat startup, Active Trim resumes the on/off state from the previous shut
down. For example, if Active Trim was on at the previous shut down, it will be
on at the next startup.
OPERATION
2 eng

BUILT-IN GPS
This device includes a built‑in GPS antenna used to determine vessel speed.
The GPS has three start‑up modes:
• Cold Start ‑ If vessel battery power was turned off (using a battery switch),
GPS will take 30–60 seconds to acquire a signal.
• Warm Start ‑ If vessel battery power has been maintained since last
shutdown, GPS will acquire a signal in approximately 30 seconds.
• Hot Start ‑ If the vessel has been keyed off for less than eight hours, the
GPS will acquire a signal in less than 10 seconds.
The Active Trim system will not automatically control trim until the GPS unit has
acquired a signal. The system status light flashing red may indicate that no
GPS signal has been acquired.
Active Trim Keypad
NOTE: Refer to the engine's Operation and Maintenance manual for important
information about the product's starting procedure and the standard power trim
system before attempting to operate the Active Trim system.
The relative angle of the boat bottom to the water when the vessel is on plane
affects acceleration, top speed, fuel economy, handling, and operation in rough
or choppy water.
a - ON/RESUME button and system status light
b - OFF button
c - Trim profile indicator: Indicates the adjustable profile currently engaged.
If any of these lights are flashing, the system is in setup mode (refer to
Setup and Configuration).
d - Trim profile adjust Up Arrow: Changes the adjustable trim profile to a
more aggressive trim curve (more trim angle at a lower boat speed).
e - Trim profile adjust Down Arrow: Changes the adjustable trim profile to
a less aggressive trim curve (less trim angle at a lower boat speed).
b
c
d
e
a
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OPERATION
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SYSTEM STATUS LIGHT
• A constant amber light indicates that the system is working normally.
• A flashing amber light indicates that the Active Trim system is not
controlling trim (user override). Press the ON/RESUME button to resume
Active Trim control.
• A flashing red light indicates a problem with the system. Refer to
Troubleshooting.
Active Trim Operation
• Active Trim automatically controls trim to maintain the optimum engine or
drive position based on engine RPM and boat speed.
• Active Trim progressively trims out the engine or drive to maintain an
efficient running attitude.
• The operator can always override the Active Trim system with the panel
mounted or control handle trim position switch. A flashing amber light on
the ON/RESUME button indicates that an override has occurred. Press
the ON/RESUME button to resume Active Trim operation.
• Active Trim will maintain the last known trim position when operating at
speeds in excess of 80 km/h (50 mph).
• Operation above 80 km/h (50 mph) may require trim adjustments using
the panel mounted or control handle trim position switch.
• Active Trim will gradually return the engine or drive to the down position
during deceleration.
• Active Trim will only function when the engine or drive is in the normal trim
range. Refer to Trailer Position and Active Trim.
NOTE: When paired with a SmartCraft gauge with an available ECO mode
screen, the Active Trim system will override any ECO mode request.
RESUME FUNCTIONALITY
If the boat operator overrides the Active Trim system at planing speeds using
the trim button, or exceeds 80 km/h (50 mph), the system will stop controlling
the trim. Active Trim will resume automatically under the following conditions:
• Override occurred above 80 km/h (50 mph) and the boat operator then
decelerates to below 80 km/h (50 mph).
• Override occurred above 80% of the rated engine RPM and the boat
operator then decelerates to below 80% of the rated engine RPM.
• Override occurred in the cruising speed range and then the boat operator
decelerates to idle. Active Trim will become active on the next
acceleration.
OPERATION
4 eng

SHALLOW WATER OPERATION
Active Trim cannot detect water depth and will not trim up automatically in
shallow water. The boat operator will need to override Active Trim by trimming
the engine or drive manually or pressing the OFF button.
TRAILER POSITION AND ACTIVE TRIM
Placing the engine or drive in trailer position (over 50% of the adapted trim
range) will prevent Active Trim from engaging. Any time the engine or drive is
trimmed above its normal range—to navigate shallow water, launch the boat
from a trailer, or load the boat onto a trailer, for example—you must manually
trim down before Active Trim will function. This safety feature is meant to
prevent the engine or drive from automatically trimming down and hitting
something.
If the engine or drive is trimmed beyond its normal range and the vessel speed
is over 8 km/h (5 mph), the ON/RESUME light will flash, indicating that Active
Trim will not engage until the engine or drive is manually trimmed down. After
the engine or drive has been trimmed back down, automatic control can be
resumed by pressing the On/Resume button.
Adjustable Profiles
ADJUSTABLE PROFILE CURVES
There are five adjustable profiles available to the operator. The following graph
illustrates how the five profiles vary the rate at which the Active Trim system
increases the trim angle as the boat speed increases.
Example trim profile levels; actual curves will vary
a - Trim angle (percentage)
b - Boat speed
c - Trim profile indicator on Active Trim keypad
5 4 3 2
1
a
b61866
c
OPERATION
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TRIM PROFILE ADJUSTMENT
Use the Active Trim keypad Up Arrow and Down Arrow buttons to adjust the
selected profile to the most efficient running attitude to compensate for changes
in boat loading (passenger or gear distribution, changes in ballast or fuel tank
levels), weather, propping, and operator preference.
a - ON/RESUME button and system status light
b - OFF button
c - Trim profile indicator: Indicates the adjustable profile currently engaged.
d - Trim profile adjust Up Arrow: Changes the adjustable trim profile to a
more aggressive trim curve (more trim angle at a lower boat speed).
e - Trim profile adjust Down Arrow: Changes the adjustable trim profile to
a less aggressive trim curve (less trim angle at a lower boat speed).
When you press either the up or down arrow, you are selecting a different trim
curve. This means that Active Trim will use different trim angles throughout the
entire range of operation. This is not the same thing as manually adjusting the
trim (override).
NOTE: The boatbuilder or dealer should have configured the Active Trim
system for optimal performance for your boat and power package combination.
The five adjustable trim profiles should provide enough latitude to compensate
for changes in environmental conditions or boat loading.
If the five adjustable trim profiles are not adequate, Active Trim can be
reconfigured to a different major trim profile. Changing the major trim profile will
provide a different range of adjustable trim profiles. Refer to
Setup and
Configuration
, in the Installation section of this manual.
Selecting the Correct Profile
With so many available trim profiles, it can be difficult to determine which profile
is the correct one. In making this determination, it is important to understand
what trim is, how it affects boat operation, and how boat loading can influence
the required trim angle. Armed with a clear understanding of these concepts,
selecting the correct trim profile becomes simple.
b
c
d
e
a
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OPERATION
6 eng

WHAT TRIM IS
The trim angle of an outboard or sterndrive is the angle between the boat
bottom and the propeller shaft formed by moving the engine or sterndrive
closer to the boat transom. This movement is called trimming in or down.
Moving the engine or sterndrive further away from the transom is called
trimming out or up. When a boat is cruising on plane and the trim is adjusted so
that the propeller shaft is parallel to the surface of the water, that is said to be
running at zero trim.
The term "trim" is generally used when referring to adjusting the outboard or
sterndrive within the first 20° range of travel. This is the range used while
operating your boat on plane. The term "tilt" is generally used when referring to
adjusting the outboard or sterndrive further up or out of the water.
HOW TRIM AFFECTS BOAT OPERATION
The trim angle of the outboard or sterndrive has a distinct effect on the planing
angle of the boat, which in turn significantly alters the top speed and handling.
The engine or drive should be trimmed in for best start‑up acceleration and
shortest time to plane. The engine or drive would then be trimmed out for peak
performance. Active Trim automatically handles this transition for you.
61921
Engine or drive properly trimmed
If the engine or drive is trimmed in too far, the bow drops and the boat runs too
wet. In this condition, top speed drops, fuel economy decreases, the boat may
oversteer in one direction or the other (bow steering), and steering torque will
increase (to the right with a right‑hand rotation propeller). Occasionally,
extreme trim down can cause a boat to list to the left (with a right‑hand
propeller).
61922
Engine or drive trimmed in (bow too low)
OPERATION
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If the engine or drive is trimmed out too far, the propeller may lose its hold on
the water, fast V‑bottom boats may start to walk from side to side (chine
walking), steering torque will increase in the opposite direction to that when
trimmed in, and getting on plane may be difficult or labored. Porpoising of the
boat may also occur.
61923
Engine or drive trimmed out (bow too high); porpoising
BOAT LOADING AND TRIM
Under normal loading and operating conditions while on plane, the boat bottom
is roughly parallel to the surface of the water. Changing the loading of the boat
will not change the trim angle as previously defined, but it will change the
running attitude of the boat with respect to the surface of the water. Adding
weight toward the stern of the boat will cause the bow to rise. Similarly, adding
weight toward the bow of the boat will cause the bow to lower.
Changing the trim angle can compensate for a change in the running attitude of
the boat. Increasing the trim angle will raise the bow of the boat, compensating
for bow heavy loading. Decreasing the trim angle will lower the bow of the boat,
compensating for stern heavy loading.
CHOOSING AN ACTIVE TRIM PROFILE
If Active Trim is configured properly, the normal setting for running on plane will
be profile 2, 3, or 4. This allows the operator the flexibility to change the trim
angle to compensate for variations in boat loading or other operating
conditions. Selecting a higher number profile will raise the bow and selecting a
lower number profile will lower the bow.
Use the preceding descriptions of trim in and trim out to help determine
whether or not your boat is trimmed properly (refer to How Trim Affects Boat
Operation). In general, this means you can increase the trim profile until the
bow begins to porpoise (rise and fall), and then back off one level.
OPERATION
8 eng

Red Status Light Fault Codes
A flashing red light can indicate different things, depending
on if it is a single or a double flash sequence.
SINGLE FLASHING RED
a - Light (on or off)
b - Interval
Fault Condition Description Notes
GPS signal
intermittent
GPS signal has achieved
fix, but is dropping out
intermittently.
Indicates loss of GPS signal.
Panel must have clear view.
Check for obstructions.
GPS signal
unavailable
GPS has not achieved fix
since key on.
Indicates obstructed GPS
antenna or weak signal. Panel
must have clear view.
DOUBLE FLASHING RED
a - Light (on or off)
b - Interval
Fault Condition Description Notes
GPS_x230
AgeCount
Indicates that the Active
Trim panel is not on the
CAN P bus.
Check keypad, J‑box, and
ECM helm harness
connections.
Trim up or trim
down not
achieved
The engine did not achieve
its trim setpoint while
attempting to trim up or
down.
Indicates a problem with
hydraulic pump operation,
fuse, connection, trim sensor,
or trim down circuit. Refer to
appropriate service manual.
ON ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
a
b
ON
OFF OFF
61841
ON ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
a
b
ON
OFF OFF
61842
TROUBLESHOOTING
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Service Assistance
LOCAL REPAIR SERVICE
If you need service for your Mercury accessory, take it to your authorized
dealer.
SERVICE AWAY FROM HOME
If you are away from your local dealer and the need arises for service, contact
the nearest authorized dealer. If, for any reason, you cannot obtain service,
contact the nearest Regional Service Center. Outside the United States and
Canada, contact the nearest Marine Power International Service Center.
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES INQUIRIES
Direct any inquiries concerning genuine Mercury Precision Parts® or
Quicksilver Marine Parts and Accessories® to a local authorized dealer.
Dealers have the proper systems to order parts and accessories, if they are not
in stock. Engine model and serial number are required to order correct parts.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MERCURY MARINE CUSTOMER
SERVICE
For assistance, call, fax, or write to the geographic office in your area. Please
include your daytime telephone number with mail and fax correspondence.
United States, Canada
Telephone English [phone]
Français [phone]
Mercury Marine
W6250 Pioneer Road
P.O. Box 1939
Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1939
Fax English [phone]
Français [phone]
Website www.mercurymarine.com
Australia, Pacific
Telephone [phone] Brunswick Asia Pacific Group
41–71 Bessemer Drive
Dandenong South, Victoria 3175
Australia
Fax [phone]
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Telephone [phone] Brunswick Marine Europe
Parc Industriel de Petit-Rechain
B-4800 Verviers,
Belgium
Fax [phone]
OWNER SERVICE ASSISTANCE
10 eng

Mexico, Central America, South America, Caribbean
Telephone [phone] Mercury Marine
11650 Interchange Circle North
Miramar, FL 33025
U.S.A.
Fax [phone]
Japan
Telephone [phone] Kisaka Co., Ltd.
4‑130 Kannabecho, Sakai‑ku
Sakai‑shi, Osaka 590‑0984, Japan
Fax [phone]
Asia, Singapore
Telephone [phone] Brunswick Asia Pacific Group
T/A Mercury Marine Singapore Pte Ltd
29 Loyang Drive
Singapore, 508944
Fax [phone]
OWNER SERVICE ASSISTANCE
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Active Trim Kit Contents
ALL DTS APPLICATIONS
Qty. Description
1 Basic kit
1 DTS Active Trim harness
NON-DTS APPLICATIONS
IMPORTANT: The Active Trim harness for non‑DTS applications is different
between Outboard and MerCruiser applications, and between single and
dual‑engine applications. Confirm that you have the correct harness for your
application prior to beginning the installation.
150 EFI FourStroke and OptiMax Engines
Qty. Description
1 Basic kit
1 Active Trim harness
75/90/115 EFI FourStroke Engines
Qty. Description
1 Basic kit
1 Active Trim harness
1 or 2 Digital to analog converter (includes installation instructions)
1 or 2 Digital trim sender kit
2 Screw
2 Lockwasher
2 Washer
INSTALLATION
12 eng

40/50/60 FourStroke Engines (Single‑Engine Only)
Active Trim can be installed on 40/50/60 FourStroke engines only with serial
number 1C453840 or above.
Qty. Description
1 Basic kit
1 Active Trim harness
1 Digital to analog converter (includes installation instructions)
1 Digital trim sender kit
2 Screw
2 Lockwasher
2 Washer
1 Anchor pin
1 Trilobe pin
MerCruiser Engines (Digital Transom)
Qty. Description
1 Basic kit
1 Active Trim harness
INSTALLATION
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a
b
d
c
e
fghi
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Basic kit contents
INSTALLATION
14 eng