Loose current on Mercury Commander Shifter

[McGillicuddy]

Mercury Commander Shifter has some loose current giving me little shocks - any ideas where to look for that problem? Thanks.
-- Gillie

Hermco, Thanks thanks for the lead on the power lead to the trim switch.

My understanding is that there are thee wires running from the toggle style trim switch -- 2 to a wire retainer and the 3rd (brn/white) to the trailer button & on to the wire retainer before continuing to the key switch. Are you suggesting the problem lies in those first 2 contacts or in the brown and white wire that becomes a red wire (I presume power)on the way to the key switch. Am I headed in the right direction? I'm a bit of an electrical idiot so any additional info would be great. Thanks - Gill

[hermco]

I don't remember the wiring color code for a merc control but you have to assume the current that is shocking you if it is constant is coming from the hot or positive feed to the trim switch on the control.If it shocks only when you actuate the switch then it is one of the other two wires going out of the switch.Check to find an abraded spot in the wires making contact with the metal on the control. Possibly in the wires wound around the handle? You will have to remove the handle to check.

[3rdday]

If what Don suggests is not it, check your ground terminal block. I had a Merc/Force and I found current between ground and my ground terminal block.

[McGillicuddy]

Thanks Don. It did seem to be a constant buzz so I'll start there with the trim switch. I didn't find any chafing in the handle or lever but I'll see if I can remove the control box tomorrow and follow the wires to the ignition wire retainer...

Thanks for the feedback Brian. I'll look at the grounds too. May some some contact is bad or corroded under a nut.
Oh yeah, your 21 looks great! Hope you can splash it this weekend.