2013 VTX intermittent shifting problems into forward/reverse

[Bill Cygan]

Sometimes my transmission does not activate into forward or reverse when the throttle is rotated to cause engagement.  Wires connect my throttle unit to the transmission solenoid.  Transmission fluid level is good and clear.   Only 300 hours on the boat.  One Malibu mechanic suggested that I replace the entire throttle unit.  This issue occurs more frequently once the boat has run for a while.  

All suggestions and opinions are welcome!

[justgary]

10 hours ago, Bill Cygan said:

Sometimes my transmission does not activate into forward or reverse when the throttle is rotated to cause engagement.  Wires connect my throttle unit to the transmission solenoid.  Transmission fluid level is good and clear.   Only 300 hours on the boat.  One Malibu mechanic suggested that I replace the entire throttle unit.  This issue occurs more frequently once the boat has run for a while.  

All suggestions and opinions are welcome!

I would start by carefully checking the sockets and cleaning the connections at the throttle unit and at the transmission. 

If that doesn't help, remove the throttle unit then take it apart and inspect it for brown areas in the white potting on the circuit board.  If you see that, the diodes are heating up.  You can change them if you have any soldering skill at all.

[oldjeep]

Livorsi rebuilds those throttle a cheaper than replacing.  Been a lot of issues with them.

[truckjunky87]

 

[DrFred]

Before the season gets too far along, you can remove your throttle yourself and send it to Livorsi. They will not sell you parts.  Insist that they replace the magnets and the spring.  A year after my rebuild, the spring went leaving me stranded in a 4 knot current and 30' of water.  (Try pulling that anchor in.)  I rebuilt the spring myself from stainless steel wire of the same gauge...  4 years ago a new throttle for that boat was $800 and a rebuild was $150.  It takes about 1 minute to replace the shaped magnets (and hopefully spring).  Not sure they do anything else.  My throttle was gone 2 weeks as Livorsi "lost" then finally found it.