Compatible Applications

Pro Marine 18286P replaces the trim switch and harness used in the following applications identified in the supplied Mercury catalog fitment.

OEM and Cross Reference Numbers

Mercury has used several part numbers for this switch and harness assembly. Current OEM number 18286A43 supersedes the earlier numbers listed below.

Mercury OEM Version Available

Mercury OEM Switch/Harness Assembly - 18286A43

Prefer the genuine factory component? Pro Marine also stocks Mercury Marine OEM 18286A43 for the same switch application.

Choose between the Pro Marine 18286P aftermarket replacement and the genuine Mercury OEM 18286A43.

View Mercury OEM Switch/Harness

What This Part is Used For

This switch is installed in a compatible Mercury remote-control handle and allows the operator to control the engine's power trim and tilt system directly from the throttle/control handle.

Pressing the switch in one direction commands the trim/tilt system upward, while pressing it in the opposite direction commands the system downward. The attached harness connects the switch to the remote-control wiring.

This lets the operator adjust engine trim while underway or raise and lower the engine as required without moving away from the control handle.

Common Signs of a Worn Trim Switch

A remote-control trim switch is exposed to repeated use and the marine environment. Over time, the switch or attached wiring can become worn or damaged.

Symptoms that may indicate the switch or harness needs inspection include:

• Trim operates from the engine-mounted switch but not from the control handle
• Intermittent trim-up or trim-down operation
• Switch must be pressed repeatedly before the trim responds
• One direction works while the other does not
• Visible damage to the switch button
• Damaged, pinched or deteriorated switch wiring

Replacement Tips

• Disconnect battery power before servicing the remote control.
• Confirm the original switch part number whenever possible.
• Note the routing of the existing switch harness before removal.
• Inspect the remote-control wiring and connectors for corrosion or damage.
• Avoid pinching the replacement harness when reassembling the control.
• Verify both trim-up and trim-down operation after installation.
• Follow Mercury service procedures for the specific remote control.

Key Features and Benefits

• Pro Marine aftermarket power trim and tilt switch
• Switch and attached harness assembly
• Pro Marine item number 18286P
• Replacement for Mercury OEM 18286A43
• Replaces Mercury 18286A26
• Replaces Mercury 18286A2
• Replaces Mercury 16991A1
• Fits the applicable Mercury 4000 Side Mount Power Trim control
• Supplied fitment lists the 4000 Side Mount control from 1994-Present
• Mercury OEM version also available from Pro Marine

FAQ

What does Pro Marine 18286P replace?
18286P replaces Mercury switch/harness assembly 18286A43 and previous Mercury numbers 18286A26, 18286A2 and 16991A1.

Is this a power trim and tilt switch?
Yes. This is the remote-control switch used to operate the engine's power trim and tilt system from the compatible Mercury control handle.

Does 18286A43 replace 18286A26?
Yes. Mercury 18286A43 is the current OEM replacement for superseded 18286A26.

Does 18286A43 replace 18286A2 and 16991A1?
Yes. Both 18286A2 and 16991A1 are earlier Mercury switch/harness numbers superseded by 18286A43.

Does this fit the Mercury 4000 Side Mount control?
Yes. The supplied Mercury fitment identifies this switch with the 4000 Side Mount Power Trim control from 1994-Present.

Does this fit by engine horsepower?
This part is primarily identified by the remote-control assembly, rather than engine horsepower alone. Verify the control style and original switch number before ordering.

Does the switch include the harness?
Yes. 18286P is a switch and harness assembly.

Do you carry the genuine Mercury version?
Yes. Pro Marine also stocks the Mercury OEM 18286A43 Switch/Harness Assembly .

Searchable Part Numbers

18286P, 18286A43, 87-18286A43, 18286A26, 87-18286A26, 18286A2, 87-18286A2, 16991A1, 87-16991A1

Searchable Terms

Mercury trim switch, Mercury tilt switch, Mercury power trim switch, Mercury remote control trim switch, Mercury switch harness, Mercury 4000 trim switch, Mercury 4000 side mount trim switch, Mercury throttle handle trim switch, Mercury control box trim switch, Mercury remote trim switch, Mercury 18286A43 replacement, Pro Marine Mercury trim switch

Compatible Applications

Part Numbers & Cross References

Related Fuel Filter

Mercury Fuel Filter 8M0166596

OEM Mercury water-separating fuel filter used with this sensor on compatible 450R, 500R V8 and 500HP-600HP V12 applications.

View Product

What This Water-In-Fuel Sensor is Used For

The Mercury 8M0157779 water-in-fuel sensor monitors the fuel filter assembly for water accumulation and helps alert the operator when water is detected in the fuel system.

Water contamination can cause poor performance, corrosion, injector problems, and fuel system damage. Replacing a damaged or faulty water-in-fuel sensor helps maintain proper warning system function.

Key Features and Benefits

• OEM Mercury water-in-fuel sensor
• Fits select L6 Verado applications
• Fits Mercury Racing 450R and 500R V8 outboards
• Fits Mercury 350HP-425HP V10 outboards
• Fits Mercury 500HP-600HP V12 outboards
• Used with compatible Mercury water-separating fuel filter assemblies
• Helps detect water accumulation in the fuel system
• Pairs with Mercury fuel filter 8M0166596 on compatible applications

Part Details

• Part Number: 8M0157779
• Product Type: Water-In-Fuel Sensor
• Brand: Mercury Marine
• Application: Mercury Verado, Racing V8, V10, and V12 fuel systems
• Common Fitment: L6 Verado, 450R, 500R, 350-425HP V10, 500-600HP V12
• Related Fuel Filter: 8M0166596
• OEM Mercury Part: Yes

FAQ

What engines does Mercury 8M0157779 fit?
This sensor fits select L6 Verado applications, Mercury Racing 450R and 500R V8 outboards, Mercury 350HP-425HP V10 outboards, and Mercury 500HP-600HP V12 outboards.

Does this fit the Mercury 500R?
Yes. Mercury 8M0157779 is used on compatible Mercury Racing 500R V8 fuel filter applications.

Does this fit Mercury V10 outboards?
Yes. This sensor fits compatible Mercury 350HP-425HP V10 outboards.

What fuel filter goes with this sensor?
The related Mercury water-separating fuel filter is part number 8M0166596, linked above.

What does a water-in-fuel sensor do?
It detects water accumulation in the fuel filter assembly so the engine warning system can alert the operator to fuel contamination.

Is this a genuine Mercury part?
Yes. This is an OEM Mercury Marine water-in-fuel sensor.

Searchable Terms

8M0157779, Mercury 8M0157779, Mercury water in fuel sensor, Mercury water-in-fuel sensor, Mercury fuel filter sensor, Mercury Verado fuel sensor, L6 Verado water in fuel sensor, Mercury 450R water in fuel sensor, Mercury 500R water in fuel sensor, Mercury Racing fuel sensor, Mercury V8 water in fuel sensor, Mercury V10 water in fuel sensor, Mercury V12 water in fuel sensor, Mercury 350HP V10 fuel sensor, Mercury 400HP V10 fuel sensor, Mercury 425HP V10 fuel sensor, Mercury 500HP V12 fuel sensor, Mercury 600HP V12 fuel sensor, 8M0166596, Mercury water separating fuel filter sensor