Mercury OEM 881170A15 8-Pin Side Mount Remote Control

The Mercury 881170A15 Side Mount Control is a genuine Mercury OEM remote-control assembly for compatible mechanical rigging systems using an 8-pin electrical connection.

This side-mount control is configured for Gen 1-style mechanical throttle and shift cables, includes a 15-foot harness, and provides power trim and tilt control on the compatible installation.

Product Information

• Part Number: 881170A15
• Brand: Genuine Mercury OEM
• Part Type: Side Mount Remote Control
• Electrical Connection: Mercury 8-Pin
• Control Cable Type: Gen 1 Style
• Harness Length: 15 Feet
• Trim Function: Power Trim and Tilt Control
• Mounting Style: Side Mount
• Aftermarket Alternative: Pro Marine 881170A15P

Important Fitment Note

Do not choose this control by engine horsepower alone. Compatibility depends on the boat's complete Mercury rigging configuration.

This OEM control is for compatible applications requiring a Mercury 8-pin electrical connection, Gen 1-style mechanical control cables, and a 15-foot harness.

Similar Mercury side-mount controls may use a 14-pin connection, different cable generation, different harness length, or another control configuration. Verify the original control and rigging before ordering.

OEM and Cross Reference Numbers

Mercury 881170A15 is associated with the following remote-control references for compatible applications.

What This Control is Used For

This Mercury side-mount remote control provides helm operation of the mechanical throttle and shift system on compatible Mercury installations.

The control mounts on the side of the helm or console rather than on top of the console, and it connects to the engine rigging using the required Mercury 8-pin electrical harness and Gen 1-style control cables.

The compatible installation also provides power trim and tilt operation from the remote-control handle.

Mercury Rigging Fitment

This control is best identified by its rigging configuration rather than by engine horsepower or a broad model-year range.

8-Pin vs. 14-Pin Mercury Side Mount Controls

Mercury used several electrical configurations in its mechanical remote controls. The 881170A15 is an 8-pin control.

Do not confuse it with 14-pin Mercury side-mount controls. Even when the outside appearance is similar, the electrical harness may be different. Always inspect the existing connector before ordering.

Gen 1 Control Cable Application

This remote control is intended for compatible Gen 1-style Mercury mechanical control cables.

Gen 1 and Gen 2 control cables use different control-end attachment configurations. A Gen 2 cable application should not be assumed to work with this control.

Common Replacement Reasons

• Original side-mount control is worn or physically damaged.
• Throttle or shift lever operation has become loose or unreliable.
• Power trim switch in the original control no longer functions correctly.
• Control housing, wiring, or internal mechanism has been damaged.
• An older matching Mercury control is being replaced during a rigging restoration.
• Existing control has been identified as one of the matching cross-reference numbers.

Hard shifting or throttle movement may also be caused by worn, corroded, binding, or incorrectly adjusted control cables. The complete control and cable system should be inspected during diagnosis.

Installation Tips

• Disconnect battery power before servicing the control or engine electrical system.
• Verify the original control uses the required Mercury 8-pin electrical connection.
• Confirm both throttle and shift cables use Gen 1-style connections.
• Inspect existing control cables for corrosion, stiffness, kinks, or excessive wear.
• Verify the 15-foot harness is appropriate for the existing routing.
• Route wiring and cables without excessive tension, sharp bends, or chafing.
• After installation, verify neutral, shift direction, throttle travel, trim operation, and overall control function.

Remote-control installation directly affects throttle and shift operation. Installation and adjustment should be performed by a qualified marine technician when the installer is not familiar with Mercury mechanical rigging.

Key Features and Benefits

• Genuine Mercury OEM: Factory Mercury remote-control assembly.
• 8-Pin Configuration: For compatible Mercury 8-pin electrical systems.
• Side Mount Design: Designed for compatible side-mounted helm installations.
• Gen 1 Cable Fitment: Uses compatible Gen 1-style mechanical control cables.
• 15-Foot Harness: Configured with the specified harness length.
• Power Trim and Tilt: Provides trim control on compatible Mercury applications.
• Aftermarket Alternative: Pro Marine 881170A15P is also available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mercury 881170A15?

It is a genuine Mercury OEM side-mount remote control for compatible mechanical rigging systems using an 8-pin electrical connection, Gen 1-style control cables, and a 15-foot harness.

Does Mercury 881170A15 use an 8-pin connector?

Yes. This control is listed for the Mercury 8-pin electrical configuration.

What type of control cables does it use?

It is intended for compatible Gen 1-style mechanical throttle and shift cables.

How long is the harness?

The harness is 15 feet long.

Does this control include trim operation?

Yes. This configuration provides power trim and tilt control on the compatible Mercury installation.

What supersedes Mercury 881170A15?

Mercury parts information identifies 8M0178521 as a newer replacement reference for 881170A15.

Is Pro Marine 881170A15P an aftermarket alternative?

Yes. Pro Marine USA also stocks the Pro Marine 881170A15P side-mount control .

Is this the same as a 14-pin Mercury control?

No. This is the 8-pin version. A 14-pin control uses a different electrical configuration.

Can I use this with Gen 2 control cables?

Do not assume compatibility. This control is specifically identified for Gen 1-style cables.

Will this fit every Mercury outboard?

No. Fitment depends on the complete rigging setup, including connector style, cable generation, mounting configuration, and harness requirements.

Searchable Part Numbers

881170A15, 16900A15, 16900A20, 8M0178521, 8M0178524, 881170A1, 881170A2, 881170A20, 88170A15, 881170A15P

Searchable Terms

Mercury OEM side mount control, Mercury 8 pin side mount control, Mercury 8-pin remote control, Mercury Gen 1 control, Mercury Gen 1 cable control, Mercury 15 foot harness control, Mercury trim and tilt control, Mercury mechanical remote control, Mercury throttle and shift control, Mercury control box, Mercury side mount remote, 881170A15, 8M0178521 replacement, 16900A15 replacement