Tilt/Trim Switch Turns the Starter Motor?

[sgtschultz]

1988 175 ETXG V6 2-stroke engine.

The tilt/trim switch works for 'up'.

When pressed down, it CRANKS THE STARTER MOTOR.

The 20A inline fuse off the main battery hot cable blows.

It does not matter if you use the tilt switch on the engine housing or the one on the remote control.

Starter motor will crank intermittently with the key.

[sgtschultz]

UPDATE:

Disconnected and reconnected main wiring harness connector.

All works ok.

Concern is if there are pins or connectors that could be close to touching each other and strand me in rough water.

Has anyone taken apart the connector and independently connected each wire?

Technique / recommendations please.