Hey Steve,

I have been the proud owner of my 2015 Ranger 521-c for 10 months now "Great Boat". That remote drain plug on the other hand has been a hassle from day one. I finally pulled the wire off the selector toggle switch the other day (trying to open the plug) applied to much force. I said to heck with the thing and started using it in a manual mode as you suggest. Unless you are a very agile individual and don't mind getting down in the mud I wouldn't suggest that approach AT ALL. That's an awkward position you need to get into to get to that plug wayyyyyy up under the transom... I finally bit the bullet, wired the selector toggle back up by simply bending the wire thru the levor (not complicated). I mounted the mechanism back in place and functioned the plug. The calibration isn't quite right (doesn't show or go all the way to the open position) but it works like a champ!!! and I can appy more force now without worrying about it. I always add a touch of silicone to the plug (around the O-ring) and now have no problem getting it to seat all the way (you can hear and feel the click when it seats). Mainly I can open the thing with no problem now, it just doesn't stroke all the way out. I would recommend you don't trailer with the plug out as it will collect dust, dirt and debris from the road due to the silicone. Hope this helps...