7 replies to this topic

[Buzzard217]

I havent been able to start my tractor with the key for sometime. Ive been turning the key to the on position and jumping the solenoid. Assuming it was a bad switch I bought a new one, installed, and no dice. The timer use to click, the pto clutch would engage when turned on... but nothing now. I put the old switch back on with the same results. Where do I start with this?

[Texas Deere and Horse]

Do you have 12v power to the key switch?

[olcowhand]

There is a 20 amp breaker that could be faulty or have a bad connection.  It's behind the dash on the left side as sitting in the seat.  Even if a safety switch was keeping the starter system from engaging, the hour meter should be ticking.

[Buzzard217]

As I went to check for 12v I found a wire missing from the back of the ing. switch plug.  I put that back together and I now have my ticking meter and pto.  However it still will not start with the switch.  What's next?

[olcowhand]

You've tried a new key switch, so likely it's a safety switch somewhere.  There is a neutral safety under the tunnel cover, then a seat switch, and the safety circuit in the pto clutch switch itself.  But when you say you jump the solenoid...are you jumping across the main posts, or from + battery terminal to the small solenoid post?

[Buzzard217]

I believe I have bypassed the safety switches (they were bad) and when I jump the solenoid Im jumping the two big posts.  I will double check those safety switches though.  

[olcowhand]

The starter solenoids (relays) usually require a ground, so that could be the issue, or the solenoid is just shot.  Just put a volt meter on the small wire going to the solenoid & see if it sends 12V when you turn the key to start.  If it does, then it's in the solenoid itself.

[Buzzard217]

Solenoid was good as it was recently replaced.  I was not getting 12v to the small solenoid stud so I connected a jumper between that stud and the terminal on the back of the ignition switch plug that got 12v in the start position.  Problem solved.  Thanks!!!