Help with Start Problem

[docmx]

I have a M4900 with 300 hrs on it and a new battery installed about 6 months ago. Today, I was getting it ready to tow out to work site and it would not start. Tested the battery it had over 13 volts. I also cleaned the battery cables and checked the fuses. Lastly, I checked the voltage at the starter it was over 13 volts. I notice when I try to start it about every 10th or so try, I here a spinning sound like the solenoid. When I turn the key off I hear an electrical sound for a few seconds. Most of the time I hear nothing at all...there is no reaction. Also, noted neither the headlights or the signals will come on. Even if it is a solenoid or starter problem, shouldn't the lights come on?? Any ideas???

[wushaw]

Lights should come on with the key on.

That spinning sound sounds like the starter motor is spinning but the bendix in not engaging.

[docmx]

No lights with the key on. Now when I try to start it, there is absolutely no response. Tried jumping the battery, even though it appears fully charged, with no response.

[DLMaine01]

Could be a ground problem. Have you checked where the neg. bat. cable connects to the frame? I had a 10 wheeler with that problem once. Changed all the bat. clamps and cables turned out to be the frame ground. How old is your M4900? Bought mine in 2006 and have 310hrs flawless hours on it. Still has original battery as well and that includes lots of winter sub zero starts. Could also be a starter relay problem but I do not know if that would effect the lights.
Dave

[docmx]

I bought mine used about 1 year ago with 233 hrs on it. It is a 2000 model 4X4. I had to replace the battery about 6 months ago. Now that I think of it...I noticed the fuel light was coming on even though it was full. In reading the operator's manual, I see that might be a sign that the alternator is not charging properly. Perhaps the battery was drained by a problem with the alternator. However, I checked the voltage at it was 13.48 at the battery and the starter. Could the amperage be shot even though the voltage reads high? Incidently, I checked the alternator belt and it looks good and reasonably tight. The negative battery ground looks perfect and solidly attached to the frame. I think I will hook up the battery charger to it tonight and see if there's a difference tomorrow.

[wushaw]

Leave your volt meter on it and try to start it to see what the voltage drop is. That will give you a good indication if the starter is drawing amperage.

[docmx]

Just took the battery in to have it tested. Turns out it was bad even though it was reading high voltage. I think I have an alternator problem...that's why I am chewing up batteries in short order. Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

[docmx]

Well...that wasn't it???? I installed a brand new Autocraft battery that tested 12.57 volts....rechecked the ground for good contact...turn the key and....nothing...the lights would not even turn on with the key in the "on" position. Rechecked voltage at the starter and it was 12.57 volts. I'm guessing something is messed up between the starter and the key switch. What do you think??? I still think the alternator is having problems too, but I expected it to start or at least the lights to come on when I installed the new battery. Anybody have good directions for removing the cowling on this beast (2000 M4900DT)? It wraps around the steering cover and has one screw in a very difficult location to remove under the back edge of the tractor hood. How do you remove the steering cover? All that clearing work I was going to do this weekend looks like its on hold until I get this figured out. Any help would be appreciated....thanks...

[wushaw]

One thing you can do is pull the starter and have someone check it for you to eliminate that possibility.

[docmx]

Yes, that is a good idea...thanks.