TC35D cruise control not working

double hunter · Apr 12, 2012

New to me 2002 TC35D, tractor had several issues when I got but have pretty much cleared all except my cruise control is not working, it has hydrostatic trans, I checked for voltage at the switch on the fender with the key on and there is no voltage at this point, have no idea how this works or where to start looking, any info would be greatly appreciated

wrenchguy · Apr 12, 2012

I would start by checking the fuses. You can access your fuse block by removing the instrument panel.

jinman · Apr 12, 2012

If you have your brake pedals locked down with your parking brake set, cruise will never set. The brakes switch opens the ground path and unlatches the relay. It should not cause 12 vdc to not be on the switch. The cruise circuit gets power from fuse #2 to set cruise through the cruise switch to the cruise relay. Power from fuse #5 holds cruise On through the cruise control diode and latching relay.

On a working system, you DO NOT have to have the engine running to set cruise. Just turn the key switch to the run position, push the HST pedal to the desired position, and press the cruise button. The cruise magnet should set and hold the HST pedal. Press the cruise button to Off and the pedal should return to neutral.

double hunter · Apr 14, 2012

Got a chance to look at this this afternoon, had to go catch a mess of crappie this morning, #2 fuse was blown, have power to the switch now but still not working, should there be a relay operating when the sw is pushed, I dont hear anything, wish I was as good at this as catching crappie, a country boy will survive.

Notforhire · Apr 15, 2012

I have a TC40D. My magnet had burned out, and the cruise control stopped working. With the help of our members I was able to make repairs with little trouble.
If you do a search under cruise control, in the NH Owning Operating heading, you will find the procedure and nice photos to help trouble shoot your system.
If the lights indicate that cruise is on, you can unplug the magnet without too much trouble and test for voltage at that point.
Have fun, Bill

jinman · Apr 16, 2012

double hunter said:
Got a chance to look at this this afternoon, had to go catch a mess of crappie this morning, #2 fuse was blown, have power to the switch now but still not working, should there be a relay operating when the sw is pushed, I dont hear anything, wish I was as good at this as catching crappie, a country boy will survive.

I'll share some ideas with you if you'll share your crappie with me.

Actually, we have a lake full of crappie and my grandson learned to jig this year.

Here's my suggestion on the cruise control problem. You said you replaced a blown fuse #2. Before, you didn't mention that the tractor would not start. If fuse #2 is blown, not only will the cruise not work, but also the starter will not operate to start the tractor. Fuse #2 supplies power to the starter solenoid. If you have good ears, you should be able to hear the relay set for cruise. It's under the left side cowling down under the steering wheel. The other thing is that when you move the cruise switch to ON, you should see the green light illuminate and stay illuminated until the switch is turned off. That's the point Notforhire makes.

If the light stays ON, then you may need to check your cruise magnet. The photos below show the location of the cruise magnet (red arrows). The first photo is with the HST pedal mechanism removed and the 2nd is with it in place. That's whan the magnet holds when cruise is set. It's not as easy to get to as in these photos because the operator platform has been lifted on this tractor. However, you should be able to reach up from under the right side and disconnect the cruise magnet. With the magnet disconnected, you can check for 12v at the plug when cruise is ON and you can also put your meter on ohms and check the cruise magnet for continuity. It should be around 12-15 ohms. If it is bad, most likely it will be open with infinite resistance.

double hunter · Apr 17, 2012

The tractor starts great, the fuse loc is the 2nd one from the left, thanks for the picture, will check it out today,

jinman · Apr 17, 2012

double hunter said:
The tractor starts great, the fuse loc is the 2nd one from the left, thanks for the picture, will check it out today,

Yes, when that fuse is blown, your tractor won't start. Since you replaced it, everything should work fine. If you want to test this, pull the fuse and try to start the tractor. A blown fuse #2 is a classic fault with these tractors.

Notforhire · Apr 17, 2012

" tractor had several issues when I got but have pretty much cleared all except my cruise control is not working"

Double Hunter; I don't understand. Are you saying that the tractor started before you replaced the blown #2 fuse?