My Fix -- Error Code 50-08 FPR Multi-Signal

[npartist]

I read about error codes on here from time to time and have read of many causing the toolcat to not move/drive. Today I got code 50-08 and my 2016 Toolcat 5600 refused to budge, of course partially blocking the driveway. I checked the Fuse #10 in the fuse panel above the throttle pedal, all good. I checked that terminal #1 on the FPR switch (gear shift lever) had switched 12v. I looked at and wiggled the wires to the drive controller under the bed in front of the radiator (shockingly not fixing anything). All appeared OK. Prior to the error I was mowing some wild flowers and it required a lot of forward to reverse shifts (probably 50 in 1hr) so I opted to take the switch apart. Long story short it appears the contacts had worn enough to contaminate the grease with metallic shavings that caused shorts across multiple contacts (hence the "mutli-signal" error code). Using a tissue in my pocket I cleaned up the contacts and just like that it was all good! Drove it back to the barn. Some dielectric grease is coming in tomorrow and I'll take it back apart, clean it up properly and re-grease it in the comfort of the barn with lights and tools. You can take the switch apart carefully by loosening the 4 phillips head bolts (captured nut falls off the back side) and gently pulling the backside of the switch off exposing the internals.

 

[ruffdog]

Good find Nater and thanks for the pictures! I have often thought that the FPR switch may have been the cause of some of people's problems. By the looks of it, I think I would want to remove the switch and lay it out on the bench before disassembly. Knowing my luck, one of those contacts under spring pressure would fall out never to be found again.

 

[npartist]

Good find Nater and thanks for the pictures! I have often thought that the FPR switch may have been the cause of some of people's problems. By the looks of it, I think I would want to remove the switch and lay it out on the bench before disassembly. Knowing my luck one of those contacts under spring pressure would fall out never to be found again.

Yes, not a bad idea. I'd much prefer to work on it in my barn but I've known one big downside to these Toolcats is that they are a PITA to move if they don't drive on their own. I could have taken the full switch mount off the steering column but it was late and I was limited on time to get it fixed and not blocking the driveway! That said....one spring contact did fall out but it was found despite the darkness.

 

[Gator6x4]

Good find Nater and thanks for the pictures! I have often thought that the FPR switch may have been the cause of some of people's problems. By the looks of it, I think I would want to remove the switch and lay it out on the bench before disassembly. Knowing my luck, one of those contacts under spring pressure would fall out never to be found again.

Add my name to those with that kind of luck.