GC 2300 Wont Start (need to by pass the safety switch to test)

Bedrock2300 · Feb 12, 2014

I have a 2005 GC 2300. Of course it is snowing here in VA. I just went out to start her up and NOTHING. I just replaced the battery 2 weeks ago. For test purposes I put a jumper box on the battery. It did not help. My tractor is not turning over, no clicking nothing. All the lights work so I know I am getting current. Is there a way to bypass or jumper the main neutral safety switch to see if it will start ( I will fix it once our local dealer opens up after the snow)

Thanks in advance
Dan

Toddao · Feb 12, 2014

Jump it at the starter, need a short piece of wire, make sure it is in neutral, parking brake set, all the safe things

Toddao · Feb 12, 2014

Check all the fuses , mine did the same thing and I jumped it st started so I could plow, but then double checked all the fuses and one was bad, didn't look blown , but replaced it and it started !

bakerg · Feb 12, 2014

Check your ground to the engine, if it is bad the starter won't turn.

ray66v · Feb 12, 2014

This sounds like the broken wire off the ignition switch problem again.

Check the back of the switch for a wire that has broken off.

Some have soldered it back on, most have replaced the switch- $60.

Bedrock2300 · Feb 12, 2014

ray66v
when you say ignition switch are you referring to the key ignition switch?

jel1988 · Feb 12, 2014

Check the seat safety switch.

ray66v · Feb 12, 2014

Bedrock2300 said:
ray66v
when you say ignition switch are you referring to the key ignition switch?

Yes, that is the only ignition switch there.

That has happened to several units now.

Those who park their tractors outside without the key in, or the cover over the switch, also have had issues with the ignition switch corroding inside. It will be all green from the corrosion on the back, if that is a problem.

Bedrock2300 · Feb 12, 2014

jel1988,
I had problems with that a couple of years ago and taped it up. I checked it this eveing it appeared to be still taped up. Do you know how test it or by passe it?

Thanks
Dan

ray66v · Feb 12, 2014

You jump the two wires in the plug to bypass the seat switch.

There are lots of safety switches on these, that could be the problem.

Check all the levers to make sure they are in the right positions. it only takes one out of position a little bit to shut it down.

Bedrock2300 · Feb 13, 2014

I took a wire and bump the stater. It tries to turn over. I am thinking it is the main safety switch. It has been getting a little picky over the last couple of months. I would have to giggle the transmission lever just right to get it to start.

Got about 12 inches of snow last night. Local dealer is closed.

Anyone have any ideas on how to bypass the main safety switch?

woody49705 · Feb 13, 2014

jel1988 said:
Check the seat safety switch.

ray66v said:
You jump the two wires in the plug to bypass the seat switch.

There are lots of safety switches on these, that could be the problem.

Check all the levers to make sure they are in the right positions. it only takes one out of position a little bit to shut it down.

yep had same problem years ago when temps were freezing! Jump switch and not a problem since--very easy fix!!

Bedrock2300 · Feb 13, 2014

Does anyone know how to bypass the transmission safety switch

ray66v · Feb 13, 2014

Bedrock2300 said:
Does anyone know how to bypass the transmission safety switch

No, but it's either normally open or normally closed. Just unplug it, and try it both ways.

Did you look real hard for a broken wire on the back of the ignition switch?

Had a guy last year who missed that, when I told him the first time. And, after checking everything else for days, went back and found it.

Bedrock2300 · Feb 13, 2014

ray66v
checked for broken wires did not find any... Checked every fuse (with a volt meter) I could find on it. They are all ok. Checked the ground wire, that is fine. Unplugged the sensor from under the seat and jumpered it, still does not start.

The Transmission sensor has either 6 or 8 wires coming out of it that goes into an adaptor with only 2 wires coming out of it.

ray66v · Feb 13, 2014

Bedrock2300 said:
The Transmission sensor has either 6 or 8 wires coming out of it that goes into an adaptor with only 2 wires coming out of it.

You've got me. I am looking at the schematic right now, and I do not see anything like that on here.

ray66v · Feb 13, 2014

There are 2 in-line fuses, in addition to the fuse block. A 40amp and a 60 amp, that can be unnoticed.

Looks like only the 40 amp fuse would matter here.

If you found power on all 4 fuses in the fuse block the 40 amp fuse must be good.

ray66v · Feb 13, 2014

To crank the engine, you basically have: The 40 amp in line fuse, 2 safety switches, (2 wires each), a starter relay, (4 wires), the seat switch, (2 wires), and the ignition switch, (5 wires).

ray66v · Feb 13, 2014

Looks to me like green and black wire on the starter relay is the power from the safety switches. So, it should be hot. if it isn't, then one of the 3 switches is open. Or, the ignition switch is not sending power, via the 10 amp fuse in the fuse box.

The ground for the starter relay coil is the black wire.

The red wire on the starter relay is the power from the ignition switch.

The red and yellow wire is the power out to the starter.

Bedrock2300 · Feb 13, 2014

ray66v
Thanks for all the help! Not sure what changed, went back up to the barn. Started from scratch... each time I checked something hit the stater nothing. Then I pulled the 40 amp fuse again reseated it, hit the started and bam it works.

Pushed a lot of snow turned it off, it starts right back up.

Again thanks for all the advice!