How to remove Deere x728 ignition switch

[mikefamig]

Does anyone here know how to remove the ignition swtich on the Deere x728 tractor? It looks as though I may be able to pry the plastic panel that it is attached to but I am afraid of breaking it. Otherwise it looks as though I will have to remove the steering wheel and and instrument panel.

TIA, Mike.

 

[Richard001]

Mike,

When you say "ignition switch" are you referring to the switch that is use to start the engine?

 

[beenthere]

The X728 ign sw shows in jdparts.com as part no. TCA22740 (item 32) and this pic shows how it is held on with a ring nut (item 33). Does it look like what you are trying to remove?

 

[mikefamig]

Mike,

When you say "ignition switch" are you referring to the switch that is use to start the engine?

Yes the switch to start the engine

 

[mikefamig]

Yes that looks like the switch.

 

[Richard001]

How do you know the switch is bad?

 

[mikefamig]

How do you know the switch is bad?

That is another topic, can you help me with removing the switch?

 

[beenthere]

Don't know what part of removing the switch is the problem... a pic or two may help us help you figure out the next step.

 

[mikefamig]

Don't know what part of removing the switch is the problem... a pic or two may help us help you figure out the next step.

If you owned an x728 you woould know what the problem is. You can not easily get to the back of the instrument panel in order to remove the switch.

 

[beenthere]

OK carry on... just thought we could help you.


And yes, you do have to remove the instrument panel as described in your service tech manual.

 

[mikefamig]

OK carry on... just thought we could help you.


And yes, you do have to remove the instrument panel as described in your service tech manual.

I have looked in the service manual and can't find the procedure to remove the switch. My manual is copyright 2005 and my machine is 2009 so maybe that is a problem too. Does your manual say specifically that the instrument panel needs to be removed?

 

[Richard001]

Well no offense, just wanted to make sure you aren't doing something unnecessary.

If you have access to the back of the panel, then removing the switch will simply require you to loosen and remove the nut that secures the switch to the panel.

As others have said, a photo or two would help.

It sounds like there is a self adhesive plastic panel overlay on the control panel that is covering the nut on the switch. If you can not remove this without damage, then the next best thing would be to take a sharp knife or exacto knife and cut away the overlay around the switch. Then you should be able to remove the nut and then the switch out the back.

Of course, remember to disconnect the battery before working on the switch.

 

[mikefamig]

Well no offense, just wanted to make sure you aren't doing something unnecessary.

If you have access to the back of the panel, then removing the switch will simply require you to loosen and remove the nut that secures the switch to the panel.

As others have said, a photo or two would help.

It sounds like there is a self adhesive plastic panel overlay on the control panel that is covering the nut on the switch. If you can not remove this without damage, then the next best thing would be to take a sharp knife or exacto knife and cut away the overlay around the switch. Then you should be able to remove the nut and then the switch out the back.

Of course, remember to disconnect the battery before working on the switch.

No offense taken. The problem is not that I don't know how to remove the ring nut from the switch and then remove the switch from the back of the panel. The problem is that the back of the switch is not accessible. I am looking for someone who has personally removed one of these with removing the least number of parts.

If I was in a hurrry to change the switch I would just start removing parts until I can get to the back of the switch but I am trying to save myself unnecessary work. I am looking for the benefit of another person's experience with the job.

Has anyone here removed a key switch from an x728 or similar?

Mike.

 

[beenthere]

Never heard back how this switch problem was resolved.

 

[mikefamig]

This was not resolved. I'm still using the same switch. The switch works and I was considering changing it because the machine is overcharging a bit and a voltage drop across the ignition switch may be causing the problem. It was not then and is not now necessary to change the switch, the tractor runs fine.

There is a wire that crosses the switch that conducts the alternator's output to the voltage regulator. the regulator uses this signal to determine the charge rate. If there is an excessive voltage drop on this wire the voltage wire will push up the alternator output causing it to overcharge the battery.

Being that you bumped the message up I might as well ask again, has anyone changed the key switch in a 2009 X728?

Mike.