TC33D Glow Plug Problem Fixed

[thclimer]

Well, I finally got around to replacing my ignition switch and in the process I believe I found my intermittent glow plug problem (with turning the ignition switch to the first position the glow plugs would not power up).

Due to previous starting issues I had removed and disassemble the OEM switch only to find out how flimsy it was (see attached pictures). Some of the plastic pieces (which is mostly what the switch is made of) were even melted. Since I needed to run the tractor that day I put the pieces back together the best I could and amazingly it worked. Now with the weather being nice I decided to perform the ignition switch swap before the snow starts flying and the wind whipping.

I replaced the OEM switch with one I purchased at NAPA like others have done. I put everything back together and my intermittent glow plug problem was back. So I opened up everything and started turning the ignition switch and wiggling wires. Come to find out, by wiggling wires to the glow plug timer relay I cold get the glow plugs to come on and go off. So I thought must be a loose wire connection, but no, turns out the circuit board inside the relay was flexing causing a loose connection.

So now with a new glow plug timer ($52) everything is working just fine and I'm sure my tractor will be much happier starting when its 20 below, me too since I won't be out there shoveling snow by hand.

 

[JC-jetro]

Well, I finally got around to replacing my ignition switch and in the process I believe I found my intermittent glow plug problem (with turning the ignition switch to the first position the glow plugs would not power up).

Due to previous starting issues I had removed and disassemble the OEM switch only to find out how flimsy it was (see attached pictures). Some of the plastic pieces (which is mostly what the switch is made of) were even melted. Since I needed to run the tractor that day I put the pieces back together the best I could and amazingly it worked. Now with the weather being nice I decided to perform the ignition switch swap before the snow starts flying and the wind whipping.

I replaced the OEM switch with one I purchased at NAPA like others have done. I put everything back together and my intermittent glow plug problem was back. So I opened up everything and started turning the ignition switch and wiggling wires. Come to find out, by wiggling wires to the glow plug timer relay I cold get the glow plugs to come on and go off. So I thought must be a loose wire connection, but no, turns out the circuit board inside the relay was flexing causing a loose connection.

So now with a new glow plug timer ($52) everything is working just fine and I'm sure my tractor will be much happier starting when its 20 below, me too since I won't be out there shoveling snow by hand.

Thanks,

I always enjoy reading or doing myself detective work with corroborating Pics

JC,

 

[PineRidge]

Well, I finally got around to replacing my ignition switch and in the process I believe I found my intermittent glow plug problem (with turning the ignition switch to the first position the glow plugs would not power up).

Due to previous starting issues I had removed and disassemble the OEM switch only to find out how flimsy it was (see attached pictures). Some of the plastic pieces (which is mostly what the switch is made of) were even melted. Since I needed to run the tractor that day I put the pieces back together the best I could and amazingly it worked. Now with the weather being nice I decided to perform the ignition switch swap before the snow starts flying and the wind whipping.

I replaced the OEM switch with one I purchased at NAPA like others have done. I put everything back together and my intermittent glow plug problem was back. So I opened up everything and started turning the ignition switch and wiggling wires. Come to find out, by wiggling wires to the glow plug timer relay I cold get the glow plugs to come on and go off. So I thought must be a loose wire connection, but no, turns out the circuit board inside the relay was flexing causing a loose connection.

So now with a new glow plug timer ($52) everything is working just fine and I'm sure my tractor will be much happier starting when its 20 below, me too since I won't be out there shoveling snow by hand.

Can you share a picture of the NAPA ignition switch and a part number?

 

[thclimer]

I used the same NAPA switch (Part Number KS6600) that 泥AVCON used in his post dated 10-15-06. I didn稚 take any pictures so here are the ones DAVCON took. I connected mine the same except I connected both my red wires to the BAT terminal, Purple to ST terminal and the Orange to IGN terminal.

This is a very beffy switch.

 

[PineRidge]

Thanks for sharing that NAPA part number with me, guess I missed the original post. Our 40D has the original ignition switch although it has given me a few problems like getting sticky from time to time. WD40 has always worked in the past but for how long I'm not sure.

 

[AndyMA]

Nice fix on the original switch. the only problem I'd have with that type of fix is that my dealer wouldn't be able to pick up my tractor whenever I call. Now when I need service he just send a truck with a driver that has all machine keys.

Andy

 

[PineRidge]

Nice fix on the original switch. the only problem I'd have with that type of fix is that my dealer wouldn't be able to pick up my tractor whenever I call. Now when I need service he just send a truck with a driver that has all machine keys.

Andy

Andy thats not a problem for guys with New Hollands as they never need go back to the dealer for service.

 

[sheepman]

I had the same problem (intermittent glow plugs) with my DX40. I replaced the ignition switch, like you did. Then I replaced the glow plug timer relay, and that seemed to fix the problem. The new relay ($48) had a different part number, but looks the same except the sticker on the relay is gold, not blue. Partsman told me there must have been a change to the internals of this new relay (hopefully better). The part number for the new one is 385870301. The old one that I replaced was 385870300.

Just thought you might want to know.

 

[thclimer]

I had the same problem (intermittent glow plugs) with my DX40. I replaced the ignition switch, like you did. Then I replaced the glow plug timer relay, and that seemed to fix the problem. The new relay ($48) had a different part number, but looks the same except the sticker on the relay is gold, not blue. Partsman told me there must have been a change to the internals of this new relay (hopefully better). The part number for the new one is 385870301. The old one that I replaced was 385870300.

Just thought you might want to know.

When I picked up my new glow plug relay they didn't mention anything about the part number being different, but I did notice like you the nameplate went from a blue background to gold colored one. So it sounds like I got the newer versions. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Roy Bean]

Just read your post from years back talking about a tc33d glow plug timer you bought for $52. Is that the same as 385870301 and did you get it at Napa. Thanks, Roy Bean

 

[thclimer]

Just read your post from years back talking about a tc33d glow plug timer you bought for $52. Is that the same as 385870301 and did you get it at Napa. Thanks, Roy Bean

Hi Roy,

Sorry for the late reply, I don't frequent the New Holland Form very much any more. I still have my 33D and it runs great. I purchased a Massey last fall that has a heated cab and front mounted blower for snow removal.

I'm fairly sure I purchased the relay from the New Holland dealer but you could get one from anywhere that will fit the receptacle block, its not like New Holland is making their own relays. From what I remember the electrical starting issues I had with my 33D were totally resolved when I added the additional relay into the starting circuit. Jinman figured out why it was required, he definitely missed, as he helped me a number of times.

Good luck.

 

[mloutman]

where is glow plug timer located on tc33da

 

[thclimer]

where is glow plug timer located on tc33da

Here is a snip-it from the manual for the location of the relays.

 

[Danica]

Here is a snip-it from the manual for the location of the relays.

Mine failed at 12 years, replaced with OEM and no prob since.

 

[Strummer]

So the glow plug timer relay will keep it from running ? If I remember right when I got my tractor used it didn’t have the glow plug timer . I added it once it started getting cold ? I’m back to having problems. New power wire today , new ground . Good battery. Key switch looks okay. Moved relays around no change . It’s really starting to piss me off . Costing me money with lost side jobs . Oh replace the water pump today .

 

[thclimer]

So the glow plug timer relay will keep it from running ? If I remember right when I got my tractor used it didn’t have the glow plug timer . I added it once it started getting cold ? I’m back to having problems. New power wire today , new ground . Good battery. Key switch looks okay. Moved relays around no change . It’s really starting to piss me off . Costing me money with lost side jobs . Oh replace the water pump today .

The Glow Plug relay will not stop your tractor from starting, it will just be more difficult to get it started the colder it gets. I would say my TC33D is sensitive to cold. Without glow plugs at 20 degrees its going to be troublesome to start.

Can you be a little more specific about what your starting problem is?

Does your engine turn over?

Does it turn over slow?

If your Glow Plug relay is working you still might have a problem with your plugs themselves.

 

[thclimer]

The following posting is a pretty good reference for New Holland TC starting issues. See post #127 for an electrical modification to the starting circuit what has solved many owners (myself included) intermittent issues where you turn the key a few times and only get a fait "click" sound, then turn the key again to have the engine turn over and start.

TC33D wont start

 

[Strummer]

The Glow Plug relay will not stop your tractor from starting, it will just be more difficult to get it started the colder it gets. I would say my TC33D is sensitive to cold. Without glow plugs at 20 degrees its going to be troublesome to start.

Can you be a little more specific about what your starting problem is?

Does your engine turn over?

Does it turn over slow?

If your Glow Plug relay is working you still might have a problem with your plugs themselves.

I’m back to intermittent start no start . Just put new cables on . New starter. Tested my old one it was good . Good battery. Good connections . Key switch looked ok when I took it apart . Replaced it maybe 2 years ago when I first had the issue . Starter was the fix . That time . I’m leaning towards adding the extra relay .