john deere 3520 wont start.

[burnpile]

I tried to start the tractor yesterday, when you turn the key usually the dash lights come on, then turning further starts the engine. Now when I turn the key everything is dark, I charged the battery overnight so its good. When the key is on if I turn the headlight switch the dash lights flicker, but then go dark.

 

[Deere Dude]

Take the battery in and have it load tested. Probably shorted internally.

 

[burnpile]

I hooked my jump starter battery directly to the battery terminals and the dash doesn't light up like it did before. Usually the glow plug indicator is light and the gauges go to the max then back to 0. If I turn the headlight switch the dash lights for a second and then goes black. The hazard lights and headlights work.

 

[Harry in Ky]

You need to remove, clean, and re install all four battery cable connections. Problem could be any one (or more) of them.

 

[burnpile]

You need to remove, clean, and re install all four battery cable connections. Problem could be any one (or more) of them.

I did clean the terminals at the battery, I see where the ground connects to the frame, I guess the positive is connected to the starter?

 

[Harry in Ky]

Yes

 

[burnpile]

Yes

I did that, but there is no change, I also pulled the fuses and cleaned the terminals, there are 5 of the small 2 blade ones and three that are about 1" sq with multiple terminals.

 

[burnpile]

Seems like something to do with the light switch since when I turn it lights intermittently flash on the dash, not sure why this switch would control the tractor starting.

 

[Williy]

Did you ohm all the cables?? The can be open
and you will not be able to see the break with
the coating on the wire

willy

 

[kennyd]

Sure sounds like shorted battery.