Ferris 810cc 26HP Vanguard Battery Constantly Dying?

[Hexa Fox]

Voltage regulators are almost always wired hot. Meaning not switched. The VR is suppose to shut down the path. If you unplug your VR after you shut it down, and no more draw, there's your issue.

Sorry if this was already mentioned but is there an easy way to determine if something is drawing from the battery when it is not suppose to be?

 

[DMW]

Ferris IS1500Z, replaced the key switch. Symptoms - Starter would only click when trying to start, after several dozen attempts it would start. Lost 2 keys out of the switch (old and new) when trimming around pines/cedars. Affixed lanyard to key attached to mower throttle.

 

[tomplum]

Sorry if this was already mentioned but is there an easy way to determine if something is drawing from the battery when it is not suppose to be?

Sure. The easiest way for you is to just unhook the regulator connector and do a wait and see. Or should you have a multimeter, you can remove the - battery terminal and put the leads between the post and a ground. I'm sure YouTube could be your friend here. But essentially you would be removing a connector at a time to help isolate an amp draw. I personally start with the regulator , but good practice is to break it in to chunks. So, if you have multiple fuses, pull one fuse and watch the meter.

That's one way or simply to unplug the 6 pin engine connector or other main connector another. You can move the switch from off to on and see if the draw remains when off, which could indicate a worn key switch- but don't turn to crank as it will likely pop the fuse in the meter.

 

[Hexa Fox]

Ferris IS1500Z, replaced the key switch. Symptoms - Starter would only click when trying to start, after several dozen attempts it would start. Lost 2 keys out of the switch (old and new) when trimming around pines/cedars. Affixed lanyard to key attached to mower throttle.

This is my issue. Mine does this exact same thing. You turn the key to start it and you hear the starter click but it does engage. It is especially noticeable if I realize that it isn't going to start and I need to let off the key to choke the mower. Usually if I give it some time or several attempts as you mention it will then engage.

I am seriously thinking about wiring a push button starter and toggle switch to my control board. That would be really convenient for me because of how often I need to turn the mower on and off. It would also eliminate the problem of stuff getting snagged on it like you mentioned which undoubtedly played a part in my ignition switches undoing. Watching people wire them sort of makes me uncomfortable though. Because it looks like you do have to leave the original wires intact and only tie into them to install the starter.

Thanks for the input!

 

[anomad]

Did this start as an intermittent problem for you guys and get progressively worse? My SCAG has a Vanguard, less than 100 hours, it is about 50/50 whether it will light off or just click right now. Hasn't not started yet, just takes a few clicks sometimes.

 

[gengine]

A fully charger 12v battery should test at 12.7v-12.9v. The charging system by way of the voltage regulator should be testing between 13 and 16 volts, dependant on what the battery needs. 16v seems high to me, but that's what I was taught in a class. Normal high to me is 14.5v. Anyway,

This is my issue. Mine does this exact same thing. You turn the key to start it and you hear the starter click but it does engage. It is especially noticeable if I realize that it isn't going to start and I need to let off the key to choke the mower. Usually if I give it some time or several attempts as you mention it will then engage.

I am seriously thinking about wiring a push button starter and toggle switch to my control board. That would be really convenient for me because of how often I need to turn the mower on and off. It would also eliminate the problem of stuff getting snagged on it like you mentioned which undoubtedly played a part in my ignition switches undoing. Watching people wire them sort of makes me uncomfortable though. Because it looks like you do have to leave the original wires intact and only tie into them to install the starter.

Thanks for the input!

I'm betting your starter relay is giving you fits. They are inexpensive, but as they get older, they work great with fresh batteries, but when the battery gets a little age, the slightest voltage drop will make them fail. At my last job, I had a dozen on the shelf every spring, and usually ordered more. Over 12 years, I figured the one OE brand wasn't good, I'd try another. Turns out, all the OE are the same quality. I fixed my personal mower with a White-Rodgers relay, P/N 586-902. I also put the same relay on three different Ford Powerstroke trucks as a glow plug relay, because OE and aftermarket relays only last about a year. Two of those trucks had these on for 4-5 years before the truck was sold. The third truck is my father in laws, and it has been on there for 19 years. So after all that testimony, for ease, you can replace the original one with a like relay, Napa #7018611, around $35, or the other I listed for a little more, just may need a little mounting modification, but your wires should reach. A mower dealer may have one cheaper than Napa, I was buying OE direct from Husky, Ferris, Xmark etc. for around $15 and selling them at $17.

 

[Cycledude]

Did this start as an intermittent problem for you guys and get progressively worse? My SCAG has a Vanguard, less than 100 hours, it is about 50/50 whether it will light off or just click right now. Hasn't not started yet, just takes a few clicks sometimes.

With less than 100 hours isn’t it still under warranty ?
Seems like maybe you should try to get your dealer to fix it under warranty.

 

[anomad]

With less than 100 hours isn’t it still under warranty ?
Seems like maybe you should try to get your dealer to fix it under warranty.

Good point. It is still under warranty. It is such a minor inconvenience at this point I haven't fooled with it. I should at least call the dealer and ask them what gives.