3040 start problem

sylvester550 · Feb 29, 2020

Hi.
I致e got a 3040, which won稚 start on the switch. Feeding 12 volts direct to the solenoid fires it up fine. The butterfly start switch is ok I think too. The dash lights go out when the start switch is turned, but no power goes to the starter. Is there a solenoid in the circuit, or something else I知 missing? Does anyone have a wiring diagram?
Many thanks.

Tx Jim · Feb 29, 2020

Welcome to TBN
May I ask what switch you're referring to when you state "butterfly"? Have you checked continuity of contacts on the neutral start switch? My guess starting circuit has an electrical relay switch but I not familiar with a model 3040.

Roadworthy · Feb 29, 2020

Newer tractors have a sequence of safety switches which all must be correct to start the tractor. They include the seat switch, PTO switch, possibly a clutch switch, neutral switch, etc. If you overlook one of them the starter won't engage.

Harry in Ky · Feb 29, 2020

Is a 3040 considered a newer tractor?

Tx Jim · Feb 29, 2020

Harry in Ky said:
Is a 3040 considered a newer tractor?

I certainly wouldn't consider a 33+ yr old tractor "newer". To my memory '80-'87 XX40 series JD tractors had no seat or pto safety switches.

Harry in Ky · Feb 29, 2020

I guess younger people now don't remember when tractors had electrical systems that still made sense.

beenthere · Feb 29, 2020

The dash lights go out when the start switch is turned, but no power goes to the starter.

Get the feeling this may be a battery cable connection that needs cleaning.. just a feeling.

:welcome: to TBN

Tx Jim · Feb 29, 2020

beenthere said:
Get the feeling this may be a battery cable connection that needs cleaning.. just a feeling.

:welcome: to TBN

I agree with beenthere. JD utility tractors of that era came from factory on most of the models with battery ground(-) cable attached to battery box that after yrs of exposure to battery acid the cables could lose good ground connection between battery & starter ground connection.

sylvester550 · Mar 2, 2020

Managed to fix it today. Thanks for your replies.
The tractor has a key switch to turn the ignition on, then a separate starter switch. I checked continuity and found no issue. The live feed from the start switch to the start solenoid goes into the back off the circuit board behind the rpm gauge on a multi pin connector and exits via another one. Took the circuit board off, and the solder around the pin was cracked all around one of the pins. Now fixed. By the way, there are 2 relays on the circuit board, one of which is part of the start circuit.