4115 discharging while running

OCDLubeman · Jan 3, 2008

Following up my post in the "4115....dead as Elvis" thread.... after fixing a shorted, fuse blowing wire in my rops light in August, I am now having problems with the battery not charging.

In September, the battery started to not keep it's charge. My battery dealer load tested it and said it was bad. I installed a new Interstate. I didn't run the tractor much in the fall, but it seemed o.k. when I did.

Now, after several weeks sitting, the tractor fired right up. After 2 hours plowing snow and then shutting it down. the battery is dead. Recharged it, plowed again, dead again. Does this whether lights are used or not.

Charged battery.....multitester shows 12.7 volts with engine off, 12.5 volts engine running. It should read 14.5 volts +/- with engine running.

"New" battery, terminals very clean, alternator belt tight.

The alternator/battery instrument panel light NEVER comes on....supposed to light up with key in "on" position, engine off. Or come on when engine runs, but charge/alternator in not sufficient (bulb is good).

Any ideas? Damaged alternator....how do I test it? Bad wiring somewhere (why no dash light)? Maybe a defective new battery?

Thanks for any help.

jd110 · Jan 3, 2008

You could have a bad voltage regulator, wire or a bad connection. I would first check the wiring connector at the voltage regulator. Disconnect it and look at all the terminals in the connector to see if you see any misplaced or corroded terminals. Then look at the connector behind the control panel for the same things. If all looks OK, then if you have a test light or voltmeter, check for 12 volts at wire number 600 on the contol panel connector. It should be a white wire with red stripe. There should be 12 volts when the key is on. Just be sure you reconnected the wire at the regulator. This number 600 wire gets it's current from the regulator to light the charge indicator bulb. the bulb gets its ground through wire number 610 at the same connector. If you have an ohmmeter, check for continuity from this wire to the frame or negative battery terminal. The diagram I attached might help you further.

OCDLubeman · Jan 4, 2008

Thank you, jd110

Where is the voltage regulator located on the 4115?

I found the 14 pin connector under the instrument panel. My connector is a bit different ...it has 6 pins on one side and 8 on the other. Your diagram shows 7 on both sides. In your text, you say wire no. 600. Did you mean wire 605?

I located wires 610 and 600/605 that lead to the charge indicator bulb. It's odd, but both of these wires show continuity to ground with my meter. Edit....I guess that would be correct if the bulb is intact. There is no voltage to the bulb.

When i disconnected the 2 blue wires out of the alternator, they show continuity between themselves. Is this correct?

This tractor is only 2 years old. The connectors "look" fine. Could the short/fuse blowing incident be tied to this?

OCDLubeman · Jan 4, 2008

Bingo! I think you nailed it jd110.....I will know when the new voltage regulator shows up Monday ($200, ouch).

After realizing the alternator is kicking out AC, I tested it correctly (not DC) and it was supplying 50 volts to the regulator. I checked continuity of the battery charge indicator lamp wires (o.k.) and confirmed no 12 volts to the lamp.

My dealer thinks it's the regulator also.

Thanks so much.

Also, for others here concerned about the meager 20 amp alternator on these tractors, there is also a 35 amp alt. (mine came with this one), FYI.

If the outcome differs than above, I will follow up.