B2620 Electrical Issue - Lost Lights, then could not start

[bigledge]

Tractor started up this morning with lights, moved it outside to warm up and after 5-10 minutes the lights had gone off and noticed fuel gauge read empty even though it is full. Then, foolishly, figured if I turned if off it might fix the lights. Now tractor will not start, I get the glow plug indicator and a solid click when I try to start it but nothing. Have checked to make sure PTO is not engaged.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated as I had stopped the tractor on the side of my road and it is a pretty narrow road :-(

Thanks,
John
Glen, NH

 

[Earl Ohl]

Sounds like a dead battery to me. Time to get the jumper cables out.

 

[bigledge]

Thanks Earl. Replaced battery first thing, same - no lights, has hazards but won't start. Checked back with local MB Tractor place and they thought with 90% certainty that it was a bad ground. Will be hauling a propane heater down the hill in the morning.

If anyone else has any suggestions I would be most appreciative.

Thanks,
John
Glen, NH

 

[polarred21]

Bad ground is the first thing that comes to mind with those symptoms, which usually make things work hit or miss and intermittent like you describe. I don't know the tractor but check all ground connections, from the battery and any power distribution panel it may have. Good Luck.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I hope you got it off the road before dark. I was going to say battery but you already checked it.

 

[cal2620]

bigledge check your fuses if the fuse for the lights is blown the tractor will not start.

 

[BeezFun]

bigledge check your fuses if the fuse for the lights is blown the tractor will not start.

Wow, that's a surprise. Is the fuel solenoid on the same fuse, or what?

 

[bigledge]

bigledge check your fuses if the fuse for the lights is blown the tractor will not start.

Exactly, almost! Thanks cal2620.
Checked fuses that morning, before sun up, and they all looked fine to my aging eyes. Checked this morning and the headlight fuse was blown. Replaced and she started right up then blew the headlight fuse immediately.

At least I was able to get it back up the hill into the garage. I had visions of a big blue tarp sprawled over the tractor, a work light and a propane heater, and a box of band aids but now can continue to track down issue in the garage.

Thanks all for suggestions, getting closer I hope.

John