case 222 electrical issue

jsnead · Apr 9, 2012

I have a 78 case 222. It had been running great, the altmeter quit working and the battery went dead. I can jump start it and it runs fine. the altmeter still don't work and if you turn it off it has to be jump started. Anyone had this problem before? thank you in advance.

hydriv · Apr 9, 2012

Perhaps the ammeter is no good. If it isn't working, then your battery will not be recharged nor will you able to start the tractor without a boost.

You need to use a meter and test the ammeter for continuity.

jsnead · Apr 11, 2012

Thank you for your input. Not familiar with checking this. How would I go about checking the ammeter.

Oldtractorfixer · Apr 11, 2012

With the key on you should have voltage at both posts. If it is bad you can just jump across it. The ammeter will not show anything but the current will flow. Also if meter is good there may be a bad connection between the alternator or on the other side of the circuit going toward the battery.

TonyMcD · Apr 12, 2012

Not sure...but isn't there a fuse in that wire, either between the switch and ammeter or on the other side of it?

jsnead · Apr 18, 2012

Oldtractorfixer said:
With the key on you should have voltage at both posts. If it is bad you can just jump across it. The ammeter will not show anything but the current will flow. Also if meter is good there may be a bad connection between the alternator or on the other side of the circuit going toward the battery.

thanks I will try this

jsnead · Apr 18, 2012

TonyMcD said:
Not sure...but isn't there a fuse in that wire, either between the switch and ammeter or on the other side of it?

The manual is showing one, I think that someone has "rigged" it. I do not even see a housing for the fuse.... I will have to check this out as well.
Thank you

hydriv · Apr 18, 2012

Find the starter solenoid.

One big lug will have the positive battery cable connected to it. There will also be a smaller wire. Trace this wire. It should go the positive terminal of the ammeter. On the other side of the ammeter another wire is connected to the negative terminal of the ammeter and that one feeds power to the inline fuse....if it is still there. The other side of the fuse goes to the B terminal of the keyswitch.