dies when brake is released

[hawlguy]

Have a TC45DA approx. 12 yr old. After last used, it sat for a few days, started right up, but as soon as I released the brake, it died. Started several times, with same results. After trying to jumper around both brake safety switches, ordered and replaced both. Still starts and dies when brake released. Could fuel solenoid be my problem? Dealer that I bought from new, stopped selling them about 8 years ago.

 

[Ford850]

Your brake switches are fine, that's why it runs until you release the brake. I'm not sure if the PTO could affect it, but since it's easy to check I'd cycle that in and out to be sure it is fully disengaged. The likely culprit is your seat switch.

 

[hawlguy]

I don't think the seat switch is my problem. I bypassed that years ago and it's the first thing I check when I start having start/operating issues. I'll check the pto, but I don't think it's suppose to even start if pto is engaged. Thanks for quick reply

 

[Texasmark]

Get yourself a wiring diagram and follow the path. If all else fails, jumper wire directly from a power source to your starting solenoid hot button, (I'd disconnect the existing wire from that "control" terminal before jumping) and see if it starts. If it does, you just haven't found the right switch. Other thing is you may have accidentally cut a wire or a rat may have cut through one for you, or a terminal may have adequately corroded such that current couldn't adequately pass.

Most can disregard the following, but just in case: I assume the D in the model number of your tractor means diesel.

2 things you need to start:

1. Power to the small "hot" terminal of the starting solenoid with the other side of the circuit going to ground (batt -) either via the 4th terminal on the solenoid or the case being grounded to the frame.

2. Power/ground to the fuel solenoid that has to be open for your engine to get fuel....if equipped with an electric switched type feed. My Fords don't have a switch....roll the engine the pump rolls and the fuel flows.

So checks of the continuity of those items and power to them should tell you where your problem lies.

 

[CobyRupert]

How is it "normally" suppose to work?
If the brake is released is it normally suppose to shut off when:
1) The PTO is on, the reverse pedal is pressed and a safety override is not pressed? or
2) The seat is unoccupied?; or
3) Some combination of the above?

That is, what does the circuit (logic) "think" is happening? Chances are one of the inputs (switches) that "reports" these statuses is wrong (misaligned or outright failed).

 

[hawlguy]

Well that's what I thought, which is why I replaced both the switches on the brake pedal and brake release lever. I'm looking at diagram of safety start system and can rule out all the safety devices shown, except the fuel shutoff solenoid. But that doesn't make sense, because it allows me to start the tractor and let the engine run all day as long as I don't release the brake lever. If pto, seat and neutral switches/wiring were defective, I shouldn't be able to even start it. Manual says I can start the tractor with brake off (which I've done for years) as long as operator is setting in the seat. Well, I know the seat switch is not the issue, but if I don't have the brake lever engaged, it won't start. This thing has all the wiring covered in protective armor so I really don't want to have to start pulling out wires to check continuity if I don't have to. Was hoping someone had the exact same issue and could give me easy fix (lol)

 

[MossRoad]

You said you bypassed the seat switch years ago. When's the last time you checked the wiring for that bypass? Maybe the tape, wire nut, wire itself, has come loose. Just guessing. Good luck.