DK45S Glow Plug Indicator Not Illuminating

[billboe]

Hello All,

I just noticed that the glow plug indicator on the dash (the manual calls this the "Glow Lamp") is not illuminating when I turn the ignition key. I suspect the glow plugs are not working because the tractor started rough (more rough than usual in the winter). Luckily it was a warm day (just above freezing) otherwise it probably wouldn't have started. Today we're back to teens for a high so I want to get to the bottom of this issue.

So... Does anyone know how to go about troubleshooting the issue given that the light isn't working on the instrument panel?

THANKS!!!

 

[grsthegreat]

No, but mine started to only illuminate for a few seconds and had slow start. I tested battery and it failed load test. I replaced battery with agm battery. Glow plugs now run for timed cycle again and good crank at start.

 

[grsthegreat]

The glow plugs are controller via the onboard controller and the glow plug relay. There are alot af testing spots that need to be covered.

 

[billboe]

No, but mine started to only illuminate for a few seconds and had slow start. I tested battery and it failed load test. I replaced battery with agm battery. Glow plugs now run for timed cycle again and good crank at start.

Thanks... I'll get the battery tested. That said, it is cranking strong and lights, etc. seem fine. But yeah, the glow plugs probably do pull a lot of juice...

 

[Roadworthy]

Has the indicator ever illuminated? How old is the tractor? In older tractors that indicator was actually a coil of resistance wire which dropped the twelve volt supply to about 10.5 for the glow plugs. If you lost contact your glow plugs couldn't heat. Newer tractors have a controller in line and an actual light on the dash. Troubleshooting the old setup was easy, the newer one is much more complex. And yes, the glow plugs draw a lot of current.

 

[billboe]

Has the indicator ever illuminated? How old is the tractor? In older tractors that indicator was actually a coil of resistance wire which dropped the twelve volt supply to about 10.5 for the glow plugs. If you lost contact your glow plugs couldn't heat. Newer tractors have a controller in line and an actual light on the dash. Troubleshooting the old setup was easy, the newer one is much more complex. And yes, the glow plugs draw a lot of current.

The tractor is a 2006 and yes, the indicator always worked until just now. It is integrated into the instrument panel and appears to be an actual light (the newer version you describe).

I think I'm gonna have a quick peek at the fuse box to see if there is anything obvious there. fingers crossed!

 

[Paul McILwain]

If all else fails, instal a spring loaded toggle switch on the dash wired direct to bat and glow plugs. Hold in on position for 15 to 30 seconds depending on outside temp, then start, I did this with my mf 220-4 10 years ago and still works fine.

 

[dkmc]

The glow plug controller can be a plug in time delay relay. Changing it out can be simple.
Check your parts book.

 

[billboe]

well... i went out yesterday and the glow plug indicator (and apparently the glow plugs) worked fine! i'm going to keep my fingers crossed that it will continue to work.

thanks for all the replies!!!

 

[GJohnson]

I have a like tractor under the bobcat label. On the firewall-on left side there are a set of relays. From vibration alone, the wiring can become dislodged from the relays slightly. These glow plug relays are a common part for failure as well. I keep a spare at all times as they’re relatively cheap. Kioti faced the wiring down and, for me at least, loose connection sometimes is the only issue.