Electrical problem with interestering symptom

[kolkmeyer]

After some rough use by a neighbor, I encountered this electrical problem the next time I tried to start my Mahindra 2015 20 hp diesel. When I turned the key to the first click, the dash lights came on as usual and the glow plug light went off after several seconds as it should. When I then turned the key to engage the starter, the engine turned over and fired once, and then everything shut off with a loss of all electrical power. The fuses and battery connections all appeared to be okay at that point. I did discover that when I disconnected and then reconnected the battery that something apparently "reset", and the dashboard lights would again come on when the key was turned to the first click. The glow plug light goes off after several seconds as usual, but again all power is lost when the key is turned to engage the starter. The only difference is that the starter no longer turns over and turning the key that second click simply kills all electrical power until it is "reset" by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. I don't know what it means, but I did manage to get the starter to turn over by turning the key to the first click, and then using a screwdriver to jump the terminals on the starter solenoid. I was afraid I might cause some additional damage, so I discontinued before the engine actually started. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I also wonder if starting the tractor by jumping the solenoid will cause any other damage? I haven't checked yet, but I may have blow a fuse when I previously jumped the solenoid. If it would be easier to discuss over the phone, feel free to call John at 417-429-3037. Thanks.

 

[dex3361]

I wonder if you have a bad ignition(key) switch?

 

[kolkmeyer]

The key switch is all I could think of, but I'm a bit dumbfounded by what it is that resets and reactivates the dash lights when I temporarily unhook the battery. If it were a shorted out key switch, I wonder if I can just unplug the wires from the back of the switch and hotwire it by touching the wires together? I'm at a fishing cabin and using the computer at the local library, so forgive me if my responses are delayed or sporadic. Thanks.

 

[randy41]

i'd start by checking the battery ground connection including the ground wire itself.

 

[kolkmeyer]

When I did my initial panic inspection I looked at the cables and they seemed okay, but I probably need to check them out better. Thanks.

 

[033614]

If the battery is anywhere near, the biggest danger from shorting out the solenoid is the spark you get. Especially if the tractor's been running and charging the battery. Trust me, I blew the whole top off the battery on a Fordson Super Dexta, I was VERY lucky not to get a face full of battery acid. Take great care!!

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Try another battery or connect jumper cables from another good battery. As the one guy said stand back in case she blows. You could have a shorted plate inside of the battery.

 

[CaptPicky]

Almost sounds like an old Ford were you had to jump the starter solenoid to start the engine because the starter solenoid was always going out in these vehicles. I use to carry a spare in the the glove box. Did the starter turn freely when you jumped it?

 

[hosspuller]

The battery may be internally damaged during the first start you described. There after, it doesn't have enough amps to crank and its voltage goes almost zero when connected to the starter load. The dash lights might have a failsafe that shuts it down when the voltage is low. That is being reset when you completely diconnect the battery.

Without starting the engine, try turning on the lights. ( put the battery under a load.) If the lights are dim, then the battery is at fault or not charged.

Edited to add... you said the started turns ...back to the switch ... there must be a run circuit that is not engaging.

 

[trev70]

Had the same problem with my cub 7264 and it was a corroded ground cable. It was corroded 3 inches from the connection.