F20d ground

guinearancher · Jan 5, 2016

Tractor wouldn't start. Suspected dead battery. Connected battery charger, attempted to start, white smoke came out from under engine. Definitely not a good sign.

Replaced the battery. Also found some charred wiring at the plug from the alternator to the wiring harness. Cut out the bad wiring and spliced the wires together.

Connected the new battery and nothing. No gauges work. No lights. Does not try to start. Dead.

Checked the battery ground to chassis. Seems to be ok.

Question is where are the other ground connections? Also suspect the alternator may be toasted but unsure if that would affect power to the gauges. My reading of the schematic says no but 12v electrical systems are notoriously quirky.

Any ideas?

davesl708 · Jan 5, 2016

Hi. Welcome.

I am not familiar with your specific tractor but first check the fuses. The other ground wires are usually on the frame one near the instrument panel and others around the engine area.

No power at all indicates a bad connection. I would replace the burned wire. Leave the alternator disconnected and see if you get lights. If not you have other areas that have burned or bad connections. A multi-meter will help in tracking down shorts or open circuits.

careyo63 · Jan 5, 2016

This is close to the same Prod. Yrs. 80-91 It was Labeled 336? Your F-20 84-94. Could be the same or not even close. May come in handy. When I opened it And had a Mag.Glass to Enlarge it?

guinearancher · Jan 5, 2016

Thanks. Correct, not quite the same. Mine is a 2 wire alternator.

I'm trying to find out where the grounds are located. Not sure if left or right side or if I have to take apart the dashboard.