g1800 wont start

[mc25a]

I know this could go in the homeowner section but I think this is common to the tractors as well so I thought I'd put it here. As I've seen is fairly common, my g1800 will not start when I turn the key. Glow plugs light up but the starter wont crank. If I jump the terminal with the black and white wire on the starter and the positive terminal from the battery it cranks just fine.

I've read the posts about voltage drops as equipment gets older and the John Deere kit but I don't think that's what's going on here. If I understand those instructions right I should get nearly 12 volts at the black and white wire with the key in the "start" position. Or should I be measuring current at the terminal the wire plugs in to? I'm getting 0. So I'm thinking a safety switch is bad.

My oil pressure indicator started getting flaky about the time this all started and now doesn't light at all. Would this have anything to do with voltage to the starter? I'll replace that sender anyway?

This problem started as intermittent in the fall and now it seems to never or at least rarely start with the key. It's also gotten colder so maybe that has something to do with it.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[Posm]

If it is completely dead, I would look at the safety switches. There is one on the PTO/mower engagement and there may be one on the seat. That would be my first inclination.

 

[KennyV]

also check at the key switch... that is where all the various things get the 12 volts to begin with...
Also check the supply fuse going To the key switch... KennyV

 

[mc25a]

It's weird, but in the warmer part of the day it starts normally over and over again. I've got 10.5 volts at the black wire. Mine only requires two switches to start, the PTO and the Brake. I suspect the brake switch is not releasing in colder temps. Thanks for the tips. I'll update when I figure something out.

 

[Romie]

Hi. Did you ever find the problem. Mine does the same. Have to leave it until it warms up or set a heater or halogen light on the steering column. Believe something needs to expand in the heat for the contact to work. Thanks.

 

[Mr. MAGNUM]

I have the same problem, except mine won't start at all anymore. I tried jumpering out the prox switch on the brake, but this did not help. Did anyone have luck figuring out this issue?