HELP!!! - Electrical Problem

[MichiganIron]

Sounds like a load test on the battery is in order, or a slow blow fuse. There is a 60amp slow blow fuse on the main electrical harness. It is wrapped in black tape near the stater motor. Load test the battery and continuity check the slow blow fuse.

If it is the slow blow fuse, you should check for a short it the main harness.

 

[JoelD]

I am checking the voltage at the battery, no matter what I turn on the voltage imediately drops to less the 9, sometimes 7.

I see the slow blow fuse you are refering to, I'll check it for continuity.

I've been through every connector and they all look good.

I've never seen a battery go from great to malfuction, but anything is possible.

I could see another fuse wrapped into the harness, looked like a 20, I'll check that also, but will look at the 60 amper first.

I'm keeping a brave face on the outside, but definately all choked up on the inside.

Every time something like this happens I think of my friend Phil. He and I got married at the same time about 15 years ago (my first mariage).

He went to Hawai for his honeymoon and I went to Disney.

I came home from my honeymoon to find out that Phil had drawned while in Hawai, was a tough funeral.

Electrical problem in tractor pales in comparison to a real problem.

Thanks again all, any other thoughts greatly appreciated.

Joel

 

[Willl]

Dead battery. Jump start it.

 

[JoelD]

Will hook up the jump pack and see what happens.

That would be beyond terrific.

Thanks, thanks, thanks.

Will update,

Joel

 

[IXLR8]

I am checking the voltage at the battery, no matter what I turn on the voltage imediately drops to less the 9, sometimes 7.

Joel

If you are checking the voltage at the battery posts themselves... then you got battery problems. What is the water level like? As others have said... get a jump... then get a new battery. How old is the one you have?

 

[Highbeam]

I had this happen in a pickup truck after a long brutal off raod motorcycle race. Got all loaded up, turned the key to start and nothing. The horn honked okay but while trying to engage the starter the horn was very weak. A jumpstart got the truck going and the alternator kept the system voltage at 14 so I made it home without shutting the engine off. When I did shut it off, the battery would not let me start it again. New battery and it was as good as new.

Take this opportunity to replace the lead acid battery with an absorbed glass matt or gel style battery. Optima red top is the common one but NAPA makes an AGM battery called an orbital that uses the same technology. These batteries won't lose or leak acid all over your tractor and connections. Highly vibration resistant as well.

Of course if you discover something other than your battery is at fault then it is a tougher upgrade to make.

 

[JoelD]

At neighbors for dinner, will try jump as soon as I get home (200 foot walk).

If battery, I'll be a very happy tractor owner.

Joel

 

[JoelD]

Hooked up jump pack and all is well.

I've never seen a battery die so quickly.

Lesson learned.

THANKS to ALL!!

I also know were every single electrical connector is on my tractor.

Sincerely,
Joel

 

[IXLR8]

Hooked up jump pack and all is well.

I've never seen a battery die so quickly.

Lesson learned.

THANKS to ALL!!

I also know were every single electrical connector is on my tractor.

Sincerely,
Joel

Glad to hear that a new battery is all you are going to need. We have all learned a little more about our machines going through this with you. I suspect knowing where all those connectors are will help you in the future.

 

[c23380]

If you are aplying a load to the battery like a light or the switch and it is dropping to 8 volts then the battery is Bad. It might be one of two issues you have though. Your battery should have about 12.5 to 13 volts with no load. With a load it should drop rappidly to about 12.5 to 12.2, depending uon the amp draw, and remain constant. Since yours is not, I would either charge the battery over night to see if improves, (doughtfull), or replace it. As for why it is bad, It might have just been time for it to go, or you might have a charging system fault. If you and Jump start or slave in another battery and start it up, and measure the output voltage, It could be as high as 14.8v but should settle doun o about 13.5.