Ignition problems JD 2350 Utility tractor

devodad · Jul 23, 2020

I’m hoping someone else has had this problem and can help me figure it out. I have a 1986 JD 2350 manual 8 spd. transmission. Sometimes when i go to start it it just clicks. If I continue to click it again and again it’ll catch and start. It’s to a point where I’m afraid to shut it off while i’m working all day for fear it wont start back up. I have had the starter rebuilt; put on a new solenoid, replaced the ignition switch, replaced both batteries and each time i’ve made one of these changes it seems to work and it starts right up for a while. Then, it starts doing it again. Get on, click click on and on and eventually it starts. I just don’t know what else to try. Has anybody had this problem or do any of you have any suggestions on how to resolve the issue. Today was the worst. I thought it actually was not going to start but eventually it did. I hate to feel like i can’t shut it off in the field because it’s racking up a lot of hours just idling. Can anybody help? Thanks in advance.

Tx Jim · Jul 24, 2020

I recommend to relocate battery ground cable attachment from battery box to starter mounting bolt or engine block. A;so remove neutral switch & if more than 1 sealing washer is present remove all but 1. Without the aid of a 2350 tech manual to consult I'll suggest to check for good ground connection for starting relay if applicable & ground connection of wiring harness under instrument panel.

RjCorazza · Jul 24, 2020

From another discussion...

Could be the switch, wiring to the solenoid, or bad ground assuming the replaced starter and solenoid are ok.
Check the voltage on the switched wire to see if a) it is consistently powered in the start position and b) that the voltage is adequate to properly activate the solenoid. Also check all connections, including the battery posts and frame ground.

I installed a relay on my ZD mowers that powers the solenoid from the positive post of the starter, which ensures battery voltage to the solenoid. There are plenty of articles on the web describing how to wire the relay.

devodad · Aug 2, 2020

Tx Jim said:
I recommend to relocate battery ground cable attachment from battery box to starter mounting bolt or engine block. A;so remove neutral switch & if more than 1 sealing washer is present remove all but 1. Without the aid of a 2350 tech manual to consult I'll suggest to check for good ground connection for starting relay if applicable & ground connection of wiring harness under instrument panel.

Thank you. I’ll give this a try.

devodad · Aug 2, 2020

RjCorazza said:
From another discussion...

Could be the switch, wiring to the solenoid, or bad ground assuming the replaced starter and solenoid are ok.
Check the voltage on the switched wire to see if a) it is consistently powered in the start position and b) that the voltage is adequate to properly activate the solenoid. Also check all connections, including the battery posts and frame ground.

I installed a relay on my ZD mowers that powers the solenoid from the positive post of the starter, which ensures battery voltage to the solenoid. There are plenty of articles on the web describing how to wire the relay.

Thank you. I’ll check into this.