JD 2950 Battery Drain

tvanstee · Oct 3, 2014

Hi,

I have a 1984 JD 2950 cab tractor that has been giving me some issues when trying to start. If I try and start the tractor sometimes when I turn the key I will get no response other than a single click, but if I use the old screwdriver method it starts just fine. If the ignition does decide to work a lot of times I will have very low power to the starter and will have to boost the tractor. I have put new batteries on and it made a difference for a couple weeks but lately I am back to the same old problem. I am no expert at mechanical work, but I am guessing maybe alternator issues. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers

Zebrafive · Oct 3, 2014

Since it starts fine with a screw driver, I think the alternator is fine.
I think your problem lies in the start circuit. You need to determine what is in this circuit and then check components. I am guessing if there is a relay it could have worn contacts, same for ignition switch. Also check connectors.

tvanstee · Oct 3, 2014

Sorry, the screwdriver trick gives me the same runaround most times, I usually have to boost it.

Tx Jim · Oct 3, 2014

Cab or open station? If open station relocate battery ground cable from battery box to starter mounting bolt. Check ALL battery cable connections to be sure they're clean & tight. Disconnect ground cable and insert a test light in it's place,if light burns start disconnecting electric components until light goes out

tvanstee · Oct 3, 2014

I think I got it figured out, what I did was replace the grounding cables and grounded them direct onto the starting mounting bolt, after that she fired up just fine. Thanks for the help guys.

Tx Jim · Oct 4, 2014

Except for costing less to build I never understood why JD engineers used the battery box for a battery ground cable attaching point for many,many years. After a few years the battery box floor gets rusty and loses some electrical continuity where box contacts clutch housing.