JD 4300 strange electrical issue, won't start

[atczero]

Hello,

I've been a lurker here for a long time and have gotten a lot of good info using the search function.

I have a problem with my 4300 (year 2000 model) and can't figure it out.

While I do all the maintenace on my tractor and can do some small repairs, I am not much of a mechanic and electrial stuff is beyond me.

I have searched here and read all about relays, transmisters, fuses, cut off switches, ground wires etc and the thruth is, I will likely have to have someone come get the thing and fix if for me if I can't come up with something that I can go buy and replace without any major skills needed.

Here is the problem. Normally when the ignition switch is turned to the on position, the fuel and temp gages power up, the hour meter comes on and the battery charging light and oil pressure light come on.

Now if I turn the key on, none of those things come on, and none of the other lights on the tractor will come on. The weird part is that if I sit there for anywhere from just a few seconds to 30 seconds or so, I will hear the fuel shut off solenoid click and the instrument panel will power up. At that point the head lights and flasher will work also.

But....when I turn the ignition switch to start I get one loud click, all the lights go off and the starter will not do anything. If I turn the key off and back to on, none of the instrument panel lights or other lights will work. If I leave it alone for a while and come back later and try it again, sometimes the same thing will happen again.

I have tested the battery (with a multimeter and a load tester) and fully charged it and believe it to be ok. I cleaned the terminals and posts. I checked the ground wire conection on the block. It is in neutral and the PTO is disengaged. There is power to the starter solenoid.

If anyone one has any ideas about this I would greatly appreciate any input. Why will nothing work but after sitting there for a while everything will suddenly power up but the starter will not engage?

Is there a way to safely jump the starter solenoid on this tractor? I had a load of pine shavings dumped in the hallway of my barn yesterday and really need to get it moved. I guess tractors never break down at a good time.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[Tx Jim]

If you checked/cleaned/tightened ALL FOUR battery cable connections then you probably have a bad battery that will show voltage but won't produce amperage. Try attaching jumper cables from another 12 v battery.

 

[mfreund]

On my 4310 the fuse panel is below the steering wheel and the fan blows all the dirt and dust across the back of the fuses. Blow all this out with compressed air and the wiggle each fuse in the socket and see if you get the gauges to power up. There is one in the top row(on my 4310) that seems to get a bad connection. I took it out and put in dielectric grease and replaced the fuse and have had no trouble since.

 

[RoyJackson]

Tx Jim's suggestion is the first thing I'd try.
Even before you turn the key on, turn your light switch on...headlights come on and bright? If those headlights don't come on, or are dim....quite likely the battery or a bad ground.
Another thing that's relatively simple to get to (after you have eliminated the battery and grounds as a cause) is the key switch itself. There are several wires going into that switch. One may have come loose, one or more may have corrosion, or the switch itself may be bad.
Now, if it was a safety switch, you should still get those instrument lights (but the engine won't crank)...I won't say that eliminates a safety switch, but I'd look elsewhere first.
And, if you don't have the troubleshooting skills, it might be best to let a dealer look at it.
I'll admit, my electrical troubleshooting leave much to be desired. However, I disassemble as little as possible and I am methodical....I also know my limits.

 

[atczero]

Thanks for the quick replys.

I have checked all four connections and tried to jump start it with no luck.

The strange part is that no lights will work at all with the key off or in the accessory postion. But...if I turn the key to the on position and if the panel powers up (it takes several seconds for that to happen and doesn't happen everytime I try it) then all the lights come on and are nice and bright.

I am going to blow out the fuse box check all the fuses. Have to go to town and get a longer air hose and some new fuses.

I have thought about the key switch. I really don't know how to test it other than just replacing it. I'll see if I can get to it and check all the connections.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[RoyJackson]

Thanks for the quick replys.

I have checked all four connections and tried to jump start it with no luck.

The strange part is that no lights will work at all with the key off or in the accessory postion. But...if I turn the key to the on position and if the panel powers up (it takes several seconds for that to happen and doesn't happen everytime I try it) then all the lights come on and are nice and bright.

I am going to blow out the fuse box check all the fuses. Have to go to town and get a longer air hose and some new fuses.

I have thought about the key switch. I really don't know how to test it other than just replacing it. I'll see if I can get to it and check all the connections.

Thanks,

Joe

Here's the procedure for testing the switch

View attachment Key Switch Test 4000 Series Tech Manual.pdf
It's a pdf file, so you'll need Adobe Reader or equivalent

 

[atczero]

Roy, thanks for that test info. I'm going to try a couple things first and if none of that works, I will pull the switch and test it.

Edited to ask: Where is the best place to get a tech manual?

 

[atczero]

Well I removed the key switch and it tested good. I also tested the seat switch and it is good. I'm out of time for today. Hopefully I can spend some time on it tomorrow afternoon.

 

[RoyJackson]

Edited to ask: Where is the best place to get a tech manual?

From the Deere dealer for the most comprehensive manual.
I'm not too enthusiastic about aftermarket manuals.

 

[joecdeere]

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