JD 455 Won't start-eletrical problems

[aariel]

Here is what has happened so far:

Turned key for glow plugs
Glow plugs heat up
Turned key to start
Single click, no start, dash goes dark
All subsequent key turning does nothing, dash remains dark, no noises from starter

Replace battery (old battery is good, but is old and wrong type (51R))

Process above repeats exactly.

So why would it go dead and then come back to life the next day after replacing the battery, only to repeat the same problem?

My next step is to remove the body panels and start tracing wires starting with the main battery cables.
I've seen this same behavior in the past when the battery post cable clamps had come loose. In the past, tightening the clamps resolved the problem entirely. But not this time.

Anyone seen this before? What was the solution?

Thanks,

Aariel

 

[CobyRupert]

Weatherman says Seneca Falls is 75 deg F today. You only need to use glow plugs during cold weather.

But other than using some battery charge, this is not your problem.

Checking the terminals is a good idea, don't forget to check the neg/ground connections too.

Sounds like you may have a bad starter, or starter solenoid. Get tester and see if voltage makes it to starter when you turn the key to start. If yes, probably bad starter. If no, check if voltage is getting to solenoid coil.

 

[beenthere]

aariel
Do you have the tech manual for the 455?

 

[aariel]

I'm skeptical that a bad starter/solenoid will make the entire system go dead. Remember it's currently in a state where turning the key to "On" produces no lights on the panel. Turning the key further to start also produces no noticeable electrical activity.

I'm more inclined to suspect the chassis end of of the battery cables, the key switch or some other part. Need to check the fuses too.

I do have a Tech Manual.

BTW the glow plugs energize (or not) based on the engine temperature as determined by the glow plug controller, the time varies based on temperature. As per the Operator's Manual "Engine Preheat/Overheat Indicator Light - will come on for up to 8 seconds when starting the engine. If the engine has been run and then cooled, the time may be less. If engine has been run and is hot, the light will not come on."