loose altermnator belt causing many issues, yes ??

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

I agree on checking w lines to see if they are all ok. Once I've gone from one end to the other on the M5400 [BTW, are the wires really hidden anywhere and if so, any tricks on getting to them?] wiring harness and no bites,

If it's chewed, it will be in an accessible area, most likely. I suggest you start with a good visual inspection of what you can see (a telescoping inspection mirror is your friend!), without spending hours on it.

Other than that, time to get busy with a wiring diagram and a meter. Start by testing the switch itself, because, if you don't see any obviously chewed wires, it's likely that the switch is toast. Just take your time, and before you start, get some paper and write out the tests you are going to perform. For example, if the switch has, let's say, 5 wires coming off of it, and the wiring diagram tells you that in position 1, you should not have any connectivity between any of them, and nothing going to ground, you will have these tests to do:

Orange to Green
Orange to Yellow
Orange to Black
Orange to Red

Green to Yellow
Green to Black
Green to Red

Yellow to Black
Yellow to Red

Orange to ground
Green to ground
Yellow to ground
Black to ground
Red to ground


Then you need to understand what should be happening with position 2, then 3, and so on.

This is just an example, of course. There is no getting around understanding what the wiring diagram is telling you, and translating that into a test plan, and you'll drive yourself insane if you don't write it out and write down your results as you do each test.

Or, you could just load up the parts cannon and start shooting money at the problem. If you go that route, start with the switch and the belt.

 

[AStanton]

Look for a mouse nest. If there is no mouse nest in the affected tractor area, I'm thinking you don't have any chewed wires. My experience is that mice don't chew and run; they chew and stay!

 

[tstex]

Hey Guys,

Look at the post REPLACING IGNTION SWITCH.

I tightened the belt [w a note too], and the wiring was fine, the ignition switch as bad. I posted how to replace it, which now it starts fine, runs fine and battery is doing well - thank you for your feedback.