MF GC1705 motor will not turn off with the ignition switch

ahswain · Apr 4, 2020

Hello, All.

My 2013 MF GC1705 will no longer turn off with the ignition key. I replaced the ignition switch but still will not turn off. I visually checked fuses and they all look ok. I swapped the relays around to different plugs and the motor will still not turn off with the ignition switch. The tractor runs fine, I just have to raise the hood and press the rubber boot on the end of the fuel solenoid to turn off the tractor motor when I am done.

I searched the forum to no avail re GC1705. I found one post for another model that does not seem to apply to my GC1705. I am a newbie here and would appreciate your expertise and help. Thanks in advance.

DMW · Apr 4, 2020

Most likely a fuse issue, very common. Corroded connector/spades or blown fuse. It's probably one of the 5amp fuses, not sure which one.

Roadworthy · Apr 4, 2020

It could indeed be any of the above - cheap solutions all. Your fuel solenoid could also have failed and no longer be cutting off the fuel. I believe tractors commonly use a normally open solenoid which allows fuel to flow all the time. They are only energized briefly when you turn off the ignition so they can turn off fuel and kill the engine. If they do not get energized for some reason or if they fail your tractor can still be used, killing the engine is the only problem.

WranglerX · Apr 4, 2020

Roadworthy said:
It could indeed be any of the above - cheap solutions all. Your fuel solenoid could also have failed and no longer be cutting off the fuel. I believe tractors commonly use a normally open solenoid which allows fuel to flow all the time. They are only energized briefly when you turn off the ignition so they can turn off fuel and kill the engine. If they do not get energized for some reason or if they fail your tractor can still be used, killing the engine is the only problem.

I remember hearing/reading something to that effect..... I would guess a "timer" circuit to control the "engine stop relay" ...
MIght check with meter or test light to see if solenoid get power as key is turned off....

Dale

DMW · Apr 4, 2020

Fuses are the main culprit, and the cheapest to replace. When the ignition is turned off it sends power to a relay for 5-10 seconds that activates the fuel shut off solenoid. If the fuses are all good, pull the ignition switch and take a look at the wiring on the back for broken connections. The internals are not serviceable. Fuses have been most of the problems reported (90%+). A couple have been the ignition switch, haven't heard of the relay or solenoid going bad. The older GC2300s have problems with corrosion on wiring connectors, and fuse block, they were assembled dry in the factory.

Turn the ignition on without starting, then turn ignition off to activate relay.There is an audible click from the relay 5-10 seconds after turning off the ignition. No click, no power going to it (there is only a very, very slim chance the relay is defective).

Parts can get very expensive.

Fuses $10 to replace them all
Ignition switch $96
Relay $121
Solenoid $185

WranglerX · Apr 4, 2020

Manual show that the #3 fuse (5 amp) powers shut down relay and solenoid... Suggest you test fuse not just do visual on it....

If you are going to replace all fuses, I would use these.....

ATO(R) Smart Glow Fuses

Dale

MF RED in MT · Apr 4, 2020

Hi, and welcome to TBN,

Are you saying that the tractor will not even turn off under this condition:

Pull to a stop and set the parking brake, then leave the tractor in gear and raise your hinny off of the tractor seat.

If this works for you, might be easier then getting under the hood.

Good luck, KC

ahswain · Apr 5, 2020

Thanks, All.

Thanks, All. So I checked the fuses with multimeter, not just visually, and all tested fine, plus cleaned/blew out/scraped housing/seats for fuses and lubricated before reinserting fuses. No apparent corrosion or unconnected wires on fuse box. Will check solenoid with multimeter when key turned off. Anything else?

Thanks, DMW. I do not hear any click from the relay after 5 - 10 seconds of turning off the key. What's next please?

Thanks, MF RED in MT. May be on to something. I pulled to stop, set brake, left in gear, raised hinny off seat and tractor did NOT cut off as it used to. What's next please?

WranglerX · Apr 5, 2020

ahswain said:
Thanks, All.

Thanks, All. So I checked the fuses with multimeter, not just visually, and all tested fine, plus cleaned/blew out/scraped housing/seats for fuses and lubricated before reinserting fuses. No apparent corrosion or unconnected wires on fuse box. Will check solenoid with multimeter when key turned off. Anything else?

Thanks, DMW. I do not hear any click from the relay after 5 - 10 seconds of turning off the key. What's next please?

Thanks, MF RED in MT. May be on to something. I pulled to stop, set brake, left in gear, raised hinny off seat and tractor did NOT cut off as it used to. What's next please?

Test to see if voltage to solenoid is there when key goes to off position... Red wire on solenoid, black wire should be ground...

Basic electrical trouble shooting is to start where problem manifests itself (in this case shut off solenoid) and go backwards by each increment till you find trouble spot (failure) ...

Owners manual does have wiring diagram....Really hard to read but it's all there...

Dale

DMW · Apr 5, 2020

I don't think I can be of any more assistance. Too many electrical differences between the GC2300 and GC1705. Keep checking with the meter, try to isolate where the failure is.
Good luck

ahswain · Apr 5, 2020

DL Meisen said:
Test to see if voltage to solenoid is there when key goes to off position...

Dale

Thank you for your help. I can not seem to register/detect any power/current to the solenoid when I turn the ignition key to off. Do we know which fuse and which relay are involved? Thank you again.

MF RED in MT · Apr 5, 2020

ahswain,

I assume that your seat safety switch was working properly, turning off the engine with the key still on before you developed this problem of the tractor not shutting down by turning the key off?

Just a thought, have you traced the wires for the fuel shut off relay and the fuel shut off solenoid for any damage?

Here are a few pages from my 2009 MF GC2410 Shop Manual, don't know how much they will help with your tractor of a newer year and different model?

Wish you luck, KC

View attachment MF Shop Manual P. 10-5 .pdf View attachment MF Shop Manual P. 10-12 .pdf View attachment MF Shop Manual P. 10-13 .pdf

lpakiz · Apr 5, 2020

Another angle you might consider is to use a jumper wire from the Battery + to the solenoid, when the tractor is running. If it shuts off, the solenoid is working.
Expanding on this strategy, you might be able to follow power backwards, TOWARDS the shut off timer.
I would unhook the wire from the solenoid, then power up the disconnected wire, then try to follow it backwards.