My 2003 John Deere 990 Compact tractor won't start

[buddylewis]

My John Deere 990 Compact tractor has a problem. It won't start. I was using it, stopped to do something and tried to start it again and nothing. The tractor made a small click but nothing else. I have a new battery in it. Cleaned the terminals, put in a new starter and ignition switch. Still nothing but a click when I first turn on the key and then nothing. The headlights (or for that matter the dash lights and all the other lights on the tractor) will not work. If I leave the key on for about a minute then suddenly the dash lights come on but when I try to start it they dash lights go off again. I have looked around for loose/frayed connections but have found none. I hate to just keep buying parts to no avail. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to start to diagnose the problem. My next guess would be the seat safety switch, but I hate to just keep throwing parts at the problem. Thanks for your effort.

 

[buddylewis]

BTW I get 13 volts at the starter.

 

[joecdeere]

REMOVE and clean all connections of battery cables, ground connection at tractor end of cable especially, most common failure on these compacts

 

[Flying F]

Were you able to solve? If so, what was the fix? Appreciate any insights.

My 2003 JD 990 appears to have the same problem. Was working great Saturday. Went to restart, it clicked and will not start.

 

[Williy]

Like above said clean all cables than then test with an ohm meter
this way you know if the cables are good

willy

 

[Flying F]

Thank you! It was the connection between the cable and battery post clamp

 

[Williy]

When you have starting issues first thing to check are the electrical
connections and after cleaning and finding the problem then apply
battery terminal grease to keep them clean

willy