FixMyTractor!
New member
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2023
- Messages
- 8
- Tractor
- 1996 Massey Ferguson 231/232
My tractor suddenly stopped cranking with the key. So, I tried to jump it off and it would not crank.The fuel gauge and temp gauge were not moving when I turned the key to the accessory position, and when I turned the key to crank the tractor- nothing, no sound and no crank.
I replaced the ignition switch. It looked like the old one. It was supposed to be a direct replacement but was difficult to slide into the dash. I was able to force it through the hole in the dash and screw it tight. I attached the wires inside the dash to the corresponding points on the new starter.
Now, it starts with the key again, but has to have jumper cables attached.
The fuel gauge and temp gauge are still not moving when I turn the key to the accessory position and they do not work when the tractor is running anymore either.
The temp and fuel gauge worked in accessory position and with the tractor running until the day the tractor wouldn’t start with the key.
The tachometer needs replacing because it is not working. (It wasn’t working before this.)
My question is can someone tell me what steps to take, with detailed instructions. I have a voltmeter but not experienced using it.
I have searched high, low, and everywhere in between for the dash wiring harness that goes to this tractor. The Massey Ferguson dealer doesn’t have any. In fact, no dealer they can find has any.
I can’t find an aftermarket. It seems every other model ever made has a wiring harness for sale, except this one. I would love to replace all the wiring. All of the spade connections should be tighter than they are. They easily wiggle off without much effort.
I would make one myself, since I can’t find one already made, but I have no idea what gauge all the different wires are. I have the manual, and the wiring diagram, it of course gauge isn’t indicated, or length of the wires, and I am scared to take the harness off for fear of not being able to get all the connectors back in the correct spot.
Does anyone have any experience making these harnesses or know where I can purchase one?
Also, the last time this happened, I replaced the neutral safety switch and ignition switch and it started cranking fine with no jumping required.
Is there a way to test this switch to see if it has gone bad? For instance, could I just connect the two wires that go to the switch together and see if it cranks? If so, I would replace the switch because I know it’s an important safety feature. But would that be a way to see if this switch has gone bad in the course of only a year?
Thanks for any replies. I am a tractor novice so please help!
I replaced the ignition switch. It looked like the old one. It was supposed to be a direct replacement but was difficult to slide into the dash. I was able to force it through the hole in the dash and screw it tight. I attached the wires inside the dash to the corresponding points on the new starter.
Now, it starts with the key again, but has to have jumper cables attached.
The fuel gauge and temp gauge are still not moving when I turn the key to the accessory position and they do not work when the tractor is running anymore either.
The temp and fuel gauge worked in accessory position and with the tractor running until the day the tractor wouldn’t start with the key.
The tachometer needs replacing because it is not working. (It wasn’t working before this.)
My question is can someone tell me what steps to take, with detailed instructions. I have a voltmeter but not experienced using it.
I have searched high, low, and everywhere in between for the dash wiring harness that goes to this tractor. The Massey Ferguson dealer doesn’t have any. In fact, no dealer they can find has any.
I can’t find an aftermarket. It seems every other model ever made has a wiring harness for sale, except this one. I would love to replace all the wiring. All of the spade connections should be tighter than they are. They easily wiggle off without much effort.
I would make one myself, since I can’t find one already made, but I have no idea what gauge all the different wires are. I have the manual, and the wiring diagram, it of course gauge isn’t indicated, or length of the wires, and I am scared to take the harness off for fear of not being able to get all the connectors back in the correct spot.
Does anyone have any experience making these harnesses or know where I can purchase one?
Also, the last time this happened, I replaced the neutral safety switch and ignition switch and it started cranking fine with no jumping required.
Is there a way to test this switch to see if it has gone bad? For instance, could I just connect the two wires that go to the switch together and see if it cranks? If so, I would replace the switch because I know it’s an important safety feature. But would that be a way to see if this switch has gone bad in the course of only a year?
Thanks for any replies. I am a tractor novice so please help!
