Strange starter/electrical problem

[BucketTeeth]

I've been lurking on TBN since I picked up my new (to me) B3030 a few months ago. The wealth of information and friendly advice that is provided here is incredible and I'm thankful for all of the tips and tricks that I've picked up just by reading. Someday I hope to return the favor.

I've run into a problem that has stumped me and I'm hoping that someone may have some suggestions.

I was in the process of replacing the fuel tank float guage in my B3030 and everything was going along well. I had everything put back together and all seemed fine until I put the key in the starter switch. I turned the key and there seemed to be much less resistance than there usually is and the starter motor did not budge. I tried again while jiggling the key slightly. This time the panel indicator lights came on and there was a slight "click" but no action from the starter motor. When I turned the key back to the "off" position and pulled the key out the panel lights stayed on. I pulled the whole thing apart again and could only get the panel lights off by pulling out the plug on the starter switch. I took the starter switch out and its action does not seem right. When I put the key in part way I can turn it freely with typical spring resistance but it goes right back to the original position (not back to the usual run position). When I insert the key all the way I cannot turn it at all.

I have a couple of questions:

Has anyone ever experienced anything like this and am I right to suspect a bad starter switch? and

Could I have created some sort of electrical problem by replacing the fuel guage float, and could that have contributed to the problem with the starter switch in any way?

If I jump start the tractor at the starter motor is there a way to shut it down without creating other problems?

Thanks in advance for any help/troubleshooting suggestions.

Buck'Teeth

 

[aggiehortguy91]

I would have to guess a starter switch issue. I can't see how replacing the sender in the tank (or the fuel guage for that matter if I missunderstood) would effect anything relating to starting the tractor. Did you check to see if the switch was loose in the dash which might allow it to rotate?

 

[bx24]

Not sure if you caused the problem ... anything is possible.

There are a couple of things you can try. Turn on the headlights and turn the key. If the lights dim, the battery is low. If the light intensity does not change, the starter is not drawing any significant power.

If the you have the 2nd situation (which I would guess from your description), you need to check the wiring between the key switch and the starter. Since the starter draws high amps, it has a solenoid on it that when you apply low amperage 12 volt power to it, it causes the solenoid to close and provide the starter with high amp 12v straight from the battery. If you have a volt meter or a 12v trouble light, check the small lead on the solenoid to see if you are getting 12 volts there. If you are and nothing else is happening, the solenoid is most likely shot. If you are not getting 12 volts there, the problem is likely in the dashboard near or at the key switch. You can verify this problem by running a wire from the + terminal on the battery to the small wire on the solenoid. If it turns over, the problem is definitely before the starter probably in the switch. Good luck

 

[BucketTeeth]

I would have to guess a starter switch issue. I can't see how replacing the sender in the tank (or the fuel guage for that matter if I missunderstood) would effect anything relating to starting the tractor. Did you check to see if the switch was loose in the dash which might allow it to rotate?

Thanks for the quick reply! The switch was tight in the dash. I've taken it out completely to have a look and it doesn't seem right.

Buck'Teeth

 

[BucketTeeth]

Not sure if you caused the problem ... anything is possible.

There are a couple of things you can try. Turn on the headlights and turn the key. If the lights dim, the battery is low. If the light intensity does not change, the starter is not drawing any significant power.

If the you have the 2nd situation (which I would guess from your description), you need to check the wiring between the key switch and the starter. Since the starter draws high amps, it has a solenoid on it that when you apply low amperage 12 volt power to it, it causes the solenoid to close and provide the starter with high amp 12v straight from the battery. If you have a volt meter or a 12v trouble light, check the small lead on the solenoid to see if you are getting 12 volts there. If you are and nothing else is happening, the solenoid is most likely shot. If you are not getting 12 volts there, the problem is likely in the dashboard near or at the key switch. You can verify this problem by running a wire from the + terminal on the battery to the small wire on the solenoid. If it turns over, the problem is definitely before the starter probably in the switch. Good luck

Thanks for the troubleshooting tips. Tested with a voltmeter and it was the ignition switch as suspected.

Hopefully just a weird coincidence that the module goes out while I'm doing a pretty simple replacement of the sender in the fuel tank.

BucketTeeth