Tach/Electrical Issue

Rollcenter · Sep 17, 2011

The Tach and Hourmeter is not working all the time. 2010 Ct 335 sst.

Several times today I started the tractor and noticed no tach or hour meter readings, however after a few minutes of operation, both always started working again.

Any ideas as to what to look for?

lilranch2001 · Sep 17, 2011

check out your wiring harness, sounds like a loose connection, or connector plug, possibly a loose ground

milkman636 · Sep 18, 2011

If you don't find a loose connection, then check for your dealer's phone number:thumbsup:

They may want to help out with some warranty work if they hear about the trouble with your tractor.

SSdoxie · Sep 18, 2011

The hour meter runs off signal from the alternator, when alternator is turning the hour meter registors. The Tach runs off signal from an RPM sensor on the engine. Both signals are sent to the Operation Control Unit then to the instrument panel. The only common connection they have is at the plug to the panel, check this to see if it is loose. If not call your dealer as the next most likely problem is the OPCU.

Rollcenter · Sep 22, 2011

I have also noticed that when the Tach/Hour meter is not working, the headlights will not work either. Like I said earlier, after a few mins, they aways begin to work. I will check the connection however as it does act like something is loose.

MESSMAKER · Sep 22, 2011

Check the ground on the right side of the frame near the hood access latch. It can take some abuse in high brush.

horse2water · Sep 25, 2011

I've got a 2010 CT335 with the same problem. Had the service guy out in March to look at it under warranty. Said he couldn't find the direct problem, but just went through and wiggle checked everything. That took care of the problem until last week when it started doing it again.

Guess I'll get 'em back out again and tell 'em to fix it right this time.

Rollcenter · May 31, 2013

Update:

I kinda got used to this issue, no big deal I thought, well today it became a big issue!!

Had not used tractor in a couple weeks, went out, hopped on and I have a lack of voltage to everything.

Battery is charged to 100%

I can turn key and I get nothing. No lights, no horn, nothing. I can wiggle and shake the dash and occasionally get it to turn over a couple of times. I can turn flasher on and occasionally can get a faint buzz. Somewhere I'm not getting a good connection. Battery posts and terminals are clean.

Any ideas?

HarrowableDriver · May 31, 2013

I started to have the same problem with my CT335 last week. I have tried wiggle checking everything and sometimes the dash comes back and sometimes it doesn't. Only real problem I have had with my Bobcat.

Rollcenter · May 31, 2013

Whatever it is, I cant fix it. A couple different times I had the relays clicking like crazy with the dash lighting up when the key was turned on. Only thing I get consistently is turning the key backwards and getting the glow plug lights on and I can hear the plug relay I guess clicking.

I'm betting on the computer being down.

Dead in the water, nearest dealer 2.5 hours away, laid off this week due to Obamas war on coal! All that equals to be selling this machine, CHEAP!!!! Has 8tb backhow, 8tl loader, 6' bush hog, 6' roto tiller, 200 and some hours on machine.

SABULA FARMER · May 31, 2013

Ok same issue here with my CT335....I have no Tach, or idiot lights. If I turn the ignition switch several times they will come on....WTH?
I am calling the dealer tomorrow.
S.F.

Rollcenter · Jun 1, 2013

SABULA FARMER said:
Ok same issue here with my CT335....I have no Tach, or idiot lights. If I turn the ignition switch several times they will come on....WTH?
I am calling the dealer tomorrow.
S.F.

Let us know what you find out!

Rollcenter · Jun 1, 2013

Spent most of the day checking the ground and positive cables, no issues found.

The ONLY power I get to the dash is turning the key backwards and I get the glow plug light, with key off I can turn flashers on and hear the flasher buzzing-clicking but the lights do not lite up.

Occasionally I can move the key to the on position and hear the relays licking, but that rarely happens.

I do get good voltage to the key switch.

milkman636 · Jun 4, 2013

I had trouble with my tach and gauges not working a couple times last fall. I ended up having to pull the ground cable from the battery off the tractor frame and cleaning that connection real well. It was corroded and pitting slightly. I polished the frame and the ring terminal then put some battery post terminal spray over the reassembled connection to keep it clean. It has worked fine since. I know that you stated you had voltage at the key switch, but have you pulled the bolt that connects the battery ground cable to the tractors frame to physically check that connection? It has been a consistent trouble spot that has caused instrument problems on these machines.

SABULA FARMER · Jun 30, 2013

Talked to the dealer yesterday.... I have a new ignition switch coming. After explaining about the electrical issues, we thought it was the main computer. If you wiggle the last plug under the hood closest to the main computer, the tractor will try and start! Short somewhere!
The entire dash panel has been going nuts!! Turn on the 4wd, tach works, hit the brakes, the hour meter works but the tach will stop. It's crazy!
I sure hope it's the ignition switch like they think it is or I'm up a ***** creek in a chicken wire canoe.
S.F.

drew7a · Sep 27, 2013

Did the switch fix your issue?

Johnstone · Oct 17, 2013

I am having the same dash issues. My ct235 has no lights, hour meter,tachometer or temp guage. The tach comes on sometimes but as soon as I turn on the lights all the dash dies. Any answers?

tinman955 · Oct 31, 2013

So did anyone ever get their tractors fixed?

Johnstone · Nov 1, 2013

No. I called the dealer and he had no ideas other than to bring the machine to him. That involves a ferry ride, 1.5 hr drive and great expense. I have checked and replaced the battery terminals, checked cleaned and re attached the ground and no difference. The tach will come alive for short periods but when the lights are tried it dies immediately. With winter coming this is a real pain, especially with a tractor with less than 150 hours on it. Any ideas, or has anybody with the same issues found a fix.

tinman955 · Nov 1, 2013

I fixed mine this morning, found that the starter relay was bad. So far so good been using it most of the day with no issues. My relay was under the hood kind of on the firewall but mine is a CT450. When I grabbed the relay mine dash would come in and out, so I swapped it out with new one and its been good.