TC18 Starting Problem

[BuzzyG]

My 2003 TC18 with 350 hours suddenly won't start. The glow plug light does not light, and at times, the other dashboard lights don't even come on. When they do come on and I try to crank it, they don't come on the next time I turn on the ignition. There is not starter action at all when I try to crank it, and only sometimes do I get a clicking sound from the relays.

The lights don't work at all, and everything except the sporadic dash lights (oil and battery) seems dead.

I have had the battery tested for voltage and short, and it is good. I get the same readings from the cable ends as I do at the battery terminals, so I don't think it is the cables or corroded terminals, but I have also cleaned the terminal connections at both ends of the battery cables.

I am really stumped. All suggestions will be gratefully received.

 

[yooper1]

It may be that your problem is the same as the problem in this thread

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/new-holland-owning-operating/124642-tc33d-wont-start.html

sounds like this problem effects more than just the TD33d

If that doesn't help, I know someone will be by sooner or later with an answer

 

[mostly_gas]

It does sound like an intermittent connect such as bad cable, bad ground, battery terminals etc. Recheck everything as connection can look better than they really are. Another possibility is a battery post coming loose.

 

[dqdave1]

check connections at main fuse, usually located by starter. Make sure your ignition switch is good.

 

[BuzzyG]

I have the ignition switch out. How can I test it? Or how can I test the tractor to see if it starts by going around the ignition switch.

Thanks

 

[BuzzyG]

BTW - I replaced both battery cables and completely cleaned the posts and other connections.

 

[Jerry/MT]

My 2003 TC18 with 350 hours suddenly won't start. The glow plug light does not light, and at times, the other dashboard lights don't even come on. When they do come on and I try to crank it, they don't come on the next time I turn on the ignition. There is not starter action at all when I try to crank it, and only sometimes do I get a clicking sound from the relays.

The lights don't work at all, and everything except the sporadic dash lights (oil and battery) seems dead.

I have had the battery tested for voltage and short, and it is good. I get the same readings from the cable ends as I do at the battery terminals, so I don't think it is the cables or corroded terminals, but I have also cleaned the terminal connections at both ends of the battery cables.

I am really stumped. All suggestions will be gratefully received.

If the battery is good and the cables are new and the connections are good, that leaves the key switch, the solenoid or the starter OR an interlock (pto enaged, seat switch, clutch switch transmission switch, etc). Check the ground also.

 

[BuzzyG]

How can I test any or all of those?

 

[BuzzyG]

seat switch, clutch switch transmission switch

I know nothing about these.

 

[Jerry/MT]

seat switch, clutch switch transmission switch

I know nothing about these.

Jumper them one at a time. When you get the bad one, the tractor will turnover. You can check th starter switch by turning to different positions and measuring the voltage between the battery connection on the switch and the various lugs.

 

[BuzzyG]

Thanks for everything, guys. I got it fixed. Your suggestions made me keep looking and believing that I could find the solution.

The battery was grounded to a bolt on the battery support plate that did not have a direct connection to the frame. You would think that there would be a solid connection since the plate is welded to the frame, and apparently there was for a while. But when it stopped making that connection, it really stopped.

I began examining everything and noticed that the bolt to which the battery was grounded was well away from the frame. I checked the underside of the plate for all possible problems and connections. I found that the spot weld holding one of the back nuts on was not only to the support plate, but also to the frame. I changed the ground to that bolt, and everything works fine now.

Thanks again!!

 

[thclimer]

Thanks for everything, guys. I got it fixed. Your suggestions made me keep looking and believing that I could find the solution.

The battery was grounded to a bolt on the battery support plate that did not have a direct connection to the frame. You would think that there would be a solid connection since the plate is welded to the frame, and apparently there was for a while. But when it stopped making that connection, it really stopped.

I began examining everything and noticed that the bolt to which the battery was grounded was well away from the frame. I checked the underside of the plate for all possible problems and connections. I found that the spot weld holding one of the back nuts on was not only to the support plate, but also to the frame. I changed the ground to that bolt, and everything works fine now.

Thanks again!!

Congratulations on finding the problem! Hard to believe it worked fine like that since 2003, but the proof is your fix.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Thanks for everything, guys. I got it fixed. Your suggestions made me keep looking and believing that I could find the solution.

The battery was grounded to a bolt on the battery support plate that did not have a direct connection to the frame. You would think that there would be a solid connection since the plate is welded to the frame, and apparently there was for a while. But when it stopped making that connection, it really stopped.

I began examining everything and noticed that the bolt to which the battery was grounded was well away from the frame. I checked the underside of the plate for all possible problems and connections. I found that the spot weld holding one of the back nuts on was not only to the support plate, but also to the frame. I changed the ground to that bolt, and everything works fine now.

Thanks again!!

Glad you got 'er runnin' again! Your persistance paid off and you probably leaned somethings about how your tractor works and saved yourself some $'s.