TC25D - Glow Plug Intermittent After Battery Went Dead

[chanwmr]

After the headlight were accidentally flipped on and was left on for a couple of hours on a hot day, the 4+ year old battery was drained and went completely dead. Almost every time I tried to start the tractor from a jump (via a battery pack, a vehicle, etc.), the glow light would come on for just an instance then the dash panel went blank. The tractor never started. It never even got to the starter to crank.

I finally installed a new NH battery today (a four week wait) and at first I was able to see continuity to the dash. Just when I had high hopes this time, the dash went blank again. Nothing.

So, should I be checking and/or replacing the glow plug relay next? If so, does anyone have that part number for the TC25D handy? Is there something else that I should try?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Roadworthy]

With battery trouble the first step should always be cleaning the battery posts and connectors. When replacing the cables be sure to tighten them securely. Follow the ground cable to the frame. Clean and tighten there. Note - some tractors have paint at this connection point. Paint will not conduct. With a full charge on the battery check the voltage. Have somebody turn on the key while you continue to monitor the voltage. This is the point from which to start troubleshooting.

 

[thclimer]

With a new battery it sure sounds like you have a connection issue. However, just because your battery is new I'd be sure that its fully charged.

A failed glow plug relay will not stop power from getting to your dash, you have a connection problem somewhere else.

Next as Roadworthy mentioned I'd be looking at all your connections.

Battery cables can also corrode on the inside and while they look good they will not conduct the amps needed for starting. You can use jumper cables to somewhat replace your battery cables by clamping a jumper cable in parallel with your battery cable.

 

[scottu5]

Nowadays, new batteries can be bad right out of the box. Take the battery out and go to auto parts store, they will "load test" battery for free.

Only way to tell if battery is good and will show state of charge as well.

 

[chanwmr]

Thanks guys! I did as Roadworthy and thclimer had suggested and was able to narrow it down to the battery ground cable. The cable looks perfectly intact but there was no continuity detected. I'll try to have the tractor started this PM with a jumper. Meanwhile, I just ordered a cable online (86528253 -- not cheap). Should receive it sometime this week.