TC33da - starting problems

[thclimer]

Here a a few better pictures;
1 - Instructions from the dealer.
2 - Instructions with relay pin numbers.
3 - Disconnect the battery and remove the cable from the stud on the starter.
4 - Take the 'purple' wire off the starter solenoid. It looks tan to me.
6 - I installed the relay base under the plastic on the left side.
7 - Connect the blue wire from the relay base to the starter solenoid.
8 - Connect the 'purple' wire from the starter solenoid to the white wire on the relay base.
9 - You need a large ring terminal on the fused (40 Amp!) red wire from the relay base.
10 - The red wire gets bolted onto the starter stud.
11 - Relay installed and wiring bundled.
12 - Connect the black wire to ground.

It would make a lot of sense to remove the loader before tackling this project. Others have reported problems with the key switch, but this has solved my starting problems.

Jim

Thanks for the detailed description and especially the pictures.

Tim

 

[MikeBurr]

Here's a picture of my new battery installed on my tractor. Took about 3 hours to complete(did a few other things also). Battery is a Odyssey PC925L. Also used a battery holder that allowed the battery to be mounted on it's side. The battery also needed two screw in post. Didn't have any real problems installing, just need to fixup and clean the area where the battery now sets. The radiator behind the battery was real dirty and many of the opening were plugged. I cleaned the radiator several times this year using my air compresser, but never removed the battery - it showed.

 

[dqdave1]

Does your radiator have a screen in front of the radiator to catch large debris? I didn't see it in the photo.

 

[MikeBurr]

No screen, the newer tractors are suppost to have radiators with larger holes to allow the dust and dirt to flow thru. Looks like it works except right behind the battery. I am thinking that maybe with some of the outgassing of the battery that it formed a film that trapped the dust and caused the plugging of the radiator. Or there just isn't a very good air flow around the battery.

 

[moonstruck]

My 2004 TC33DA had the problem of blowing the # 2 fuse on starts. I finally solved it by going to local NAPA store and buying a $6.00 10 amp circuit breaker to replace the fuse. End of problem.

 

[CBox]

It is my understanding that Optima NO longer makes the group51 battery, at least that is what every parts dealer I talked to told me when I was trying to purchase one earlier this summer.

I recently installed an Odyssey PC925MJT similar to the one MikeBurr has pictured. The terminals on the one I installed are opposite of his, which allowed me to install the battery with the terminals facing the radiator and use the stock hold-down bracket. This has completely solved the corrosion problem..........but not the intermittent starting problem my tractor has. I already have the circuit breaker in place of the #2 fuse and still have the intermittent starting problem. I will be installing the relay fix SOON. Thanks to Jsheds for the great pictures and instructions.

CBox

 

[MikePA]

I recently installed an Odyssey PC925MJT similar to the one MikeBurr has pictured. The terminals on the one I installed are opposite of his, which allowed me to install the battery with the terminals facing the radiator and use the stock hold-down bracket.

I installed the same battery, with the terminals facing away from the radiator and I could still used the standard tie down on my TC25D.

 

[LarryD]

Are you sure you didn't get the "L" model Mike? I swear I installed the same battery based on your recommendations. One year later and I've never had a problem starting, not even the infamous blown fuse.

Cbox, I'd be worried removing the positive terminal in such close proximity to the radiator. I always worry when I put the wrench to any battery.

 

[MikePA]

Are you sure you didn't get the "L" model Mike? I swear I installed the same battery based on your recommendations. One year later and I've never had a problem starting, not even the infamous blown fuse.

Hi Larry,

I checked the Odyssey site and you're right, I have the L model.

BTW, what parts did you get to switch over to the bolt in terminals? Easy to install? Did you use the bolts that came with the battery?

 

[LarryD]

Mike, I bought the terminals at NAPA and I they were for #2 wire but I can't say for sure. I carried in the factory end there and we just matched it up.
I also had some heat shrink with the rosin core (heavy duty stuff) that really glues the terminal on. Those were the bolts that came with the battery.