TC40 w/ turn signal problems

[Megado]

I’m a new member to the NH family (and this forum) having recently purchased a pre-owned 2003 TC40 w/ 112 hours to help maintain a weekend property that I own. This is my first tractor and I recently experienced a problem with my turn signals. I searched the forum in hopes of finding a previous thread that might help me, but was unable to find one. Hopefully someone out there can help though.

While at my property, I went out and started up the tractor after heavy rains all week and discovered that the right turn signal was blinking after the engine started even though the toggle switch was in the “off” position. Unfortunately I’m in the process of building my barn so the tractor had to sit out in the rain all week. After fiddling with the switches for awhile, I finally discovered that the only way I could get the turn signal lights to turn off was by putting the switch in the down position (as I would if I wanted to turn on the left turn signal). I also discovered that with the engine running, I was unable to activate the hazard lights. When I pressed the hazard light rocker switch with the engine running, the lights would flick once and then nothing. But with the engine turned off, the hazard lights worked properly. It didn’t appear as though clicking the headlight rocker switch to its different positions had any affect on either the turn signal or hazard light problem. The tractor seemed to start up and run fine as I put it through its paces despite the light problems.

Has anybody else ever had a similar experience or have any suggestions? My first thought was that things (switches, connections, etc) might have gotten wet due to the rain, but wasn’t sure if this was perhaps a common problem for those who regularly leave their tractors out in the rain?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice I can get. Looking forward to many years of being on the “blue” team!

 

[jinman]

I don't think this is a common problem because I have never heard of it. I have left my 2001 model tractor out in the weather the whole time I have owned it and I have no problem with the lights. I suspect your problem is a loose or malfunctioning flasher relay.

To get to the relay, you have ro remove the left-hand cowling below the steering wheel. It's a bit of a pain, You have two bolts you can easily see and the other two are under the hood on the left "firewall." If you want to take off the right cowling, there are two more bolts on the right firewall.

When you get the left cowling off, there are two relay assemblies on the left side. The top one has a round relay. That's the flasher relay and it just plugs in, so it may be loose rather than malfunctioning.

Good luck with your lights and welcome to the forum.

 

[Soundguy]

I think jinman is on the right track ( he and rick usually are ).

Unless the wireing looks otherwise chewed on or chaffed.. or dinked with by the prev owner.. I'd start with the module, and then if that looks to be ok.. I'd check the switch next.

Soundguy

 

[dqdave1]

Could be as simple as moisture has created your problem.

 

[RickB]

One of the switches has taken on water. Not widely discussed here, but not all that uncommon, either, especially the rocker switches.

 

[Megado]

Appreciate the feedback. Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to get back to the tractor for another two weeks (dang work keeps getting in the way of all the fun...ugh!) but I will plan on checking the relays as Jim suggest if the problem still exist upon my return.

As for the potential of water getting into one of the rocker switches, any suggestions on prevention or corrective action? Other than placing a tarp over the console (which I now plan to do), is there a way to prevent the water infiltration or a chance the problem will correct itself once the switch dries out?

Again...appreciate any thoughts or feedback. As a newbie tractor owner...I've spent many an enjoyable hour reading the post and threads on this forum and learned a great deal from all the knowledgeable members!

 

[PoleClimber]

After washing the dirt off the tractor with the garden hose my turn signals did the same thing. I took a hair dryer and dried out the moisture from the switch on the dash and that fixed the problem.

 

[MoyockHeel]

After washing my new 40 DA tractor once, the signal indicators lights went berzerk, just like yours. Upon starting the tractor, one side started flashing, and it wouldn't stop until I turned the switch in the other direction. Now, I don't spray the IP area very much.

It finally stopped after heating up. It was about 100 degrees that day, so it didn't take long. As I keep it in a barn the problem hasn't recurred, but since the dealer is letting it stay out inthe weather while being serviced, I can only imagine what it'll do.

I mentioned this to the dealer, after reading your post. He said water in the switches can cause them to blink fairly easily. He said he sees it on his lot all the time. What's up with that?? No need to address a little thing like that? We don't need no stinking blinkers....

 

[Megado]

After washing the dirt off the tractor with the garden hose my turn signals did the same thing. I took a hair dryer and dried out the moisture from the switch on the dash and that fixed the problem.

Hey PoleClimber…my wife already thinks I’ve gone nuts with my new tractor toy so I can only imagine her comment if she saw me walking out the front door with her hair dryer! I can hear her now saying, “Uh honey…where are you going with my hair dryer?” “Oh it’s nothing dear…I just washed the tractor and now I need to go and dry it.”

 

[jbrumberg]

Hey PoleClimber…my wife already thinks I’ve gone nuts with my new tractor toy so I can only imagine her comment if she saw me walking out the front door with her hair dryer! I can hear her now saying, “Uh honey…where are you going with my hair dryer?” “Oh it’s nothing dear…I just washed the tractor and now I need to go and dry it.”

I've used my wife's hair dryer to warm fuel injector lines, fuel line, etc. on my old Ford 1100. I finally upgraded to a heat gun ! When it comes to the tractor my wife does not ask too many questions anymore . Jay