TC45D - issues/questions

[jinman]

We have a TC45DA.
Instrument Panel will not light until engine started.
We've changed battery, ignition switch and checked all fuses.
Problem remains. Any suggestions ?
(Can't read glow plug light - not good)

We really need a bit more info from you. When you say that the instrument panel will "not light" up, do you mean all the lighting or just the glowplug light? If you start the tractor at night, does it have background lighting? Are you saying that the battery and oil pressure lights do not light when the key is turned to ON before the engine is started?

After you start the tractor and run it for 5-10 minutes, shut off the tractor and then turn the ignition to ON without starting. What do the lights do?

It sounds like you are saying that the lights only work when the engine is running and the alternator is powering the tractor. However, the alternator and the battery are hooked together at the exact same spot at the positive terminal of the starter. The difference is that before starting, you probably have 12.8 volts at that point, and after starting you have 14 volts. If that little rise in voltage makes a difference, you most likely have a bad connection somewhere (positive wire or ground) going to the instrument panel. Maybe the plug is loose or bad.

If only the glowplug light is not coming on correctly, then that is probably just a common problem with the glowplug timer relay. Many of us have had that problem. The glow plug timer will cause the glowplugs to not come on or they come on and don't go off. Sometimes they come on while the tractor is running and cycle on/off at odd times. This is almost always fixed by replacing the glow plug timer relay. It's about $68-$70.

TIMER
Glow Plug Lamp
SBA385870301

 

[guimondsdogs]

Greetings Jim, Thx for the quick replay. None of the lights on the IP work until the engine is started; afterwhich they work normally. (the panel stays completely black prior to starting the engine). After running the tractor for an hour we turned it off and tried turning the key
again (like you were intending to check the glowplug light) and we are back to square one. None of the lights on the IP work until the engine is restarted.

We will ck the positive wires per your suggestion.
Thx again ~ you are terrific !

 

[jinman]

One thing I forgot to mention. Check if your headlight switch will work with just the key ON. The background lighting on your IP should only work when the headlights are turned on. They don't operate all the time. Of course, your oil pressure and battery light should work. Also, your glowplug light is powered from Fuse #4 as are all the other lights you seem to be having a problem with.

 

[wrenchguy]

I would suggest pulling the IP and checking the connection on the back. It's possibly plugged up backwards or poorly connected. Maybe even some pins in the connector not making good contact.