TC45D Range Safety Switch problem

Budweiser John · Sep 20, 2019

My New Holland TC45D tractor transmission range selector switch that only allows the tractor to be started while in neutral occasionally will not complete the required circuit to allow the tractor to start when the key is turned to the start position. There is a audible clicking sound at the srarter but nothing turns over.
Moving the range selector lever from low to high and back to neutral several times will usually allow the tractor to start.
As yet, I haven稚 had time to do any dis assembly to try and solve the problem and an on site service visit from my dealer usually blows $250.00 plus parts so wondering if there are any TBN members with New Holland gear that could offer up some advice.

Thanks in advance,
B. John

Roadworthy · Sep 20, 2019

I don't have any New Holland gear but at that kind of price for a service call you'd probably be money ahead to order a new switch and replace it yourself. Worst case you could be out the price of a switch.

Greenland South · Sep 21, 2019

I've been experiencing the same intermittent issue on my TC45DA since I got it 6 years ago. I have yet to definitively solve the problem. I don't believe it's the neutral switch though. I to have moved the lever around a time or to, and sometimes it starts. Over the time I've owned it, and as part of regular maintenance I have replaced the switch, changed battery cables, replaced a battery, checked the starter solenoid. My intermittent starting issue still remains. If you do track this down on your machine please let us know. I'd like to try whatever you come up with.

Budweiser John · Sep 22, 2019

Greenland South said:
I've been experiencing the same intermittent issue on my TC45DA since I got it 6 years ago. I have yet to definitively solve the problem. I don't believe it's the neutral switch though. I to have moved the lever around a time or to, and sometimes it starts. Over the time I've owned it, and as part of regular maintenance I have replaced the switch, changed battery cables, replaced a battery, checked the starter solenoid. My intermittent starting issue still remains. If you do track this down on your machine please let us know. I'd like to try whatever you come up with.

You bet I will.
My tractor was purchased new in 2002, never spent a night in the rain and is housed in a heated shop in the winter time. To say it lives the life of Riley is an understatement, thus my frustration on the starting issue.
I have replaced the battery and tightened all the cable connections but have yet to dive into any secondary wiring in an attempt to solve the problem.
Wife and I are taking a mini vacation for a week or so so won稚 have time to get under the hood until the first week of October.

B. John

Jackfr · Sep 22, 2019

We had similar problems with our TC45DA. Turned out to be the ignition switch had melted and was causing the problems. check out this thread

dlctcg · Sep 23, 2019

We have a TC40D that had the same problem for a couple of years & like your stored indoors (pretty pampered machine since we owned as the 2nd owners)... during a pretty major repair I had to tear down the machine to remove the operator platform (story for another time) but upon reassembly I removed & clean / greased the three levers (Range Selector, 4WD, & PTO) which all ride on the same mounting shaft; also cleaned & greased all the linkage arms. I never thought our machine had hard to operate levers but we always had the no start issue you described & after playing with the lever it would start.

Well after all the reassembly... I was wrong.. levers are a breeze to move & we have not had a no start issue. Thinking that there was just enough bind in the resistance of the lever that it was keeping just enough tension on the linkage to not make a prefect contact with the safety switch, even thought we never had a hard time shifting it. I can't say for sure this that what are issue was but it has reoccurred since the reassembly... worth a check... simple fix if so.