TC45DA sometimes wont start when warm

fishpick · Sep 11, 2011

Swear I saw this in a tread before... My TC45DA sometimes won't start when warm. When I turn the key I hear things click - almost like a solenoid clicking open but nothing more. No cranking, no chattering, nothing. If I bounce up and down in the seat then usually it will turn over after several more tries. Only does this when the tractor is warm fro doing work, I shut it off, then come back and can't get it going.

Any thoughts?

LoneCowboy · Sep 11, 2011

typical high quality TC45 wiring.
Ours does the same thing.
All safeties have been removed, the starter has been replaced, the key turn part (the cylinder) has been replaced and yet still it occasionally does it.

Our solution because I"m tired of pouring money into this rathole.

1. keep clicking (just keep clicking the key) it will finally catch.

2. don't shut it off.

newt615 · Sep 11, 2011

search this topic it was posted awhile back "TC33da - starting problems" may be some help.

jinman · Sep 12, 2011

Fishpick, we'll add your name to the growing list of starters with intermittent problems. Mine goes through cycles where it will do that several times over a short period and then it may work for a year before it happens again. I put the tractor in neutral with the parking brake set and stand on the left side of the tractor near the starter. I turn the key to start at the same time as I tap on the starter solenoid with a combination wrench and it has started every time. I'm sure the solenoid is not engaging properly or its high current contacts are burned. One of these days it may b enough of a problem for me to pull the starter and investigate. If I have to replace my starter, I'll do it with an aftermarket one that sells for around $170 instead of the $600 NH wants for a new one.

Here's another thread about the same problem.

fishpick · Sep 12, 2011

jinman- that's EXACTLY what it is like. I turn the key and everything happens as expected including the loud "click" just before the starter would start to roll... Only the starter never rolls and the it's silent.

Other threads have other clicks, buzzes, chatters etc... You got it!

Now I'll switch from bouncing around on the seat to your method and I'll bet it works like a champ!

If you do try that aftermarket starter post and let us know your experience with it.

My problem is the issue is just annoying - that is until it's no longer annoying and the tractor won't start... That day I'll wish I had been more proactive.

jinman · Sep 12, 2011

I got a PM from someone who said that NH has an ASIST program that makes a wiring change with a relay. It may be similar to the Class II fix posted in a sticky at the top of this forum. I'll talk to my dealer's service manager and get him to check it out.