Third Function Fault - Missing 'CLUNK'

[Wagtail]

I rarely require my FEL 3rd function as I typically have my bale spears mounted. When I shut the tractor down and lower both my 3PH and FEL (a 300CX) I ensure that the hydraulic pressure is released by moving the joystick in all four quadrants and then depress the 3rd function button (joystick) to release that pressure, regardless if anything is attached. I'd hear/feel a 'CLUNK' from the hydraulic block, mounted on the right FEL arm.

I'm not hearing that 3rd function 'CLUNK' anymore.

There is only a two-wire electrical cable that leads from the joystick to the hydraulic block. The FEL works perfectly otherwise.

I 'think' that I can hear a subtle 'click' at the hydraulic block when (with the tractor shut down) I depress the joystick 3rd function button. The button feels as if it's engaging correctly. The two line-connectors are solidly connected.

I plan on swapping out the bale spears for my 4in1 bucket, which will 100% confirm that I've got a problem... but I fear that that's all it will do, confirm the problem.

Asking for thoughts and any information that I can supply.

Ta Mates.

 

[K5lwq]

If it is a problem, and you have confirmed there is adequate voltage, I would suspect the coil would be the issue. A quick test I do on coils is remove it from the valve and put over a screw driver then energize the coil. If pulls good on the screw driver I look at the valve.

Let us know what you find.

 

[RNeumann]

You don’t have to put the other bucket on or take the current one off, just get close and run the hoses over.

 

[Wagtail]

Thanks for the responses, I did put the 4in1 on today as I have a slashing job on for tomorrow and I needed to counterweight... anyway, the FEL continues to work fine but not the 3rd function.

After swapping the attachments and shutting the tractor down (implements lowered) I consulted my Owner Manual for both the 4105 and the CX300. Since the 3rd function on the FEL was a 'shop' add-on there was no schematic or indication of a fuse. So, with everything 'quiet', I made the 3rd function switch (button) on the joystick and was sure that I could hear a 'click'. Several more button presses and it's one of the relays in the relay/fuse panel.

So that tells me that the electrical circuit is being complete. And that there's 12VDC.

 

[K5lwq]

Can you verify voltage at the coil with a meter? Hearing the relay click does not mean it is passing current. The purpose for using a relay is to use a low current switch. When the relay is energized, it connects the higher current needed to open the valve.

I am surprised there is not a inline fuse somewhere for the valve.

 

[K5lwq]

Wagtail, Any luck finding the problem?

 

[Wagtail]

Can you verify voltage at the coil with a meter? Hearing the relay click does not mean it is passing current. The purpose for using a relay is to use a low current switch. When the relay is energized, it connects the higher current needed to open the valve.

I am surprised there is not a inline fuse somewhere for the valve.

Nothing yet as I needed to pick up a new multimeter... my 'inexpensive' one crapped itself. Even after changing the 9V battery.

It's very difficult to check for continuity; holding both leads into the plug whilst operating the joystick switch.

Right now I'm trying to simply trace where the power is coming to the joystick 3rd function switch. As I don't have rear-remotes, there isn't a dedicated set of fuses or panel. The wiring is what the dealership mechanic 'knocked up' during pre-delivery; it's only recently that I've lost that particular function. I plan to have a look inside the joystick 'knob' itself.

Thanks for your help. When I do find something, or the solution, I will post about it.

 

[Wagtail]

Update: SOLVED!!!

I hadn't looked at the the fault since my last posting as I only use the bucket very occasionally. Anyway, at Christmas lunch at my neighbour's I mentioned the fault and he said to bring the tractor over today and he'd have a look.

2 hours later it turned out that the diverting 'plunger' in the block had dislodged the diverting 'seat' (does that make sense?) The magnet was working but the 'clunk' of the plunger to divert the FEL hydraulics to the 3rd function wasn't happening. After he whacked the 'seat' with a punch & a rubber mallet and reassembled everything it all works again.

The recommendation is NOT to relieve the 3rd function pressure unless I'm going to mount anything that requires that hydraulic circuit.

 

[K5lwq]

Glad you are back in business!

 

[npalen]

Sure glad you got your clunk back! Nothing worse than a missing clunk! Awe, just kidding.