TL70, turn on pto or a/c and radio goes off and nothing works.

robdogtn · Jul 18, 2020

Driving post month ago my dad complained my a/c wasn't working. I laughed and blew it off cause it was hot outside and I was operating the driver. Well for the last couple days it is hit or miss, but the A/C nor the PTO works. Radio works, but if I try either of the other the radio goes off. But comes right back on as soon as I turn A/C or PTO off. I can fight this for hours and no luck, or it can magically start working after I get pissed and go grab lunch and come back and start it up.

My gut feeling is a relay somewhere but in all the manuals and internet searching I see no relay that ties these components together.

Any thoughts? That is the downside to a cab tractor, no A/C, no work when it is 90+

Thanks in advance.

RickB · Jul 18, 2020

TLs are notorious for having the ignition switch harness come disconnected / partially disconnected from the key switch. Heat damage to the switch and connector is often the result. Remove the steering column cover and check there first.

i7win7 · Jul 18, 2020

Trace the red +12v cable to fuse panel, bad connection on fuse block could cause those problems. Assuming cab has a "master plug" that needs to be plugged in when cab was added, if so unplug and inspect contacts maybe use a spray contact cleaner.

grsthegreat · Jul 18, 2020

Probably a sneak safety switch...they dont want you to get too comfortable while using a pto...might fall asleep....just joking.

robdogtn · Jul 21, 2020

Thanks for the ideas. I have also been having issues starting, it has been hit or miss as well. I have been just jumping off to save time, but this weekend, just paying attention more and I have noticed I can cycle key without trying to start several times until the a/c fan blows, then the tractor will start and everything works as should. I can here what sounds like solenoid click when it works. Would my starter solenoid be a culprit?

grsthegreat · Jul 21, 2020

could also be the key switch. .....just saying. not real sure how to test a key switch. i would not think that there would be a single relay that would control everything. usually the ac , the pto, etc would have their own relays and solenoids.

RickB · Jul 21, 2020

It would probably take all of 5 minutes to get a look at the back of that key switch.
It is not the starter solenoid problem. It is not a safety switch problem. It is not likely to be a relay problem.

robdogtn · Jul 22, 2020

yes I should have stated I checked the harness on back of key switch. For sure ignition switch would be easy to replace and check. And hopefully my cheapest option as well. $50 and hour