Tractor wont start, need suggestions...

[mediocrates67]

I have a 20 year old century 3045 diesel. I had intermittent troubles over the season getting my ignition to work (no power to dash). Now it has completely failed. No power to anything, except sometimes the blinker works. Battery is good, and it seems like we get power to the switch in testing. Fuses check out fine. Anything I'm missing?

 

[AllDodge]

Never messed with a Century but found an electrical diagram for the 2035/2045, so will assume they are similar. Power comes from the battery thru 2 fusable links, which one goes to the key switch and the other to the glow plug switch.

Ignition circuit goes thru 3 safety switches before power can be applied to the starter relay (not starter solenoid)
Clutch pedal (normally open)
PTO lever (normally closed)
Shuttle shift lever (normally closed)

My first thought is one of the safety switches have gone bad. Clutch needs depressed, PTO disengaged, and shift lever in neutral. Check these switches to see if they are working

 

[searcyfarms]

might be a bad ground that wont support a load when applied = could be a bad safety switch however when they go bad in my case I don't usually lose dash lights/idiot lights it just wont start.

id be wiggling and jiggling wires around to see if you get any response - turn on lights/headlights/blinkers etc....and watch for action!!! vibration is an enemy in a lot of ways as well as grease/oil/heat they make poor grounding

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I would check those fuseable links first. Can't tell visually, have to use an Ohm meter. Take the links off at both ends and measure for continuity between the ends of each link.

This is all assuming you've already checked battery cables to terminals and ground to frame.