tractor won't start (or try to start) - SOLVED

[319Quahog]

Yeah, besides checking the obvious things which you absolutely should check/wiggle/double check.

Any relays in the starting system OP?

Dead relay would give similar symptoms.

IME on other parts, they love filling up with condensation. Have gone through two on the third function of mine-both times on the open grapple function. Mounted it slightly different this time.

 

[jd2130]

Thanks for your help guys! I don't think there's any issue with the battery, because I have power. I can turn on the lights and when I turn the key, the dash lights up. But when I turn the key all the way to start there is no sound.

It is the same type of situation as if a safety switch was failing, but the PTO is disengaged (and it's hitting the safety switch appropriately), it's in neutral, and I bypassed the seat safety switch.

I've been going around and cleaning all of the electrical connections, but no luck yet.

 

[jd2130]

Yeah, besides checking the obvious things which you absolutely should check/wiggle/double check.

Any relays in the starting system OP?

Dead relay would give similar symptoms.

IME on other parts, they love filling up with condensation. Have gone through two on the third function of mine-both times on the open grapple function. Mounted it slightly different this time.

Yes-I've done so many of those wiggle checks!

Not sure what you mean by 'relays in the starting system OP'. I did bench tests of both of the relays and they are both working properly

 

[319Quahog]

Yep, if the relays tested well they're likely not the issue.

No click at all. Is the starter solenoid getting juice?

I had a Dodge where the solenoid would occasionally bind up. Got juice, but I kept a big adjustable wrench to bash it with.

 

[jd2130]

Yep, if the relays tested well they're likely not the issue.

No click at all. Is the starter solenoid getting juice?

I had a Dodge where the solenoid would occasionally bind up. Got juice, but I kept a big adjustable wrench to bash it with.

Not sure how to test if the solenoid is getting juice. If I try to jump start it from the solenoid, it makes a spinning sound.

 

[KS KIOTI]

I’ve had two bad key switches on my Bobcat CT230, may give that a go.

 

[garry1p]

I had a bad key switch and sometimes it would do as you describe and other times it would just shut off while in use.
I had to make some long leads for my meter to verify what was happening as I was working alone and since mine was intermittent it took awhile to troubleshoot.

 

[LouNY]

Is this what your starter and solenoid look like;

When you try and start it by "jumping" the solenoid if you are jumping across the two large posts the starter will just spin over. If you jump from the large battery stud to the smaller top flag type terminal it should crank over if your battery and cables are good.

The better way is with a remote starting switch.

Just be well aware that an engine can start using this at any time, in gear or not.
People have been hurt by getting run over.

 

[jd2130]

Is this what your starter and solenoid look like;
View attachment 1903192
When you try and start it by "jumping" the solenoid if you are jumping across the two large posts the starter will just spin over. If you jump from the large battery stud to the smaller top flag type terminal it should crank over if your battery and cables are good.

The better way is with a remote starting switch.
View attachment 1903193

Just be well aware that an engine can start using this at any time, in gear or not.
People have been hurt by getting run over.

Thank you. I was not trying to jump it right.
Also, thank you for the warning!

I'm currently charging up my truck battery to 100% and I'll put that on the tractor before running any more tests, just to rule that out as a possible problem.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

I had a similar experience. I found by jiggling the hi/med/Low shifter and turning the key worked for me. I had just plowed my taters up got off and must have hit it with my knee. Nothing I did would cause it to start. I would have guessed it wouldn't matter but it sure fired up when I jiggled it even though it was in Med range.