trouble shooting JD955

[skenk]

My 955 has a mind of its own. I pull the tractor out of the shed, run it for a couple of minutes then shut it down (to refuel or attach hydraulic implements). Then it won't start again, sometimes for a complete day. I doesn't even turn over, nothing, not a sound, no clicking. I thought it might be battery so I have left it plugged in all day to recharge but it doesn't seem to matter.

I haven't had the battery tested as it seems to start when it has been resting for awhile.

Any idea where to begin?

 

[kebo]

It could be one of the interlock safety switches. Check them out, and the connections on them. Corroded/loose connectons will cause them to behave flaky.

-OR-

If all that's ok, I suppose it's possible the ignition switch is causing it?? Next time it happens, you need to get a meter and find out why you are not getting 13.5VDC from the battery, to the ignition switch, and to the solenoid. Could also be just a real flaky connection somewhere in that circuit too.

Good luck.

 

[RoyJackson]

First thing I'd do is try jump starting once the machine won't start. If it does jump start, it's most likely your battery is due for replacement. If it's not a sealed battery, you might check the electrolyte levels. Make sure you wear goggles whern you do either of these.
Sometimes batteries will build a charge back up when setting, but they'll pull down quickly under a load (cranking the engine). Even after charging, the battery may drain down rapidly.
Anyway, that's the simplest thing to do initially. I hope it works for you.

 

[dfkrug]

I doesn't even turn over, nothing, not a sound, no clicking.

As KEBO says, it is likely one of the many safety interlocks built into this
tractor. The 955 is one of the earliest tractors with no foot clutch, so
they had to put even more safeties in it. It has an electrical seat
occupancy switch AND a mechanical seat occupancy switch. Try this:
sit on the seat and try the starter while bumping the go pedals a bit.
Bounce a bit on the seat while doing so. Jumper the electric seat switch,
which is easily accessible. Make sure the PTO lever is OFF.

 

[techwrtr2]

So have the battery terminals been cleaned lately? I get some strange behaviour on my 855 when the terminals get dirty.