will not start???

[dkshooter]

ok I have a L 2900 that will not start have lights on the dash but when I turn the key .... nothing the starter will not respond at all replaced the relay ... nada any sugestions?
Thanks

 

[art]

Do the dash lights dim? I normally with a tractor at that age start checking cables and cleaning the grounds. They are normally the problem not knowing all the particulars like hours and type of storage.

 

[dkshooter]

yes the dash lights dim way down. I have cleaned the terminals on the battery tightened the negitive connection to the frame. The tractor is outside most of the time. I also tried to jump from the battery to the starter no luck?
Help!!!!

 

[KubotainNH]

Sounds like a bad connection to me. I had the same issue with my tractor, I cleaned the posts on the battery and the inside of the post clamps until they were shiny. Been good ever since.

 

[alchemysa]

I had a similar problem on the weekend. The tractor started fine one minute then wouldn't start the next. The lights on the dash lit up. The glowplug light lit up. But as soon as I turned the key they all went out and the starter motor just gave a feeble click. I connected some extra battery power but it made no difference. It turned out it was the battery connection. BUT it wasn't simply a case of cleaning and tightening the clamps and posts. The problem was where the positive battery cable press fits into the soft metal of the battery clamp. A few of the copper cable strands had broken and the cable was slightly loose. Oil, moisture and dirt had gotten into the hole and reduced connectivity. My quick fix was to bash the clamp a few times with a hammer and the point of a screwdriver. I'll buy a new clamp with a tightening bolt this week.

I found the fault by turning on the ignition key then watching the dash lights as I played with the battery cables.

One other comment while I think of it. I have one those cheap rechargable 'jump start' battery packs with a carry handle. (About $40). I get a lot of use out of it because I have a few vehicles with dodgy batteries that are not used regularly. And in fault finding situations as described above its a real time saver - so much easier than stuffing around with batteries and jumper leads. I think its one of the best things I've bought.

 

[dkshooter]

thanks guys I'll check the battery again. I have an idea is it possible that there is a solinoid on the starter? if so where is it?

 

[digicamnut]

check where it is grounded on the tractor.

 

[dkshooter]

O.K. I checked the ground, tightened the battery terminal and the end on the chassis seems to be tight. No change ??? Help! Is there anywhere I can find a wiring diagram?
Thanks again!

 

[rickster]

My B7800 has a lot of safety switches. Seat, hydro pedal ? Does your tractor have all the safety things? My pedal switch was acting up and it kept my tractor from starting up.

 

[KubotainNH]

You said you checked the ground and tightened the terminals but did you clean the battery posts and inside of the terminals? If not then tightening will do little to fix the issue. If so it's now time to get a volt meter out or try a battery style jump starter. With the volt meter you can compare voltage at various points like + battery post to frame ground, battery ground post to solenoid etc to narrow down where the voltage drop is when you turn the key. It's also possible that the starter is bad, you can remove it and have an auto parts store test it. If you try a jump start battery and it does the exact same thing I would say it's the starter. You asked where the solenoid is, my guess would be on the starter itself. The dimming lights is what points to bad connection, bad battery or bad starter.