Wont start. Starter just clicks when Key is turned

[Jerry/MT]

I have a New Holland TC 40 and if I turn the key the starter just clicks. I can keep clicking it and it will finally start. The seat switch is jumpered out as well as the safety switch on the side of the transmission. I just purchased this and I knew it was an issue when I got it. Someone told me there is a switch in the transmission that was bad and they needed to split the tractor in half. That is not a route that I want to go if at all possible so any suggestions would be great

First make sure that the battery terminals are clean and tight. Pay attention to the place where the cable enters the battery terminal fitting looking for corrosion. Then check the battery grounding connection to the chasis. They get loose or rusty.

If they check out, then I'd make sure that the connections to the solenoid are good. When someone turns the key you should hear the solenoid come in each time the key is in the start position If they are all good, you could have a sticking safety switch so if it's transmission mounted, wiggle the tranny levers and see if that helps. If it's a clutch switch, make sure it's adjusted correctly. If they are all OK remove the starter solenoid and if it comes apart check it for arced contacts or adverse wear.

 

[newbury]

<snip>
Another common 'fix' on some Chevy trucks (yes with a Denso starter) is to have Mom turn the key while you wallop the starter housing with a hammer. Try this yourself if your arms are long. You see this at gas stations where the starter is warm and the thermal expansion disables the contact.

First of all -
Not everyone has Mom there to turn the key
Define "wallop"

Expect to be flamed.

I suggested a similar approach (though I think I used the term "whack") for about the same problem.

My Ford F350 would not start and I was in a rest area on I81 w/ 500 miles to go. A few heavy taps w/ a three lb sledge and I was running again. Got it to the house, wouldn't start the next day. Crawled underneath, whacked it again, it started. Took several days and several "whack-it-startings" before the starter came in and get replaced.

The reaction on this forum was mostly that was impossible and sacrilegious and I should be burned at the stake. You would of thought I was suggesting you use light from a lit match to check the fuel tank level.

 

[davesl708]

You may have a case of low voltage getting to the starter solenoid.
Check the voltage getting to the solenoid to make sure 12v is getting there.
You can test the starter by using a known good battery and jump directly to the starter and make sure it functions.
Your electrical system can build up resistance in the wires and safety switches. If this is the case you can install a relay to between the switch wire from the starter to the solenoid. This will put 12v to the solenoid and allow it to function.

There is another thread on here describing the condition better than I have and info on an inexpensive relay from JD to correct the problem.
I installed the relay in 20 minutes on my BX and the problem was solved.

 

[nichord]

First of all, I would like to say hello to everyone. I have been following these forums on here for years and this is my first time posting. I had the same problem with my TC35A. I started by replacing with a new starter, same problem. I eventually tracked this down to the hot wire coming from the key. It will get voltage to the solenoid, but not enough to cause it to lock it in. This is the click you hear. Sounds like a metal clank. Run a jumper hot wire to the starter solenoid and it will fire and turn over. I put in a relay that uses the hot coming from the key to trigger a hot lead directly from the battery and this issue stopped. Been running that way for 2 years. I know the issue you are having and it is a pain as you continue to bump the key and hear the solenoid click, but won't crank over. Plus... You can pull your relay if you use a socket and no one will steal your baby.