X304 Electrical Problem

   / X304 Electrical Problem #1  

MCGN

New member
Joined
Sep 25, 2007
Messages
19
Location
Boston Suburb, Mass
Hi Folks,

I have John Deere X304 tractor with about 200 hours on it. I had problems with the tractor starting so I purchased a new battery a few days ago. Everything worked fine and I was able to cut the yard. Later that evening when I tried to put the tractor away it wouldn't start. I was able to jump the tractor easily. The current situation is as follows -

1) Tractor won't start (click, click, when turning the ignition key)
2) Battery reads 12 volts
3) I am able to jump the tractor and then while running the battery reads 14+ volts, so it appears to be charging fine
4) If I shut the engine off, it still won't start

I seems like there is a short somewhere, but I am not sure why it would then jumb start. Does anyone have any suggestions or a wiring diagram? I have called the dealer and would take the tractor in for repairs - but they can't even look at it for 4-6 weeks.

Thansk in advance for any advice.
 
   / X304 Electrical Problem #2  
I seems like there is a short somewhere, but I am not sure why it would then jump start.

Take one lead off the battery and remove it slow looking for any arc as the connection is made. If everything is off there should be no arc which indicates current flow.
It could be the starter solenoid or even the starter.
When you boost it are you using another 12V battery or something with the engine running? (higher voltage)
 
   / X304 Electrical Problem
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Take one lead off the battery and remove it slow looking for any arc as the connection is made. If everything is off there should be no arc which indicates current flow.
It could be the starter solenoid or even the starter.
When you boost it are you using another 12V battery or something with the engine running? (higher voltage)


Thanks for your suggestions. When I take off one lead there is no arc. I am currently boosting it with a 12 volt booster pack that has 900amps. Is replacing the starter solenoid complicated? Does anyone have a diagram?
 
   / X304 Electrical Problem #4  
Is replacing the starter solenoid complicated? Does anyone have a diagram?

No, they are not hard to replace. But I would not start buying parts unless you are sure it's bad.
You can go here for a parts diagram...
John Deere - Parts Catalog

Search for x304 and look for the parts diagram. You may need your S/N.
Probably under the engine and/or electrical.

With no load a good battery may read slightly over 12V. ~ 12.4V
Turn the lights on for 1 minute then disconnect the battery overnight.
Then check the voltage tomorrow. You may have a warranty situation on the battery...
If any question take it back and let them check it.
In the morning the battery should still read at least 12V.

JD batteries are expensive but you may need one. What did you buy? Brand and CCA... (May be too small)
 
   / X304 Electrical Problem
  • Thread Starter
#5  
No, they are not hard to replace. But I would not start buying parts unless you are sure it's bad.
You can go here for a parts diagram...
John Deere - Parts Catalog

Search for x304 and look for the parts diagram. You may need your S/N.
Probably under the engine and/or electrical.

With no load a good battery may read slightly over 12V. ~ 12.4V
Turn the lights on for 1 minute then disconnect the battery overnight.
Then check the voltage tomorrow. You may have a warranty situation on the battery...
If any question take it back and let them check it.
In the morning the battery should still read at least 12V.

JD batteries are expensive but you may need one. What did you buy? Brand and CCA... (May be too small)

I purchased the JD battery recommended for this mower from the dealer. I jumped the tractor this morning and cut the grass for 30-45 minutes. At that point, the blades stopped and I pulled the tractor into the garage. The battery still reads 12 volts, but won't start the engine. Lights don't turn on, but I can put on a booster and it will start. I would have thought that a defective new battery was very rare.
 
   / X304 Electrical Problem #6  
I purchased the JD battery recommended for this mower from the dealer.

The X304 parts shows a battery # TY25221 or a TY25878 depending on the serial number for some reason.
 
   / X304 Electrical Problem
  • Thread Starter
#7  
The X304 parts shows a battery # TY25221 or a TY25878 depending on the serial number for some reason.

Thanks to everyone for their help. Although this was a new battery from JD, I took it in to get load tested and the battery failed. They replaced the battery and everything works fine. Hopefully there was nothing wrong with the electrical system that caused the battery to go bad.

Thanks again!
 
   / X304 Electrical Problem #8  
Dealers get the batteries dry. Locally they do not add the electrolite until you buy the battery.

Most lawn mower batteries look the same, except with the "+" on the right side or the left side.

But this same frame comes in several different CCA ratings.
The $ 25 batteries that places put on sale in the spring are normally the weakest ones.

Did they tell you to charge the new battery before use? And if so what amps did you set the charger at?
 

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