XR4046H Electrical/Startup Issues

[Avenger]

Was the tractor running when you parked it or did it die on its own?

If it was running when you shut it off, came out later and it wont crank, I'd double check that battery and connections.

If it died on it's own, then I would double check the battery and connections, and use that as the 'uphill' starting point, track down a faulty ground or loose connection.

Electrical problems suck.

 

[TheSpoon]

Alright, updates.

Ended up talking to the dealer on Saturday. He was pushing towards the battery being the cause also. He had me try bypassing the starter, nothing. So I took the battery out and took it to Autozone and Advanced and had them test it. Tested good, 12.72V, 746CCA. Put it back in, hooked everything up. Now, I'm not getting anything when I turn the key to the 1st position, however, when I turn it off, I get the original "error" codes on the display (upside down "F"4 U12) for a second or 2, then shuts off. So I'm leaning towards this being a problem with the ignition switch like Diggin It mentioned. When looking down from the opening for the throttle, I see its right over the switch and wires, so I wouldn't be surprised it something is faulty in there.

 

[Underdog57]

Dealer couldn't advise on error codes?

 

[monkeyduster]

Possibly a starter relay? Maybe this could help. View attachment Elect.System.pdf

 

[alexsbuddy]

Have you checked all of the safety switches? Common ones are: seat, PTO, clutch, and nuetral start. These are the ones that I know are on my XG3037. Yours might be slightly different.

 

[JLinder]

Is the tractor where you can use jumper cables to another vehicle? If so, connect only the two negative cables and see if that makes a difference. If it does, you have a ground issue. When you mentioned that bypassing the start relay circuit didn't do anything it would lead me to believe it's not ignition switch related. On that tractor the instrument panel doesn't display error codes in the traditional sense, the codes will show if there's a low voltage or a bad connection someplace but they don't really mean anything useful.

This service bulletin shows the ground locations: Dropbox - Service Bulletin - XR model Ground check hb.pdf - Simplify your life

 

[TheSpoon]

Is the tractor where you can use jumper cables to another vehicle? If so, connect only the two negative cables and see if that makes a difference. If it does, you have a ground issue. When you mentioned that bypassing the start relay circuit didn't do anything it would lead me to believe it's not ignition switch related. On that tractor the instrument panel doesn't display error codes in the traditional sense, the codes will show if there's a low voltage or a bad connection someplace but they don't really mean anything useful.

This service bulletin shows the ground locations: Dropbox - Service Bulletin - XR model Ground check hb.pdf - Simplify your life

Thanks for the service bulletin, I was able to find the engine block ground. I don't see the 2nd chassis ground on my 4046 though (right rear of firewall). The tractor is at a place where i can connect the grounds, I just need to get a vehicle home now (my trucks at the dealer getting some work done). So I'll try that tonight.

That said, getting the engine ground disconnected and wire brushed and reattached, I'm back to the tractor appearing to work correctly when in first position, but when trying to start, getting clicking on about a 2 second interval.

The dealer I talked to when trying to bypass the relay was (my guess) a little busy at the time to walk me through it, so was pretty sure. To verify I did it correctly, in the attached picture, I just jumper the battery wire (red) with the post for the thin black wire correct?

 

[TheSpoon]

OK. So it turns out I was testing the solenoid correctly, because I tried it again today (after checking the engine block ground) and the tractor started. So, I have a bad starter. Trying to get a hold of a dealer now to get a new part ordered. Finally.

 

[Doofy]

OK. So it turns out I was testing the solenoid correctly, because I tried it again today (after checking the engine block ground) and the tractor started. So, I have a bad starter. Trying to get a hold of a dealer now to get a new part ordered. Finally.

I believe I would take the starter to a rebuilder for repair. Much cheaper.

 

[LouNY]

OK. So it turns out I was testing the solenoid correctly, because I tried it again today (after checking the engine block ground) and the tractor started. So, I have a bad starter. Trying to get a hold of a dealer now to get a new part ordered. Finally.

If you are saying that when you jumped it from the main battery lead on the solenoid "To verify I did it correctly, in the attached picture, I just jumper the battery wire (red) with the post for the thin black wire correct?" to the small connection on the solenoid and it cranked over and started, your starter and solenoid are fine.
It is in your switch or safeties.