All winter my tractor would start, now that it's warmer weather the battery is weak and won't start my tractor without putting my charger on it, I was wondering if it could be my alternator. When battery is new it starts perfectly but over time I have to flip my switch back and forth then it finally turns over runs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Comparison Ym220d battery goes dead and it's a new battery
- Thread starter outlaw79
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George2615
Super Member
First of all, Welcome to TBN............
If its a new battery then start with the basics. Get a volt meter and measure battery voltage with tractor running. It should read at least 13.6-14.5 volts. If not the alternator may not be charging. If it is charging then something is draining the battery while it is parked.
To check for battery drain I disconnect the negative battery post and connect the volt meter between the post and the disconnected terminal. If you get a reading start pulling fuses one at a time until the voltage reading goes away. That will be the circuit draining the battery.
If flipping the ignition switch back and forth eventually lets it start you may need a new switch.
If its a new battery then start with the basics. Get a volt meter and measure battery voltage with tractor running. It should read at least 13.6-14.5 volts. If not the alternator may not be charging. If it is charging then something is draining the battery while it is parked.
To check for battery drain I disconnect the negative battery post and connect the volt meter between the post and the disconnected terminal. If you get a reading start pulling fuses one at a time until the voltage reading goes away. That will be the circuit draining the battery.
If flipping the ignition switch back and forth eventually lets it start you may need a new switch.
the switch is new also, but I'll try unhooking the battery cable and testing, it may be something else pulling down but definitely try this, thanks
TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark
Veteran Member
Also check the charging voltage, as mentioned.
kenmac
Super Member
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- McCormick CX105 Kubota MX 5100 HST, Kubota ZD1021, Kawsaki Mule 4010 trans 4x4
batteries go bad. Most auto parts places will load check your battery free
CADplans
Elite Member
Remove one battery terminal.
Place a lightbulb between the cable, and the terminal.
The light bulb should not illuminate.
If it does light up, there is an issue.
Place a lightbulb between the cable, and the terminal.
The light bulb should not illuminate.
If it does light up, there is an issue.
runningbird
Gold Member
one of our tractor batteries went bad last year. put a new on it and would not hold a charge. stupid me changed everything else. lucky not expensive. long story short. the new battery we bought was bad. check the battery