JD 4120 needs help

[Lockportfarmer]

I have a JD 4120 with 415 hours on it.
Because of the early snow storm, I needed to clean a driveway for a load of logs to be delivered.
Went out to the barn, turned the key, and some lights came on for a second, then nothing. No lights, nothing.
I checked the battery, its fine.
I checked all fuses, and again all are good.
The reading I've done suggests possibly a fusible link, but have no idea where to find or test it.
Any help will be appreciated.

Mark

 

[M5farms]

check the key switch. With everything in neutral brakes locked and all safety precautions adhered too short the starter and if it cranks it will probably be the key switch.

 

[Lockportfarmer]

I will give that a try.......

 

[M5farms]

LPF , I misread your model number I had 4020 (older tractor) in my mind when I made a suggestion. it appears your have a newer tractor and I'm not sure if the method I described will work on those. your is more electronic than what I work with.

 

[jimmysisson]

First thing always is to remove and brighten both ends if both battery cables. Reassemble with Vaseline to reduce future corrosion.
Any troubles like this before? How do you know batt is good? How old is it?
Jim

 

[toolbox5]

Try your hot cable on the battery there has been some issues with the cables . I had to cut the battery end off and replace it then it fired right up . Ground cable is another good place to start . Good luck

 

[Lockportfarmer]

First thing always is to remove and brighten both ends if both battery cables. Reassemble with Vaseline to reduce future corrosion.
Any troubles like this before? How do you know batt is good? How old is it?
Jim

Jim, I have an industrial battery tester. The battery is about 2 years old.
I have power (12V) between the starter and chassis ground.
Never had any issues with the tractor before now.
I will clean and remount the battery cables.

Thanks for your help.
Mark

 

[jimmysisson]

Not sure if this would work but could you rig the battery tester up at the starter end of the pos cable? Neg clamp to known good ground. Load the tester and see if the cables are good? I never tried that but it might read the cables or see if you get a different reading from testing the battery alone. Hmmm
Jim

 

[Lockportfarmer]

OK, spent the day yesterday in the barn on the tractor. Mainly because it was above freezing!
I disconnect the battery, all the grounds, and pulled out the
fuse box, re-tested all the fuses, and pulled out the ignition switch. Cleaned burnished and sprayed everything with WD40. I reassembled the whole mess, and wa-laa it started. The only problem is that with all I did I don't really know the root cause.
Just want to say thank you to all who offered help. I will keep this web page handy for future issues. I have restored a few old Fords and found that to be fairly easy and rewarding. But these new tractors are something else. And I will not waste my time in the future calling the JD dealer ship for any help. I will just come back here. Thanks again,
Mark

 

[jimmysisson]

Glad to hear its running but you are right you'd rather know why. Oh well, at least you can work.
Jim