GC1705 Intermittent Gage Issue

[Massey2019]

I have a 2019 GC1705, great tractor. Have one issue I haven't been able to figure out. First started with the temp gage not moving when running. It would sometimes work, then not. Then, the fuel gage did the same thing. Now, both have stopped working. Unit never runs hot and has plenty of fuel.
Steps I've done to resolve:
1. Removed and cleaned connectors and pins on each gage and added an electrical grease to prevent corrosion. There was non when I did this.
2. Checked all wires to the fuseblock and battery connections. No corrosion anywhere.
3. Checked all fuses, no corrosion and connections seem fine.
4. Wire to fuel tank is connected and no corrosion.

I'm thinking I have a ground issue someplace that I haven't found.

Unit is kept in a large shed and has 187 hours. Some loader work, mostly mowing grass, so taken care of better than my car.
Appreciate any pointers.

 

[WranglerX]

According to wiring diagram there is one single black wire that supplies most grounds for most dash functions... It s on the connector with 5 wires...

 

[Dmacleo]

may help

What have you done with/to your GC Series 2300, 2400, 1700 Tractor TODAY

MF or my dealer may be aware of the clip problem. My brand new mower has the clips on the inside.

www.tractorbynet.com

sensor not arrived yet. will update when arrives.
but for you...its a ground issue.clean your terminals.clean them well.

 

[Massey2019]

According to wiring diagram there is one single black wire that supplies most grounds for most dash functions... It s on the connector with 5 wires...

I will work on it today and check this out. In my early days, I used to wash the tractor after each use. Probably not a good idea for long term electrical issues. I will report what I find.
Thanks,

 

[Dmacleo]

fwiw...I run very older GC unit. when my fuel gauge pisses me off I slap it. kills 2 birds 1 stone. I get to slap some **** and crap starts working

 

[not2old]

fwiw...I run very older GC unit. when my fuel gauge pisses me off I slap it. kills 2 birds 1 stone. I get to slap some **** and crap starts working

I've been doing the same thing for years but recently it doesn't seem to work. Headlights and turn signals haven't been operation for mat least ten years. Why fix them when they aren't needed.

 

[Dmacleo]

I've been doing the same thing for years but recently it doesn't seem to work. Headlights and turn signals haven't been operation for mat least ten years. Why fix them when they aren't needed.

I do keep them running as I drive on a county often. basically they become an aim point for drivers

 

[Massey2019]

According to wiring diagram there is one single black wire that supplies most grounds for most dash functions... It s on the connector with 5 wires...

The connection for the temp has the black ground wire. I pulled and found no corrosion and the connector showed marks from sliding over the gage pins. So, took an OHM meter and checked continuity from that wire to the negative on the. battery and it showed 0.
I'm not an electrical person, but I think that meant the wire is good.

Also pulled and reinstalled the temp sensor wire. If that sensor is bad could that affect the entire circuit?

Suggestions appreciated.
Thanks,

 

[Dmacleo]

I can say for sure when temp sensor is bad (dealing with that presently) it does not affect fuel gauge, oil pressure light, tachometer on a newer GC electronic dash series.

 

[Massey2019]

I can say for sure when temp sensor is bad (dealing with that presently) it does not affect fuel gauge, oil pressure light, tachometer on a newer GC electronic dash series.

Appreciate that, will save $40. Will keep looking for the cause

 

[Dmacleo]

if you remove wire from sensor at engine you remove a path to ground. no more no less.
possible you have a bad dash unit, hope not that's pricey.

 

[Massey2019]

if you remove wire from sensor at engine you remove a path to ground. no more no less.
possible you have a bad dash unit, hope not that's pricey.

That might be painful. I will figure out the PN and call the dealer. Finding no wiring issues, I'm starting to wonder if the dash module is bad.

 

[Dmacleo]

well...if you smack it with back of hand and crap starts working...least you know you are on right track.

 

[not2old]

well...if you smack it with back of hand and crap starts working...least you know you are on right track.

Don't let my wife know that.

 

[Massey2019]

Don't let my wife know that.

Your secret is safe. I'll give it a smack to see if anything works but have a feeling it may get expensive..

 

[Massey2019]

well...if you smack it with back of hand and crap starts working...least you know you are on right track.

Well, I went out this morning and started it up. Thought "why not?" and gave the cluster a good whack. They both started working! So, the low tech approach got results.

 

[WranglerX]

Check the screws the hold the gauge unit to circuit board..... When mine was delivers the temp gauge did not work.... What do you know, loose screws securing gauge to circuit board.... IF you smack it and it starts working something is just loose....

 

[Massey2019]

Check the screws the hold the gauge unit to circuit board..... When mine was delivers the temp gauge did not work.... What do you know, loose screws securing gauge to circuit board.... IF you smack it and it starts working something is just loose....

I went and checked and all 6 screws were not tight! Each took about 1/4 turn. Started and everything seems fine.
Can't thank you enough. I wrongly assumed that they were tight and it was something else.
You saved me a big spend for a replacement instrument cluster.
Thanks!

 

[irvingj]

Doncha just love happy endings?

Glad you got it fixed!