2003 TC30 Won't Start

[GregMiddleton]

Good day folks,

Blue wouldn't start for me today. I call her Blue on account of her color...lol!

Hope you don't mind me running this by you before I go down the part buying trail. I suspect it is the ignition switch but at $300 per unit want some more assurances before ordering. Am I missing anything in your opinion?

Thanks in advance for your help and interest!

This is what I've done.

1) Tested continuity between starter engage pin on switch with starter connector - Good.
2) Engaged glow plug. Illustrated good on dash.
3) Positioned key in run position. Illustrated good on dash.
4) tested voltage in run position, good. On glow plug position, good. When I move the key to start position, I LOSE VOLTAGE.
5) the seat safety switch is disconnected and shorted out to make a closed circuit. Been this way for years.

Also it appears this switch part number is dependent on the PIN of the tractor. I have looked on the tractor and online for the PIN but can't find it. If anyone knows of this please pass it along.

Thanks again and cheers, Greg.

 

[TractorDale]

Maybe I missed it in your description- does the motor turn over when you try to start it or nothing happens?

 

[WM75Guy]

Sounds like the common problem for the TC series, internal corrosion between the battery cables and the terminals. It allows voltage to pass so everything looks good until you put a load on it, then no amps will pass. You can use a set of jumper cables to test it. Connect them to where the cables connect. Or just replace the cables. Usually you can match them up at the auto parts store, the NH cables are quite spendy.

 

[nyone]

Dont throw parts at it. Test things like you have been.

There may be a clutch switch and PTO switch. You could try to jump power to the starter to see if the starter is working. Then jump power to the start side of the ignition switch.

 

[toot77]

The PIN can be found on the left side of the transmission casting down under the left side foot plate.

Where are you measuring the voltage at? Voltage measured at the battery and dropping to near zero when engaging the starter, sounds more like a battery issue to me. My second guess would be a starter problem. I know ignition switches have a history of failing, but I would not expect a bad switch to cause battery voltage to drop. But it is always a good idea, and doesn't cost anything, to check and clean all connections first.

 

[GregMiddleton]

Maybe I missed it in your description- does the motor turn over when you try to start it or nothing happens?

Nothing happens.... not a click or anything, however the glow plugs heat up and turn off.

 

[GregMiddleton]

The PIN can be found on the left side of the transmission casting down under the left side foot plate.

Where are you measuring the voltage at? Voltage measured at the battery and dropping to near zero when engaging the starter, sounds more like a battery issue to me. My second guess would be a starter problem. I know ignition switches have a history of failing, but I would not expect a bad switch to cause battery voltage to drop. But it is always a good idea, and doesn't cost anything, to check and clean all connections first.

Thanks for this. Measured the voltage at the switch and at the 1st connector and at the starter. The voltage didn't drop to zero when I engaged the glow plugs not that they draw much.

Connections have been cleaned, but will check battery more closely. However, when i did a continuity test from the switch to the female side of the connector to the wiring harness, I was getting inconsistent results. So going to replace that connector 1st.

The thing is I was able to start blue one moment, then the next it would not. And when I started it up it fired up no problem like it normally does.

Are you aware of a way to simply test the switch while disconnected.

Thanks again and cheers,

 

[GregMiddleton]

Sounds like the common problem for the TC series, internal corrosion between the battery cables and the terminals. It allows voltage to pass so everything looks good until you put a load on it, then no amps will pass. You can use a set of jumper cables to test it. Connect them to where the cables connect. Or just replace the cables. Usually you can match them up at the auto parts store, the NH cables are quite spendy.

Thanks for this.... will give it a shot and let you know how I make out.

 

[GregMiddleton]

Dont throw parts at it. Test things like you have been.

There may be a clutch switch and PTO switch. You could try to jump power to the starter to see if the starter is working. Then jump power to the start side of the ignition switch.

Thought about hot wiring it, which I think is what you are suggesting. Is it as simple as putting 12v to the starter wire at the switch? Don't want to fry anything..... lol.....

I will check those switches and advise.

Thanks and cheers,

 

[GregMiddleton]

Thanks to all that answered.
As it turns out it was the starter ground wire. Last thing I checked of course.
Was initially convinced it was the ignition switch because of the weird readings I got plus i have had a problem with it spinning, causing the wires to strain...... thought I f'd it up. But it is fine.
Thanks again and cheers.