2006 TC30 Electrical issues PTO light

[TC 30]

I have searched through here for an answer and although I have seen similiar issues, none have posted what resolved it. It started with the tractor beeping randomly while at rest and not running. I did all of the normal checks, switch was off, in neutral, brake set, no blown fuses, cleaned all battery cable connections. I couldnt figure it out so I finally just disconnected the beeper.

Used it for several months and then noticed I had to cycle the switch a couple of times to get the starter to engage (not every time tho and only on the first start of the day.) Then, a few days ago I went to start it and the PTO light would come on each time the key was turned to start (no PTO light with it in ON) SO to trouble shoot, I unplugged the PTO switch and installed a jumper. Started right up and I planned to order a PTO safety switch and figured that was my problem so I continued to use it for awhile with no problems. THEN, it did the same thing, PTO light on when trying to start with it still jumpered. Read every blog I could find, someone suggested load testing the battery which I did and it failed even tho it always showed 12.5 volts at rest. Changed the battery and it seemed to fix it, removed the PTO switch jumper and it was all good for a few hours of operatin and multiple starts. Went to start it last night and I am back to the same thing - Wont start at all, jumpered the PTO wires again just to try it and it started and ran for a couple of minutes and died. Ive tried tried everything but throwing very expensive parts at it (the safety controler is $400) Very frustrating and I'm seriously considering getting rid of it and cut my losses, been fighting this gripe for over a year on and off.

Any other suggestions? I may try a NAPA ignition switch as suggested on here, but I wish I could narrow something down as I dont see how the switch could cause the PTO light to come on. Sorry for the long story hope I provided enough info.

 

[Zebrafive]

Does it have a sensor to tell PTO speed on the dash? (my JD 6415 does) Or a sensor to tell you the PTO is running/engaged? I wonder what, turns the PTO light "on", and if it has failed???

 

[TC 30]

The PTO safety switch turns the light on. I was able to start it after unplugging it and putting in a jumper wire. But the light still comes on intermittantly with them jumpered, (I put a jumper in each PTO switch) If the PTO light is on, it will not start. If it is running and the PTO light comes on and you are not in the seat, it dies. No sensor for PTO speed, just an icon on the tach for 540.

 

[FredH]

Although I have a TC30 , mine is a 2003 and other than the usual safety lock outs , neutral , brake , seat , I have no dash indicator lights like that . In reading this , Glad I never upgraded to newer . That would drive me insane . Wishing you the best of luck in finding this issue .

Fred H.

 

[HarryVanderpool]

Get the wiring diagram, volt / ohm meter and trace it out.
Fun stuff!

 

[Alan W.]

I have searched through here for an answer and although I have seen similiar issues, none have posted what resolved it. It started with the tractor beeping randomly while at rest and not running. I did all of the normal checks, switch was off, in neutral, brake set, no blown fuses, cleaned all battery cable connections. I couldnt figure it out so I finally just disconnected the beeper.

Used it for several months and then noticed I had to cycle the switch a couple of times to get the starter to engage (not every time tho and only on the first start of the day.) Then, a few days ago I went to start it and the PTO light would come on each time the key was turned to start (no PTO light with it in ON) SO to trouble shoot, I unplugged the PTO switch and installed a jumper. Started right up and I planned to order a PTO safety switch and figured that was my problem so I continued to use it for awhile with no problems. THEN, it did the same thing, PTO light on when trying to start with it still jumpered. Read every blog I could find, someone suggested load testing the battery which I did and it failed even tho it always showed 12.5 volts at rest. Changed the battery and it seemed to fix it, removed the PTO switch jumper and it was all good for a few hours of operatin and multiple starts. Went to start it last night and I am back to the same thing - Wont start at all, jumpered the PTO wires again just to try it and it started and ran for a couple of minutes and died. Ive tried tried everything but throwing very expensive parts at it (the safety controler is $400) Very frustrating and I'm seriously considering getting rid of it and cut my losses, been fighting this gripe for over a year on and off.

Any other suggestions? I may try a NAPA ignition switch as suggested on here, but I wish I could narrow something down as I dont see how the switch could cause the PTO light to come on. Sorry for the long story hope I provided enough info.

Sounds like the controller. BIL had an Exmark I worked on for him that went crazy like your tractor. I traced it down to the controller. There was a specific test to check it to verify that it was indeed bad. Im sure there is a test to verify the status of your controller. I searched online till I found the procedeure to test his. Good luck.

 

[TC 30]

The wiring diagram in the manual is pretty much worthless, the wire color codes in the schematic dont match what is in the tractor

 

[TC 30]

Sounds like the controller. BIL had an Exmark I worked on for him that went crazy like your tractor. I traced it down to the controller. There was a specific test to check it to verify that it was indeed bad. Im sure there is a test to verify the status of your controller. I searched online till I found the procedeure to test his. Good luck.

Alan, I have not been able to find a way to check the controller, do you recall how this was done?

 

[Zebrafive]

OK, since no sensor for PTO rotation/speed, I am thinking controller too. Have you priced it??

 

[Alan W.]

TC 30 due to my lack of tech savy I cant post a link but there was a similar thread in 2017 started by ksshooter, and another member duckfarmer27 said he tested his by the manual. You can search this. I would get a work shop manual or see if the dealer will give you the test procedure.