5103 Starting Problem

[MattTheHat]

New member here, first post. I'm hoping to get some help running down a start problem on one of my 5103 tractors. The one in question is a 2004 model. It will not try to start (engine won't turn over). It ran when parked several months ago. I've read all kinds of posts about the cold start sensor blowing the 10 amp fuse. That's not the problem here. All fuses are okay. I have 12 volts at the battery, through the starter through the fuseable link, and to the ignition switch. The headlights work. The PTO is disengaged, and the transmission is in park.

I'm having a hard time following the service manual procedure from here. I see mention of bypass relays and bypass starting attempts. I don't understand what this means. I've swapped around a couple of the relays, but haven't tested any of them.

Any input on where to check next? Any help is truly appreciated.


-Matt

 

[Tx Jim]

Welcome to TBN
It's highly possible that the neutral start switch isn't making good contact. I don't know NS switches exact location but it should be on the top or side of trans case. One could check it's operation with a VOM.

 

[MattTheHat]

Thanks, Jim. I'll try to find it. I think it's near the base of the right hand gear selector lever. At least I seem to recall seeing it poking out from there in one of the service manual pictures.


-Matt

 

[MattTheHat]

In case anyone runs across my mention of bypass starting attempt, I'll share what I've learned in that regard. It appears the bypass relay is there to supply current for the fuel shut-off relay, which in turn supplies current to the fuel shut-off solenoid. This is all done so the tractor can be started by bypassing the normal start procedure (using the key) and started by shorting the S and B terminals on the starter solenoid. Without the bypass relay, the engine would turn over, but never start when "hot wired" in this manner because fuel would never flow (unless you also ran a jumper from the positive battery terminal to the fuel shut-off solenoid).

Of course, you want to make sure the tractor is not in gear when using this bypass starting method or it could start up and run over you!

I hope this info helps someone else trying to understand the service manual some day.


-Matt

 

[MattTheHat]

SOLVED

One of the smaller wires on the start relay had been chewed in two.


-Matt

 

[sisupower]

SOLVED

One of the smaller wires on the start relay had been chewed in two.


-Matt

Good deal man!!

 

[Spanner]

Find out what chewed the wire and deal to it - or it'll be back for a second helping of 'insulation smorgasbord'.

 

[MattTheHat]

Find out what chewed the wire and deal to it - or it'll be back for a second helping of 'insulation smorgasbord'.

That would almost certainly be this guy. Funny thing is he was very interested in watching me replace the rockshaft valve on this tractor and then install a new seat. For at least an hour he was all over the tractor watching me. As soon as I was finished and went to go get a .22 to dispatch him, he was nowhere to be found.



-Matt

 

[sisupower]

Little guy is everywhere!!!

 

[Zebrafive]

That would almost certainly be this guy. Funny thing is he was very interested in watching me replace the rockshaft valve on this tractor and then install a new seat. For at least an hour he was all over the tractor watching me. As soon as I was finished and went to go get a .22 to dispatch him, he was nowhere to be found.
View attachment 522892


-Matt

Get a cat or bait station (keeps bigger animals from eating the poison), not a .22 for a little mouse!

 

[beenthere]

Poison and traps are routine treatment where I store my tractors.. and back in the day when I had a wire chewing critter I sprayed the nest area (after cleaning it all out) with bleach to try and get rid of the mouse urine odor which seems to attract them back to their nest area.

 

[MattTheHat]

Get a cat or bait station (keeps bigger animals from eating the poison), not a .22 for a little mouse!

A cat wouldn't survive the bobcats, coyotes and mountain lions in the area. A bait station would work, eventually, but possibly not before he came back and finished the wiring off. A .22 loaded with rat shot is very effective, and quick.


-Matt

 

[ME.Mt.Top]

Just bought a 2008 JD 5103 couple of weeks ago, ordered tech manual but not here yet. Won't start or turn over and no indication of life when key is turned on. Battery is at 95%, battery connections are tight and fuse for switch is good. I'm lost as to where to go next. Please help.

 

[JD5210]

I have attached a diagram of the 5103 starting system. Hope this helps. Do you have an owners manual that tells you what fuses do what? Make sure all the safety switch items are addressed ie PTO off and in neutral or park.

 

[rScotty]

I'm going to be real curious to see if this is another case of rats chewing wiring.

 

[Stakerman75]

My 5103 will not start unless i move the shifter around... I'm thinking its the neutral safety switch??? Does anyone know the location of this?? Or think it could be something else??? Thanks for the help!!

 

[Tx Jim]

My 5103 will not start unless i move the shifter around... I'm thinking its the neutral safety switch??? Does anyone know the location of this?? Or think it could be something else??? Thanks for the help!!

Welcome to TBN
I'm not familiar with your model of tractor but I suggest for you to inspect trans case for a switch that resembles switch in photo below.