CS2210 won't start

[dbizzzy]

I have a CS2210 with about 110 hours on it. A couple weeks ago, I started having problems getting the tractor started. I figured it was the battery as I can always get it started off a jump. However, we had the battery tested twice and it came back good each time. I can run the tractor for 2 hours, but as soon as I turn it off, it won't turn back on without a jump.

I'm not the most mechanical person, but I'm trying to get to know the tractor. Any thoughts on what my problem may be?

 

[Kioti Paul]

Maybe your alternator is not charging adequately?? When you took the battery in to be checked, did the shop have to charge it first? Did it start OK right after being tested, then gradually require being jumped? Maybe as simple as a loose fan belt.

Also, make SURE your battery connections are CLEAN (shiny) and TIGHT.

Good Luck!

 

[dbizzzy]

Maybe your alternator is not charging adequately?? When you took the battery in to be checked, did the shop have to charge it first? Did it start OK right after being tested, then gradually require being jumped? Maybe as simple as a loose fan belt.

Also, make SURE your battery connections are CLEAN (shiny) and TIGHT.

Good Luck!

I don't think they had to charge it....when I came back, I still had to use a jump. Then again, I'm not sure if I tried to start it before a jump when I put it back on. The terminals didn't look too bad, but I'll clean them off and tighten everything up today. Any advice on tightening the fan belt? Like I mentioned in my last post, I'm kind of learning as I go here. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Kioti Paul]

To check belt tension put your thumb on the belt 1/2 way between two pulleys, it should take about 8 to 10 pounds of pressure to push the belt down about 1/2 inch. Also, you can push on the radiator fan in the opposite direction of normal rotation; it should take about 8 to 10 lbs of pressure to make the belt slip on the pulley. (The direction you push on the fan usually doesn't make any discernible difference)

Your symptoms really sound to me like a bad battery...but not being there, it is very hard (at least for me) to accurately diagnose your problem.

 

[Ranchofla]

I have a CS2210 with about 110 hours on it. A couple weeks ago, I started having problems getting the tractor started. I figured it was the battery as I can always get it started off a jump. However, we had the battery tested twice and it came back good each time. I can run the tractor for 2 hours, but as soon as I turn it off, it won't turn back on without a jump.

I'm not the most mechanical person, but I'm trying to get to know the tractor. Any thoughts on what my problem may be?

You might want to check the ground cable where it attaches to the tractor to make sure it is clean and there have been times where the cables (both positive and negative) have failed inside the connectors, so next time you try to start it run your jumper cables from the battery to the starter and the negative side to a good ground location and see if it starts. That may lead you to which one of the cables is week or maybe has a break in it.

Rancho
CK20

 

[dbizzzy]

To check belt tension put your thumb on the belt 1/2 way between two pulleys, it should take about 8 to 10 pounds of pressure to push the belt down about 1/2 inch. Also, you can push on the radiator fan in the opposite direction of normal rotation; it should take about 8 to 10 lbs of pressure to make the belt slip on the pulley. (The direction you push on the fan usually doesn't make any discernible difference)

Your symptoms really sound to me like a bad battery...but not being there, it is very hard (at least for me) to accurately diagnose your problem.

Thanks for the information. At this point, I'm at a bit of a loss. After cleaning everything and reattaching the battery, the tractor started up. When I tried it again about an hour later...nothing. Got off the tractor, fooled around with some cables, got back on and it started. Then, it worked the rest of the day (had a lot of mowing to do yesterday). The belt had good tension and the battery appears to not be loosing power. Part of me wonders if it is the seat sensor.

 

[dbizzzy]

You might want to check the ground cable where it attaches to the tractor to make sure it is clean and there have been times where the cables (both positive and negative) have failed inside the connectors, so next time you try to start it run your jumper cables from the battery to the starter and the negative side to a good ground location and see if it starts. That may lead you to which one of the cables is week or maybe has a break in it.

Rancho
CK20

Ok, thanks. I will check the ground. I mentioned it above, but it seems that the battery is retaining power but whether or not it starts varies. When it starts, it starts right up and no issues.....when it doesn't, it behaves as if the battery is dead. However, yesterday I was able to start it 10 minutes later without a jump. Then, it worked the rest of the day. So odd...

 

[grsthegreat]

That sounds like loose battery cables to me. The reason it starts when jumped is because your bypassing the batteries connection. Can you twist the battery cable at the battery post at all. A good way to test this is to have someone try to start it while you twist the battery cables on the battery.

 

[Ranchofla]

Ok, thanks. I will check the ground. I mentioned it above, but it seems that the battery is retaining power but whether or not it starts varies. When it starts, it starts right up and no issues.....when it doesn't, it behaves as if the battery is dead. However, yesterday I was able to start it 10 minutes later without a jump. Then, it worked the rest of the day. So odd...

The other part to this is in your previous reply "Got off the tractor, fooled around with some cables, got back on and it started." Which cables did you fool with the ground cable and the positive cable? If you moved both around then next time the issue occurs move only one of them around and see if it start, should lead you to which cable has the issue. If you search the forum you will find a number of threads where the cable was the issue ( I had to replace the ground cable on my tractor dues to a no start issue).

Rancho
CK20 HST

 

[Threepoint]

Although it's less likely, dirty ignition switch contacts can cause intermittent starting problems like this. When you jump a battery that's not at peak power, you might be increasing the voltage just enough to compensate for the poor connection. I'd try spraying some CRC contact cleaner, Fluid Film, or WD-40 into the key opening using the straw. Work the key back and forth.