Glow Plug Click Click Click

[lakngulf]

So far everything has been ok, tractor has started, but I am a little worried about the process. When I turn on the key to my CK30 I hear click, click, click and it takes a few seconds for the Glow Plug light to come on. Yesterday was longer than any other time. The light come on, goes out, and the tractor has started fine each time.

But I am worried about the click and the delay of the light coming on. Do I have a problem in the making?

 

[CanuckGT]

I have the same tractor, seems they are very particular about their power source, clean battery posts and terminals,clean your ground connection to your tractor as well as cable/post ends.Make sure your battery is in good condition and this should solve your clicking issue,it did mine!

 

[Notlaker]

I had exactly same problem. I found the third relay to the right when facing back of tractor was clicking on and off. Cleaned the contacts on that relay and problem went away.

 

[TJP89]

On my tractor when I turn the key to preheat, there's a click and then after a few seconds the light comes on, has done this since the beginning. You may have the beginnings of a problem, but I would just check the wiring (good idea anyway) and listen to make sure nothing else is going on too.

 

[Tractor Tom]

Same here, Key on Click, and preheat light on at the same time. CK35H

 

[lakngulf]

Same here, Key on Click, and preheat light on at the same time. CK35H

If I am remembering correctly my light used to come on a lot quicker. In other words, I agree that the click has always been there just before or as the light comes on. It just seems like more clicks now, and the light takes longer to come on.

 

[Notlaker]

Just to explain in more detail the similar problem I was having.
If I turn the key right past the glow plug mode and go to start, the tractor cranks and of course is hard to start because I bypassed the glow plug stage.
If I just place it in the glow plug position then the glow plug relay clicks, the lights go dim, the glow plug relay unclicks, the lights go bright again, the glow plug relay clicks, the lights go dim, the glow plug relay unclicks etc. etc. etc.
The speed at which this happens eventually slows down and then the glow plug light stays on and all is normal.
If I stop to tractor and restart, everything is good until next time I leave the tractor for a long time standing.
This used to go on for some time until I diagnosed it by placing my hand on the different relays to feel which one was clicking. It was the larger of the relays (glow plug relay) that was clicking continuously on and off. I wiggled the contacts on this relay and all worked ok for several weeks until the program re-occurred. I wiggled the contacts again more aggressively and it worked again flawlessly for several weeks and then it came back. I will probably ask my dealer to replace that relay in the future.
Hopefully this helps with your problem.

 

[ritcheyvs]

I don't think the glow relay is the actual problem. You are likely moving other wires when you jiggle that connector. I've ruled out battery and battery cables because it always cranks OK. I also doubt it is a ground problem because it effects the lights and the glow plugs, which have separate ground paths. This acts as if there is a poor (high resistance) in the 12v battery feed between the starter and the key switch. Here's what I think is happening: key to ON and all looks normal because those loads draw little current; key to glow and the glow relay closes sending 30+ amps to the glow plugs which is enough to pull down the voltage to the point the lights dim and the glow relay opens; after the glow current stops the voltage comes back up and the cycle repeats.

I recommend you check the wiring harness between the big starter terminal and the key switch. Especially check for corrosion on the 60 amp fuse buried in the wiring harness by the starter.

 

[VictorW]

By wiggling the connector/contacts and it works, you could have one of two problems. Either the connection to the relay is corroded or the wiggling moves the spade contacts on the relay and this does something inside of the relay. That relay should stay closed for 8 seconds and then open. You wouldn't be the first one who has had to change that relay.

 

[PILOON]

Sounds like your ignition switch may be going bonkers. Seems common but the cure is simple and actually should be considered a maintenance item.
Quite simple.
A spray can of WD-40, using the plastic tube spray WD40 into the key slot and actuate the switch a few times.

The lock manufacturers use a dielectric grease that dries up over time and prevents the spring action that makes good contact.
WD40 cures that and rejuvenates the lube.
WD40 is non corrosive so there is no problem using it.