Glow plugs come on at random times

   / Glow plugs come on at random times #1  

SteveInMD

Platinum Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2003
Messages
584
Location
Brookeville, MD
Tractor
TC33D
My glow plugs seems to be turning on at random times while I'm driving my tractor. Does anyone know the fix for this?

Thanks...
 
   / Glow plugs come on at random times #2  
Check your ignition switch, when starting the tractor, the key is not returning to the on postion by itself. By turning it back manually to this postion, the glow plugs will not seem to come on during operation.

Had this happen to my 1630 this summer after about 500 hours and this was my cure, do not know if the switch is dirty or needs to be replaced.
 
   / Glow plugs come on at random times #3  
If you are using a key with a rubber shield, get rid of the shield. There is a real metal key under it. That key was introduced on the Class III's and is okay there, but on the new Class II's with that key/switch the rubber doesn't allow the key to return completely to 'run' from 'start'. All manner of wierd stuff happens.
 
   / Glow plugs come on at random times
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Okay, I'll check into that. I've had the rubber thing make the key stick so the starter keeps running, but I didn't realize it may be sticking without the starting cranking.

Thanks...
 
   / Glow plugs come on at random times #5  
I've had this happen to mine too lately.. I just jiggle the key to the left some.. I was thinking the switch needs a shot of WD40.
 
   / Glow plugs come on at random times
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Thanks for posts, but I checked and I'm not using the key with the rubber piece on it. The seems to return the 'run' position just fine.

Anyone else got a guess on this one?
 
   / Glow plugs come on at random times #7  
Mine comes on occasionally, enough that I got out the service manual and skimmed the trouble shooting a couple months ago. I suspect the glowplug timer or solenoid in mine (TC40D). I don't use my rubber key either and am sure the switch returns to the run position. It hasn't happened with enough frequency and duration to bug me, but I do want to get it fixed before the powertrain warranty expires next April.

Mark
 
   / Glow plugs come on at random times #8  
How good are you at reading electrical schematics?

I'm guessing 1 of 2 things is wrong:

switch is sending a "false positive" (closing the circuit = on) to the glow plug solenoid or the solenoid is malfunctioning to closed (on) when it should be open (off).

Check the terminal on the switch that goes towards the glow plug solenoid for voltage or follow the wire to the solenoid and check there. When you are in the "run" postion, you shouldn't get any. Wiggle the key around a little, also wiggle the wires around a little to see if you get +12V at the switch.

That ought to eliminate the switch as the culprit.

To check the solenoid, I'd remove it and cycle it a few times to see if it is returning to "normally open". There might be a resistance check or something else you could do (not sure).

I don't have your schematic in front of me, so my advice could be wrong... Good luck.
 

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