GT 2542 Schematic

[vtcress]

The attached files (GT 2542 Schematic and a Word file description) are an attempt to understand the electrical controls and safety switches of the GT 2542 (2006) tractor. Any comments or corrections or questions are appreciated. My only comment for any CC designer would be to separate the Delta display power line from battery voltage into 2 inputs; one from the battery and one from alternator power; the latter to power the Running Time meter. Currently the RTM is powered only from the battery, thus leaving the key inadvertently “ON” without the engine running, continues to advance the meter. It does not take but a little over 2 days of being left on to use up 1 year’s worth of warrantee. The most interesting observation was that the PTO Relay remains un-activated until an issue arises that requires the PTO Clutch to be automatically disengaged, such as cutting in reverse when not properly overridden or a missing operator. Many thanks to Ken for supplying the schematic.
Charlie in VT

 

[CubUser]

I have a new Cub Cadet and mowed my 3-acre lot 6 times so far this season with it and the hour meter shows 0.4 hours - that ain't right, it takes about an hour to mow it each time so it should have around 6 hours on it and maybe as many as 8 since I used it a couple of times to haul around some stuff around the property. I'll admit I never payed much attention to the meter until just the other day when I discovered the hour reading so low. That's when I did some troubleshooting and what I found out is that if you turn the key to fast to the start position (basically, before the hour meter has a chance to finish its "X888.8" self test) it doesn't register the time. The only time I can remember looking at the hour meter was the first day I got it, I turned the key and watched as the display showed the voltage and then 0.0 for the hours - I then started it and drove it around for about 20 minutes getting used to it and trying it out - that's probably the only time the meter correctly registered. I thought I had a problem with my hour meter, and I may still do (does anyone else's meter act like that?), but at least now I can replicate the problem each and every time. So right now I have the key "on" with the meter running and an egg timer set so that I don't forget to turn it off when it gets to 8-hours!

 

[vtcress]

My hours comments relate to the GT2542 produced 2 years ago and may well be different on todays versions. My only point at that time was the hour meter kept running when the engine was not and therefore added time to the meter. The warranty for my tractor at that time was 3yrs or 150 hours whichever came first. Left the key on for 2 days and racked up an extra 50 hours or 1 years allocation. (Solution- disconnect the meter for 1 year). I would therefore not be adding time to the meter just to keep it up to date. Not sure if its appropriate to your case.

What is remarkable is that when your email showed up I have not been on the site for about 1 year, and the other day I had a ignition switch failure and had to review the schematic and its description I posted back then. I discovered in troubleshooting the problem,that the seat switch is shown with both contacts NO (normally open) with operator present but in fact I believe one of the two is closed while the other is open. I will re-confirm that later. The switch failure was caused by some bug packing the key hole with dirt. Guess I need to cover it with a piece of tape!

charlie

 

[moe1942]

Charlie please PM me with the plan if you figure out how to do it. I also tried right after I got my 2542 and looking at the schematic it looked like that both contacts were open with driver in seat. Something else going on there.

 

[vtcress]

Just installed the replacement switch (P/N 925-04227B) and the reverse cut is no longer energized. It does not require or use the reverse cut function. I'm sure this is not by design but I like it, as I always need the reverse cut. Its nice to not have to push the button and turn the key each time you get off the tractor.
charlie

 

[vtcress]

Woops, sorry, sloppy mechanic.... the RMC connector was not fully inserted. The good or bad part of it (depending on your view) is that if not connected, it defeats the reverse cut protection..charlie

 

[vtcress]

Just to keep all the info together for this thread, I am listing the patent info that contains the writeup and schematic for the RMC module. If interested you can download it. just put the patent number in Google and sign in to the patent office to get the schematic or just read the info there. I have not look at the schematic but there are ways to keep a voltage on the ground side of a relay to keep it from actuating and then removing it to actuate the relay. This may be the technique they are using to switch the PTO relay.
charlie in vt
US Patent 6437458 - Engine control circuit for a lawn tractor

 

[moe1942]

VTcress I can't thank you enough. I pulled that connector on the RMC and life is good. Worked just like you said.

There are no young ones in sight at any time so it's just me and my tractor that I can get off and not kill the PTO. Should add many hours to the PTO and belt.

The downside is I now have no excuse for not picking up debris instead of just mowing over it..

 

[magicalj]

Just be careful climbing off the tractor. I have a LT2180 with both the seat switch disconnected and the reverse mower cutout disconnected. I stepped off it to pick something up, and accidentally stepped on the reverse pedal and about ran myself over. So just becareful where you step.