John Deere 165 Battery Charging

[BobOB]

I am having trouble keeping my battery charged. If I run it for a couple days, it starts right up. If it sits longer than a couple days, it needs a jump. I've replaced the battery each year for the past three years. What should I check?

 

[BobOB]

This is good advice, so I'll try that and see if that gives me a clue. I did find the service manual, and it was pretty vague. The system seems quite simple. I do see a common part listed on E-Bay (a voltage regulator). There doesn't seem to be much to this device. Do you know if these things go bad?

I really appreciate your assistance.

 

[swines]

If the tractor has an ignition safety switch under the seat to cut off the motor if you leave the seat - check that switch first. I had the same problem and it was a bad switch that allowed current to leak through the switch to ground.

 

[BobOB]

Thank you to all of you for your advice. Unfortunately, I can't find the problem, so I think its time to take it to the dealership. It could use a good going over anyway.

 

[rayikeo2]

What kind of battery are you replacing every year? Maybe you are not getting the "right" battery and it can not maintain your system. I have an LX279, the original battery lasted 10 years. It has always started even in the winter at 20 degrees clear up to the end. The yellow alternator light would come on for about 5 min at the end so I sprang for a new one. I just replaced it with a new John Deere Battery. Now here is the requirement for the battery. The cheap batteries that you get at farm stores and Walmarts are only about 225 Cold Cranking Amps. The john Deere battery is 500 Cold Cranking Amps, twice the power. You need it too because the electric PTO draws power while running. You may be running the battery down just because it is too small for the job. Check yours and post the CCA here. The JD Battery is really worth the difference. The retail for $89 to $109 and worth the money. If thats what you have then maybe the problem is in your machine instead of the battery, Ray

 

[BobOB]

When I purchased the tractor, the previous owner gave me a second battery because he was having problems. I'm wondering if in fact he used the wrong batteries. I'll have to check with the JD dealer. I've been looking on line for similar issues, and several still point to the voltage regulator. Sounds too simple to me??? At least I can jump start it. I can't seem to find anything that might be drawing the energy down either.

 

[BobOB]

Finally found the problem. No. 1, cheap battery. No. 2, starter with a flat spot. When the battery is low on juice, I need to jump it and if the starter is in the flat spot, I need to open the hood and manually turn the top of the engine to get it to catch. Sounds like its time for a new starter. I see a lot on E-Bay. Is there anything I should be concerned about since there are several vendors, with prices all over the board.

Thank all of you for your assistance.

 

[BobOB]

Finally found the problem. No. 1, cheap battery. No. 2, starter with a flat spot. When the battery is low on juice, I need to jump it and if the starter is in the flat spot, I need to open the hood and manually turn the top of the engine to get it to catch. Sounds like its time for a new starter. I see a lot on E-Bay. Is there anything I should be concerned about since there are several vendors, with prices all over the board.

Thank all of you for your assistance.