jump wires to start GC2300?

44trxfun · Dec 16, 2005

Hey folks,

Why does everything go wrong on the weekend? Maybe to teach me new stuff. Here's the deal:

Ran tractor today--no problems. Went to start it tonight. Hit the glow plugs for usual time. Nothing. Lights work, but nothing on the starter. Will not crank at all. Checked PTO and seat safety switch, everything seems to be in order. Will check fuses.

I have run into this before (late last winter). Tractor was still under warranty so dealer picked up and repaired at no charge. I THOUGHT they replaced the PTO switch, but I can't remember for sure and I don't have the paperwork.

We have a lake effect snow warning in effect and I need my tractor running, even if I have to cob it together. The tech that picked up my tractor last time used a jump wire to get it going. I'm not real handy with electrical stuff, but I'm willing to learn. I have the wiring diagram in the manual to follow. Can someone walk me through the procedure to get it running, at least to get me through the worst of the storm?

Also, can I buy the jump wire at an auto parts store? Is there any particular setup I need? I am searching the archives 'cuz I know I've seen this addressed here, but it takes a long time to go through 'em so I thought I'd ask while I'm not too desperate!

Thanks in advance for your help!

JerryG · Dec 16, 2005

I don't know on a hydro, but with the seat switch all you have to do is pull the plug off and stick the end of a wire in each hole. If it is that it will work.

44trxfun · Dec 16, 2005

Thanks Jerry. I will give that a try, but I'm pretty suspicious of the PTO switch gone out again. The tech that started it used the jump wire at that location, but he did it real fast. I didn't get a good look at what he did. I think he was reluctant to show me...

JerryG · Dec 16, 2005

Is your pto switch a toggle or a twist knob?

44trxfun · Dec 16, 2005

toggle. there's a main switch and two "subswitches", one for mid, the other for rear pto. I think it may be (and of course I don't know this) the main switch that's the culprit.

JerryG · Dec 16, 2005

I think that I have a break down on both types of main switches. I will try to find it for the toggle after while.

44trxfun · Dec 16, 2005

Thanks Jerry.

Just to be sure we're talking the same thing, the PTO controls are pictured on the left side of the operators platform in this image GC2300 operators platform (you might need your glasses!). The yellow lever closest to the operator is the main PTO "toggle". I assume that's what you're asking about? Thanks for helping out!

JerryG · Dec 16, 2005

Is it an electrical toggle or one of this in the attachment that you are referring to?

JerryG · Dec 16, 2005

If the switch is on one of the levers in the picture that I posted, then it would jump like the seat switch.

44trxfun · Dec 16, 2005

( Is it an electrical toggle or one of this in the attachment that you are referring to? )

The latter.

I just found the thread I swore I remembered: bx23 won't start I'm scouring it for ideas. How do you do this paper clip starting business tha's referred to in the thread? At this point, I'm desperate.

JerryG · Dec 16, 2005

Junk was using a paper clip the same way that I would use a short piece of electrical wire. Strip about a half inch of wire off of each end. Unplug the connector that is on the pto lever. It should have two female electrical ends in the connector that you unplugged. Stick one end of the wire in each female connector. See if it starts. If it don't, replug it and try the same thing on the seat switch.

44trxfun · Dec 16, 2005

I'll give it a try and check back in later. Thanks a lot for your help!

44trxfun · Dec 16, 2005

( Unplug the connector that is on the pto lever. )

Jerry, there is no single connector, per se. The attached picture shows the wires from the PTO switch (toggle). Where would the jump wire attach to this connection? Thanks...I appreciate your patience!

67PLY · Dec 16, 2005

Last weekend I was out cleaning off the driveway. The tractor (seat) was still very cold - the engine had warmed up for 15 minutes. Started to drive a little and was cutting out. After a while the seat foam warm up and it ran just fine. Should the seat switch be that sensitive??

JerryG · Dec 16, 2005

The green and the yellow goes to the same switch don't they? If they do that would be the ones. I thought that they had changed them to a single plug, but I see now that they haven't.

44trxfun · Dec 16, 2005

Yes, the green and yellow both go to the PTO switch. If you look closely, the bottom wire has a green wire coming in, then yellow up to the switch. It doesn't show in the picture, but the top wire has white coming in, then green up to the switch. Forgive my lack of knowledge, but where specifically should the jump wire go (between what and what)?

44trxfun · Dec 16, 2005

Hey 67! I have not experienced any cutting out, regardless of temperature, and we've had some cold, windy weather here the last few winters. Is your fuel treated? Two winters ago, based on recommendations here, I started using Power Service, have never had a problem.

JerryG · Dec 16, 2005

Unplug both wires. Then stick the wire you made into the ends on the tractor side.

44trxfun · Dec 16, 2005

Stay tuned. Thank you.

44trxfun · Dec 16, 2005

Well, it appears the problem is not with the PTO switch. Bypassing the switch as you suggested has no effect. I didn't try bypassing the seat because I don't have to be seated to start the tractor, although it will shut off if I get off the tractor without putting it in neutral.

So I'm left to believe that it's the neutral / hi / lo range selector switch at fault. Now that I do a little digging, THAT is the switch that went out before. Now it does have a knarly, almost unreachable connector on it. I assume it's the same gig as before to try to bypass it?

On the bright side, even though the county has a lake effect snow warning posted, we're only predicted to get up to an inch of new snow tonight. I guess most of it's slated for the northern part of the county. Maybe, just maybe, I'm living right!