L2900, no lights, won't start, won't turn

[jdubrow]

Hi,

I've been having some electrical issues with my L2900. The past few times I've had to start the tractor the starter would turn, but wouldn't turn over the engine. I usually have had to put a battery charger on it to charge the battery (it generally starts at 60-80%; it's either the alternator was loose on the belt which I just fixed or a dying ground wire, on my todo-list.). Once it's above 85% no problem starting. Well I tried starting it the yesterday and wouldn't start. I charged it then tried to start it and none of the dash lights would turn on. Tried jumping the ground wire as I have in the past. Nothing. No dash lights. I pulled the 40amp engine fuse and the 6 fuses in the cab area. All worked. I checked power at the engine fuse to chassis: worked. It was getting dark last night so I went inside to work on it this morning.

I turned the key for giggles this morning and the lights came up, but the starter wouldn't start and just had a whizzing sound then the lights went off and they wouldn't come on again. I then decided I should take the dash off and try to figure out where power goes or doesn't go and debug from there, but couldn't figure out how to get the dash off. It seemed like the speedometer was connected with a bar to the engine or something that I didn't know how to disconnect to lift it off.

Any suggestions on what to do short of hiring a tractor repair person/company to come give my tractor a complete physical exam?

 

[Egon]

Check all the battery connections [both ends] as well as starter connections.

Then take battery in to get it tested. Buy new battery and install.

Start tractor.:thumbsup:

 

[jdubrow]

Check all the battery connections [both ends] as well as starter connections.

Then take battery in to get it tested. Buy new battery and install.

Start tractor.:thumbsup:

Newbie tractor/engine guy....I replaced the battery/terminal connections on the battery (but not the wires) back in February. Do you think the battery could have died this quickly? If so any idea why? Could it be that the alternator wasn't pulled tightly on the belt?

 

[devildog1]

[quote=jdubrow;2525981]Newbie tractor/engine guy....I replaced the battery/terminal connections on the battery (but not the wires) back in February. Do you think the battery could have died this quickly? If so any idea why? Could it be that the alternator wasn't pulled tightly on the belt?[/quote]
Yes after all is is the last week in September. As Egon said first things first, new battery, but I would also check or replace terminals wires if they look corroded, one to starter and follow other to ground.
DevilDog

 

[kuboman]

If the starter is turning but not engaging the engine then your problem is with the starter. Or maybe I misunderstood your explanation.

 

[tmajor]

If the battery is shot, ... sometimes, jumping won't work, as the old battery sucks everything out. Try disconnecting the old battery and just using the jumper cables to the battery wires. Only one wire has to be removed from the battery terminal, to get the battery out of the circuit. If this works, it's the battery.

 

[jdubrow]

Newbie tractor/engine guy....I replaced the battery/terminal connections on the battery (but not the wires) back in February. Do you think the battery could have died this quickly? If so any idea why? Could it be that the alternator wasn't pulled tightly on the belt?

Yes after all is is the last week in September. As Egon said first things first, new battery, but I would also check or replace terminals wires if they look corroded, one to starter and follow other to ground.
DevilDog

Would the battery be so dead that the lights don't come on? My battery charger said it is charged. Will bring the battery to a place to check/replace it if it is bad.

 

[jdubrow]

Would the battery be so dead that the lights don't come on? My battery charger said it is charged. Will bring the battery to a place to check/replace it if it is bad.

Battery taken to shop and was working. Please note that the starter WAS working but not turning the engine over. I put a battery charger up to the tractor and then once it was charged the starter wouldn't turn over and the dash lights/headlights/hazards wouldn't even turn on.

Thanks!

 

[Egon]

Have you checked all the battery connection points and the cable?

 

[jdubrow]

Have you checked all the battery connection points and the cable?

I've replaced all the clips and cut part of the wire that was corroded off. I checked to see that there is a voltage at the 40a fuse near the starter motor to the chassis. Even if there were a slight corrosion problem, the fact that I see some voltage by don't have any lights turn on is what puzzles me.. I don't know where else I can look to ensure power is getting to the right places for the lights to turn on (all fuses I've tested are in working order [6 fuses near my left foot and one near the starter].