lights left on -> dead battery

[DGF]

I went to start the tractor today, so that I could get to some equipment behind it, and found the battery was dead. Apparently I'd left the lights on last time I'd used it, because it was daylight by the time I shut it down, and it just wasn't obvious that they were on. This has happened at least once before, that I can remember, and it's only a matter of time 'till I'm hosed with a truck waiting to be unloaded while my tractor has a dead battery.

I was thinking, every old car I've ever owned had a buzzer or chime that'd remind me I had my lights on, as soon as I'd shut off the ignition and/or opened the door. Would it be too much to ask that Deere give us some option for a chime or buzzer, when lights are left on after ignition off?

I can see where this'd be annoying to some, there has to be some means to suspend it in those cases where you want lights on with ignition off. But for most other cases, I do want to be reminded that I've left the lights on, when I kill the ignition and hop off the seat.

Hi,

Better yet add an under voltage lock out to the system. OVLO modules for 12V systems are easy to find on line but here is a link to a good example -

Victron Battery Protect

The BatteryProtect disconnects the battery from non-essential loads before there is insufficient power to crank the engine or before it is completely discharged.The BatteryProtect can only manage current in one direction, so either current to a load, or current from a charger.

bluemarine.com

To install insert the OVLO in line with the ignition/acessory wire as it leaves the battery. If adjustable set the trip voltage at the level you want and it's armed. I would recomend setting it a little above the typical battery low voltage so you will save some energy for the next start. After that you will be worry free because the UVLO will not let the battey go dead saving you a hassle and maybe the battery too. Lead Acid batteries do not like to be deeply discharged at all especially by a light load.

There are also small battery monitor modules you can attach to the battery (see amazon). These monitors are often include a bluetooth-phone app that you can use to monitor your battery wirelessly. Some also offer some diag capabilites such as voltage droop and more.

having one or the other or both are worth the $$ compared to finding a dead battery.

 

[Fxfymn413]

There is no need to cut into the wiring harness to insert a light, relay, or any other device. Find where the wire enters the existing switch and insert the device there by adding the necessary wire to make it reach.

There are plenty of 12v solid state relays available that will not draw a lot of power or overheat like an old fashioned magnet style relay will while held in the closed position for a long time period.

 

[HellBender]

Install a normally closed relay wired to the ignition switch so when you turn the tractor off the relay closes naturaly. Wire your headlight power through this closed contact to the buzzer. If your head lights are on then there will be power to the buzzer when you turn off the tractor. Once you power up the tractor the relay will open and no power will go to the buzzer. It's probably what that kit is that was mention in the second post for $34.

 

[WinterDeere]

Install a normally closed relay wired to the ignition switch so when you turn the tractor off the relay closes naturaly. Wire your headlight power through this closed contact to the buzzer. If your head lights are on then there will be power to the buzzer when you turn off the tractor. Once you power up the tractor the relay will open and no power will go to the buzzer. It's probably what that kit is that was mention in the second post for $34.

Yep. This is basically what I plan to do, but with the addition of a second relay to drop this out with the press of a momentary button, as a suspend mechansm for those cases when I actually want to have the lights on with the tractor off.

 

[Oaktree]

But here's the thing. Enough people have chimed in with personal experience, that it's clear this is an issue. It's disappointing Deere hasn't put any thought into making this issue go away.

Seems an odd feature to have non-key-switched headlights on a modern tractor. I'd be hard pressed to think of a reason that would be useful. Even my auxillary lighting shuts off with the key.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Is the key removed when tractor is turned off, parked for the day?
I assume (?) key is removed but tractor isn't always stored in the same place each time?

 

[WinterDeere]

Seems an odd feature to have non-key-switched headlights on a modern tractor. I'd be hard pressed to think of a reason that would be useful. Even my auxillary lighting shuts off with the key.

Agreed. I use my lights while loading my firewood wood wagon in the dark, with the tractor shut off. But obviously this could be resolved by just creating a key switch with an accessory position, like every car ever built, or by just triggering lights by key insertion rather than full run position.

I guess I've probably used the lights in the shed once or twice, when I didn't have the tractor key with me, if there was a power outage. But that scenario is too rare to make justification for having them on battery hot.

So yea, I agree, there should be some "key inserted" or "accessory position" requirement for the lights to receive power.

Is the key removed when tractor is turned off, parked for the day?

Key is removed when I put it in the shed at the end of the day. But "end of the day" is sometimes in full sun at 7am, if I get up at 5am to plow the driveway or move firewood. That's when this problem usually occurs, since I started the day in the dark, with the lights on.

I assume (?) key is removed but tractor isn't always stored in the same place each time?

I take the key with me when going into the house for lunch or the end of the day, but otherwise it just stays in the ignition as I tool around doing various jobs. Tractor is always parked in the same building, but alternates between four different parking bays in that building.

 

[HAR]

Is the key removed when tractor is turned off, parked for the day?
I assume (?) key is removed but tractor isn't always stored in the same place each time?

I am curious about other user's habits. I always remove the key from my tractor. Originally, as I had imaginative and curious kids who always climbed on the tractor and tried to use every lever and switch. Then when grand kids arrived, they were just as imaginative and curious. In both cases, I did not want any accidents. True, when they were really small, there was no way that they could possibly have started the tractor, but I decided to get into the habit, thus it would become reflex to remove the key. The first time the older ones, both kids and grand kids, wanted to 'drive' the tractor, they instinctively went through the start sequence, without having to be told/instructed. When they did that all on their own, I was glad I was taking the key out. And it is a good idea not to have the key in a place that they can see you taking it from.

 

[Eagle1]

Keys are in mowers, tractors, ATV and frequently cars/trucks. Only lock things or take key if away from home. Kids are grown but live on the place as does the grandkid. Never a problem, strange kids I just tell the parents to watch their kid because there is a weapon next to the seat. Seems to work.
Not like we have any neighbors close enough for any kid to wander in and the dogs would alert in any case.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Years ago a wise man told me "simplicity is beauty". That's why I have the string on my Deere 3038e key to a loop that goes over light switch knob. To remove key my hand goes to light switch.
Other idea is Amazon has sticky-backed 5" mirrors for $3.07. One in front of where tractor is parked you'd see if light is on.
I like inexpensive 5 minute solutions to problems, otherwise it's an all day project adding something that could fail or cause problems.