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.