Need advice/help on a 2003 TC33D I just bought.

[jkski]

After a long time of looking, I finally purchased a 2003 TC33D with about 1100 hours on it for use around my home on about 10 acres. I got a great deal on the tractor full well knowing it had some issues so I am hoping you guys can point me in the right direction on potential fixes:

1) The gas gauge is the only gauge working. Any insight into a fix for the tach, temp and potential idiot lights?
2) Lights are not working? Any ideas of what to check first beside bulbs.
3) The power steering is not working right. When I had the bucket loaded and driving, I could turn the wheel right or left but they would not stay there and always drifted back to straight. On top of this the steering wheel had no stopping point as I could just keep spinning it left or right. The wheel would turn but again, I could rotate the steering wheel as many times as I wanted.

Thanks in advance for any feedback, it is appreciated.

 

[Halftrack]

For the steering, check the tank under the hood and on right side, it has a round rubber stopper/ dipstick. Use NH 134 fluid in it and rear transaxle tank with dipstick behind seat. If you received NO information regarding fluid/filter changes, now is the time to do them. Two transmission filters, one under deck and the other lower left side of engine, engine filter, right side low, your choice on engine oils- 10w-30, 15w-40 or 5w-40, power steering filter/tank and consider flushing the radiator. Refill it with a good diesel antifreeze. Probably run you about $400 for filters and fluids. Fuse panel is under hood on the firewall, #1 is fuel solenoid, #2 is instrument panel gauges, #3 is main light switch, #4 is cruise control, #5 is hazard lights. Figure on 2 5 gallon pails of NH 134 fluid, 4 quarts engine oil, 1 gallon of antifreeze. Don't forget the 2 element air filter. That's all I can think of, but I'm sure the others will chime in. good luck.

 

[barbqranch]

Also, get the manual (I got mine on eBay) so you know how to bleed the fuel system. Buy 2 or 3 fuel filters, they are cheap enough. If you get any water in the fuel, you will be changing the filter. Also add a good fuel additive.

 

[fishheadbob]

Gauges: If checking the fuses doesn't fix your issue pull the front off the instrument panel and check the condition of the wiring. I have had mice take a liking to nesting and gnawing behind the instrument panel. The fix for me was easy enough, just replacing chewed sections of wire.

 

[jkski]

You guys are great and I really appreciate the advice. Look like I know what I will be doing on Sunday!!!
I will update this thread with what I find.
Thanks again.

 

[jkski]

OK guys, here is where I stand.
1) I checked all of the fuses and the bottom 2 were missing so I am not sure what size should be in there or what they are for. Any thoughts as I do not yet have my manual.
2) The fuses that were in place were filthy and rusted. I pulled and cleaned each of them but nothing changed.
3) Power steering fluid is full so what are the other potential items to look at regarding why steering does not seem to want to hold (steering wheel will turn as many revolutions as I want and front wheels will still wander back to straight on their own).
4) Checked wiring on back of gauges and it all seems in tact.

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[glkingar]

Not sure where to steer you about the steering problem but the attached should help clear up the fuse questions and some troubleshooting steps for the panel.

Hope this helps.

Gerry

 

[TractorTech]

For your steering problem, I suspect one or both of the steering cylinders is leaking/bypassing internally (1 on 4wd, 2 on SS). Kits from NH dependent on serial number and range from $64. to $264. each. Local hydraulic shop may have parts for cheaper price.

 

[k0ua]

By the way SS = Super Steer. An option on those tractors, you might mention if yours has it or not. This option has the ability to not only turn the front wheels, but to also turn the front axle a few degrees. The result was a very tight turning radius. If I remember correctly it was only an option on the hydrostatic transmission tractors with the auto 4wd setting available on the 4wd selector. It has been a lot of years, and I am starting to forget some of its features.

 

[jkski]

Thanks again for all of the input guys. After looking things over I opted to load the tractor on the trailer and let my local dealership figure it all out. I know it is going to cost me a heck of a lot more but the reality is that I am not yet well versed enough with this machine to start effectively working on it and likely would end up costing myself more in the end in time and money.
I gave them a list of items to address so we will see what they come up with. I don't need it to be "new" just need it to be right.
I will let you all know what they come up.