No start after 17 years without problems on 2007 DK40se!

[IslandTractor]

Hey guys, it's been a long time since I've posted but I now have a problem I could use help with:

My original battery finally gave up the ghost after 17 faithful years after someone unplugged the trickle charger this past winter. I replaced the battery (identical Interstate....who could argue with failure after 17 years?). I also replaced the battery terminal connectors which were pretty corroded (tractor lives near the ocean).

When trying to start, I get the glow lamp light and the neutral light comes on but I don't get any cranking. No clicking either although I do see a slight dimming of the dash lights while turning the key to start position. I checked the power to the starter and get the same voltage (12.7) as the battery. I don't find a fuse for the starter solenoid in the panel to the right side of the ignition key. All fuses are good. PTO switch is on auto. Lights and other functions seem to work as tested without engine power.

I haven't yet tried to jump the starter. Would that be the logical next step or is there a way to eliminate some faulty safety mechanism? The tractor ran perfectly last year (I was late coming back to the property this year).

Thoughts?

 

[murphy1244]

Jump the tractor Ed. Then we know the starters fine

 

[murphy1244]

You should have a click when you turn the key on. One of those 3 relays on the firewall.

 

[LouNY]

PTO switch to OFF not Auto.

 

[IslandTractor]

PTO switch to OFF not Auto.

Ok, PTO switch off. Neutral light on. Jumped starter which spins but doesn’t engage engine. No crank.

 

[IslandTractor]

PTO is off. Neutral light on. No clicking noise when key turned to start. Jumping starter spins it but no engine engaged and no crank. Tapped both solenoid and starter with hammer no joy.

 

[LouNY]

If your starter looks like this;

To start you would need to jump from the smaller flag terminal that has the start command wire connected to it, to your battery connection, so the top flag to the middle right to crank and turn the engine over.
jumping between the two heavy studs will just spin the starter motor and the engine will not turn over.

 

[IslandTractor]

Thank you Lou, that did it! Started right up and then started again several times using the normal ignition key.

So, what does this mean? Do I have a failing solenoid or ignition switch issue or something else?

Much appreciate your help!

 

[LouNY]

Could be a multitude of things, corrosion on the connection, a safety module acting up, a poor connection in the key switch.
Without the proper wiring schematic it's hard to say.
Good luck with her.

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks. The tractor had not been started in 8 months so a bit of corrosion could certainly be an issue. I’ll see what happens next time I come to the island to use the tractor in a few weeks. Very much appreciate your help.