no start

[Ramrod10]

"I have a 3038E JD and it just clicks when I turn the key, I have cleaned the terminals, used a booster to try to start, charged the battery out of the tractor, and removed and reinstalled the starter after checking it off the tractor."

 

[RalphVa]

Did you check the voltage on the battery?

Sounds as though it has a big internal short, e.g. won't take any load.

Ralph

 

[Ramrod10]

Did you check the voltage on the battery?

Sounds as though it has a big internal short, e.g. won't take any load.

Ralph

Yes, I thought the same thing when I charge the battery in the tractor there are clicks despite the key being out.

 

[Ramrod10]

i cant get a reading on the battery jumping all over.

 

[Raincoast]

If it's the battery, you can confirm by disconnecting the power lead & try to jump start. Just make sure you isolate the exposed lead & jumper clip from any chance of touching ground.
The solenoid clicking when the key is off is a bit puzzling. Might have to check the key switch &/or associated wiring.
It's always a good idea to clean the negative battery lead where it is attached to ground. You can get all kinds of weirdness with a dirty or corroded ground.
Good luck chasing down the problem... It's a pretty simple system. Work methodically & you should be able to sort it out quickly.

 

[100 td]

"I have a 3038E JD and it just clicks when I turn the key, I have cleaned the terminals, used a booster to try to start, charged the battery out of the tractor, and removed and reinstalled the starter after checking it off the tractor."

While I don't know your tractor, most start problems are related to safety switches on PTO levers, HST/neutral switches, clutch switch, seat switches. Ensure PTO is deselected, transmission in neutral, clutch pushed in, bum on seat. As you have tried to boost start, have tested the starter etc, then after the above, check all fuses, ensure headlights are functioning. While trying to start with clutch engaged, press HST lever back and forwards slowly around the neutral area to see if the HST is not centering correctly. However, it does sound like your battery may be dead, try another proven battery if possible. Good luck!

 

[Jerry/MT]

"I have a 3038E JD and it just clicks when I turn the key, I have cleaned the terminals, used a booster to try to start, charged the battery out of the tractor, and removed and reinstalled the starter after checking it off the tractor."

Make sure the ground connection are bright and tight.