TC40- clicking when turn key; ?battery dead?

PabloRN · Oct 15, 2005

Dear TBNers:

need to ask your advice before tear anything up. I last used tractor last wk end. no problems. is about 2 yrs old & has only 60 hrs; had 50 hr service few months back w/o problems.
noted that emergency flashers were on last PM when came home from work (?cats, dog jump up on tractor?). Today when tried to start, it won't crank over just clicks at the solenoid? (rear, left side of tractor). dash lights come on.
I've read & serched messages here, but didn't find any answers short of taking battery to autoparts store for checkup. Then think about replacing fuses, cleaning connections, then ignition switch.

Couldn't find the answer to this, IS IT OK TO TRY TO JUMP FROM 12 V battery on my truck?

thanks, (of course, I am a new tractor owner... )

Bird · Oct 15, 2005

It does sound as if the battery is just too weak (run down) to turn the engine. I'm only guessing that you do not have a voltmeter. If it were me, that's the first thing I'd check with my voltmeter. Bad connections can cause the same symptoms, but because of your description, I'm inclined to suspect the battery just needs charging. And yes, you can jump start it from the battery in your truck. Of course, since I don't know you, I'm just assuming you know how to safely hook up the jumper cables.

Typhoon · Oct 15, 2005

Yep! Sounds to me like a dead battery. You can jump it using your truck. I have done it several times.

PabloRN · Oct 15, 2005

thanks, for the help. Everything works fine , post "jumping" the battery.

jinman · Oct 16, 2005

Just one more suggestion...

If you have problems with animals walking on your tractor and turning on the switch, you can probably prevent that by putting a cover over the steering wheel and dash. I think I'd try something like a small tarp. Anything that will prevent the switch from being easily turned on. Otherwise the only way you can prevent that is to disconnect the negative battery terminal each time you put the tractor away. You only need to disconnect one terminal and the negative terminal is the safest one to disconnect because if your wrench touches a metal ground while disconnecting, you won't get a spark. After you disconnect the negative terminal, the positive terminal is safe, but you only one terminal needs to be disconnected to protect against "animal vandals." /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

PineRidge · Oct 16, 2005

They do make inexpensive knife switches that attach right to the post on your battery. That way when you are finished with the tractor for the day all you would need to do is raise the hood and open the knife switch. Of course you would need to reverse the process before using the tractor the next time around, and as Jim said if you do install one of these switches be sure to put it on the negative battery terminal. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

have_blue · Oct 16, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( They do make inexpensive knife switches )</font>

Great idea PR.

I've been looking for an inexpensive disconnect for several years. Cheapest I have found is $20 plus shipping! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Yea, I know, $20 is not that expensive, but it is if you need 5 or 6 of them.

PineRidge · Oct 16, 2005

Here is another type of battery disconnect that will attach directly to the battery. My dad had one of these mounted on a 1929 Ford as a theft deterrent and it performed pretty well in the field. battery switch

BTW: Summit Racing sells this same switch for $13.88

PabloRN · Oct 17, 2005

Again, thanks to all for the ideas, thoughts.

I have placed a thick tarp over the cockpit where tractor stored under shed to try to keep animals from turning lights on!

IF that doesn't work, then will try the battery switch idea

pablo