TN70 won't start unless I kick the clutch, HARD

Jason_H · Dec 5, 2005

TN70 won\'t start unless I kick the clutch, HARD

Hey All,

Jumped in my '03 TN70 and needed to move round bales. Turned on the ignition, pressed the clutch and NADA, zilch, seems like some security switch isn't connecting. This just happened out of the blue, never had a lick of trouble with this one until now. Figured PTO was engaged, wasn't in nuetral etc. Did all the tricks I new to get her to start, even lifted the hood and inspected the battery. All's good, she's only got 155 hours.

Dash lights are all working, head lights work etc. The only way she'll start, and I found this out in a small tantrum, is to hold the key in the 'starting' position and kick the clutch until it contacts the stop. Sometimes if I'm too gentile she still won't start, but as my fears of being stuck increase and I put a little more leg into it, she'll fire right up. The impact of the clutch to its stop actually gets her to turn over. WEIRD?

Anyone want to get $10.00 to help me figure this one out? Its a 2003 TN70 w/ power shuttle. I'll give another $10.00 for someone teaching me how to adjust the clutch throw. Its throwing an error code about the clutch needing adjustment. Could these issues be connected? As I type this I'm feeling a little foolish for not noticing the related issues sooner... I'm still open for advice and have $20.00 ready to mail out!

Thanks,

Jason

RickB · Dec 5, 2005

Re: TN70 won\'t start unless I kick the clutch, HARD

There are two neutral safety switches on your TN in addition to the shuttle lever. If you turn the key to the 'on' position and the PTO icon stays lit, that circuit is the culprit. The PTO NSS is located on the right side of the transmission housing under the cab as far back as where your right foot would rest on the cab floor. The PTO cable adjustment can affect the PTO NSS function.
More likely the clutch pedal switch is causing your problem. Remove the LH black panel from under the instrument panel cowling. Looking through the clutch pedal return spring you will see a black bodied button switch with a white button that an ear on the clutch pedal strikes when depressed. If your fault code indicates the pedal switch is too low, a no start condition can accompany that maladjustment. The whole switch needs to be adjusted DOWN by loosening the two phillips head screws that attach it, move the switch, tighten. The switch really should be adjusted with the help of a laptop computer or diagnostic service tool. The switch and clutch pedal potentiometer have to work together. The switch needs to go off and on at potentiometer values between 5 and 15. Trial and error may work with patience. There is really little room for error, but a switch adjusted too high is not a big deal. Certainly less troublesome than one far too low as yours may be. I use a long #2 Phillips screwdriver jammed through the coils of the return spring to reach the one screw. The description of the fault code (low or high) refers to the potentiometer value at which the switch changes state, not the physical position of the switch itself. It is not incorrect to move the switch down to correct a switch too low fault. Put the $20 towards the transmission and electrical sections of the TN repair manual. The manual is available by section, and these two are the best to start with if you don't want/need the complete set.

Jason_H · Dec 5, 2005

Re: TN70 won\'t start unless I kick the clutch, HARD

WOW! Thanks a bunch!!

Are you a NH Mechanic? Thanks for the info!! My code is showing a '48'. The light blinks fast, then does 4 then does 8. The local dealer said it was clutch adjustment. The previous owner took it in and they couldn't duplicate the error code. It comes and goes and is starting to get more frequent. This latest issue is a new one.

I can change oil and brakes and that sort of stuff, almost all preventative maintenance. When you mention a laptop and some tool I've never heard of, I get really un-easy... I work with networks and pc's for a living, but I'd never attempt to introduce my laptop to my tractor :-(

If you tell me to take it in, I won't feel bad. If you think I can move this thinger down w/o a potentiometer, then I'll attempt it. It starts now, I just don't want to do something that will keep it from starting and require a very expensive visit from the dealer, she's out of warranty. When you say 'Adjusted Down' do you mean an inch or 1/8th? The tractor's @ the ranch in the barn and I'm stuck in town until Friday... I'm very excited to hear about a possible solution and can't wait to try it.

Forgive my ignorance, and I REALLY appreciate your time, but how will I know if this doesn't work, your comments about trial and error have intrigued me.

FYI, when I'm using the tractor, the clutch pedal comes way out before she engages, is this consistent with your prognosis?

Thanks TONS for your time. Merely knowing more about the problem has eased my mind.

Muchas Gracias!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

EDIT-The PTO light does go off...
EDIT-You ARE a NH Mechanic - I knew it!!

RickB · Dec 6, 2005

Re: TN70 won\'t start unless I kick the clutch, HARD

I was an NH tech until a month ago.
The fault doesn't have to be duplicated, the pedal switch adjustment needs to be checked, and probably needs to be set higher.
Your PC isn't going to help your tractor unless you have NH software. A diagnostic service tool that your dealer should have does just as well.
You don't need to get a potentiometer to do the adjustment, the tractor has a pedal switch and a pedal potentiometer.
The switch probably needs to be moved down .015" to .030". just as a frame of reference.
If it doesn't work, you will still get the 48 fault code, or if you go too far, you will get a 47 code.
If you consult a dealer, make sure they have someone familiar with this proceedure. Switch adjustment should take less than an hour, if that is all it needs.

Robert_in_NY · Dec 6, 2005

Re: TN70 won\'t start unless I kick the clutch, HARD

( I was an NH tech until a month ago. )

I hope this was on your terms and not someone elses. I know I value your knowledge and I am sure most everyone else on this board does too.

1bush2hog · Dec 7, 2005

Re: TN70 won\'t start unless I kick the clutch, HARD

Ditto what Robert in NY said -

I greatly appreciate all of your advice and knowledge - past, present, and future.

Thank You again and hope everything works out for you.

Jason_H · Dec 8, 2005

Re: TN70 won\'t start unless I kick the clutch, HARD

RickB YOU R THE MAN!!!

It was the clutch switch that kept my TN from starting. I got to try it out today and it wouldn't start at all with my kicking method. I wasn't able to get the cowl off, I didn't know how many screws to take out, I got 4 of them out and the cowl wasn't even loose so I put them back in. I was able to reach the switch with my hand and start the tractor though!!

From your last posts, if I can move this switch, will that alleviate the Code-48 I'm getting? Any tips on getting the black bottom cowl off to get to the switch?

Thanks for your help!

Jason

CT_Tree_Guy · Dec 9, 2005

Re: TN70 won\'t start unless I kick the clutch, HARD

Jeez Rick, you didn't go to their homes, install the switches, and wax their tractors for them too? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

That was some great information - incredibly detailed. This sure is an amazing place, where people like you take valuable time to help other people and ask for nothing in return. Maybe there's hope for this planet after all.

By the way, you didn't happen to become a Kubota mechanic did you? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Great job Rick,

John D.

RickB · Dec 9, 2005

Re: TN70 won\'t start unless I kick the clutch, HARD

No, but I probably worked on NH tractors in your area.
Found myself back on a farm after 12 years away.

Robert_in_NY · Dec 9, 2005

Re: TN70 won\'t start unless I kick the clutch, HARD

( By the way, you didn't happen to become a Kubota mechanic did you? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gifBite your tounge /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif