Warning Flashers blow fuse on 4400HST

Mike_S · Aug 22, 2011

After having the hydraulic cylinders rebuilt on the FEL and the service person powerwashed the tractor thoroughly, I noticed I did not have any lights or flashers. The lights (rear and front) operate off of the same 30 amp fuse as does the Warning Flashers.

With a new fuse and IF I am careful to quickly pass over the warning flasher AND lights & flashers using the light switch, the headlights and rear worklights are fine but as soon as I move the light switch to include the Warning Flashers, the fuse blows.

I need suggestions as to where to start replacing parts -- the flasher relay is (GASP) $78 and I did not price the light switch -- and hate to just start replacing parts after having two cylinders rebuilt for the second time an a couple of other repairs -- this could get expensive.

(it would appear that there is either a live ground/short or bad light switch or bad flasher relay)

Suggestions/opinions as where and how to start trouble-shooting this issue

Thanks

Mike_S

UnclePaul · Aug 22, 2011

I would try getting a wiring diagram for the switch plug. Then unplug the switch and try jumping the prongs and see if the fuse blows. I would also check for any wiring that could have gotten pinched.

fuseboxer · Aug 30, 2011

Mike_S said:
After having the hydraulic cylinders rebuilt on the FEL and the service person powerwashed the tractor thoroughly, I noticed I did not have any lights or flashers. The lights (rear and front) operate off of the same 30 amp fuse as does the Warning Flashers.

With a new fuse and IF I am careful to quickly pass over the warning flasher AND lights & flashers using the light switch, the headlights and rear worklights are fine but as soon as I move the light switch to include the Warning Flashers, the fuse blows.

I need suggestions as to where to start replacing parts -- the flasher relay is (GASP) $78 and I did not price the light switch -- and hate to just start replacing parts after having two cylinders rebuilt for the second time an a couple of other repairs -- this could get expensive.

(it would appear that there is either a live ground/short or bad light switch or bad flasher relay)

I will bet that I have the solution for you and it is so simple and cheep. What you are experiencing I spent hours to determine that it was not my flasher/turnsignal and not my relay etc. YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS IT IS TO SIMPLE AND CHEEP. Take all four covers off the rear flasher/tail light and remove and clean the area. If you have new bulbs you probably change them. Make close obervation of the bulbs, types and any of the wrong type or shorting out to the frame. One of mine was slightly toutching the frame and not held secure by the spring clip. I payed the price of the new flasher/turnsignal that was not needed. I bet even money this is your problem. -------Fuseboxer

atschirner · Aug 30, 2011

Here's a snapshot of the 'old' 4400 headlight and turn signal switches. Hope this help you.

fuseboxer · Aug 31, 2011

Mike S you probably get on line infrequently like me. To clarify what is wrong with your tractor flasher/lights blowing fuses let me state more clearly. You have four lights covered with plastic covers attached to the ROP. The ground is a piece of metal spring that attaches the light socket to the metal ROP. One of the four separate lights, flashers and tails, on your ROP is grounding out inside the light fixture. You should be able to see it or at least find it with a volt/ohm meter. All I need from you is a "you were right", thank you. --Fuseboxer