Bill Lee/Chandler, TX
Member
My 380 has developed some sort of electrical problem that won't allow it to start. The symptoms are as follows:
1. Tractor has always turned over very slowly when starting, many times turning the key and it would sound like a low battery, but hitting it a second or a third time and it would start. I just got used to it.
2. Now, when attempting to start, same as 1, but nothing on subsequent twists of the key.
3. Lights (oil pressure, etc.) on the dash very dim, go out completely when key turned to start position.
What I did so far:
4. Thought it was a low battery. Pulled the battery (only 2 years old), put it on the charger for a while (1-1/2 hours), voltage reading at end 12.8. No change in starting, still failed.
5.Noticed that when I turn the key on, there is a single sound like a solenoid closing somewhere under the dash.
6. Hooked the charger to the battery and set it on the "start engine" mode. It puts put a lot of amps and will usually start an engine. I have used it this way a couple of times while starting the big Cummins diesel in my RV.
7. With charger attached, turned on key. Lights on dash VERY bright and the solenoid click is now a repeated clicking, like a turn signal flasher.
8. Trying the starter and the starter solenoid goes into buzzing/clicking mode, but no starter activation.
That pretty well summarizes where I am right now. I really need to get this problem identified and solved since the sale of my home/property includes the tractor. I sure would appreciate any help y'all can offer.
Regards,
Bill Lee
1. Tractor has always turned over very slowly when starting, many times turning the key and it would sound like a low battery, but hitting it a second or a third time and it would start. I just got used to it.
2. Now, when attempting to start, same as 1, but nothing on subsequent twists of the key.
3. Lights (oil pressure, etc.) on the dash very dim, go out completely when key turned to start position.
What I did so far:
4. Thought it was a low battery. Pulled the battery (only 2 years old), put it on the charger for a while (1-1/2 hours), voltage reading at end 12.8. No change in starting, still failed.
5.Noticed that when I turn the key on, there is a single sound like a solenoid closing somewhere under the dash.
6. Hooked the charger to the battery and set it on the "start engine" mode. It puts put a lot of amps and will usually start an engine. I have used it this way a couple of times while starting the big Cummins diesel in my RV.
7. With charger attached, turned on key. Lights on dash VERY bright and the solenoid click is now a repeated clicking, like a turn signal flasher.
8. Trying the starter and the starter solenoid goes into buzzing/clicking mode, but no starter activation.
That pretty well summarizes where I am right now. I really need to get this problem identified and solved since the sale of my home/property includes the tractor. I sure would appreciate any help y'all can offer.
Regards,
Bill Lee