318 charging light problems

[James Herrman]

Have posted before on this issue and thought I would share my experiences. Yellow light would stay on and could be controlled with holding ignition switch a certain way. Replaced switch. Problem fixed?? That worked for a bit and started in again. Replaced PTO switch and fixed again?? Acted up again and found bad new battery. Replaced and fixed once again?? Checked all connections, fuses and you name it. Checked stator for voltage and was a bit low on the DC side so replaced it. Fixed once again. Got so whenever I would take it out of neutral it would die. Seat safety switch checked OK, but put jumper wire on. Fixed once again?? PTO would not restart when hot, only when cooled down. Figured a short in the clutch coil?? Finally got to where all my fixes failed. What got me was that whenever I fixed things, it would be fine until I got it out the next time. This has been going on all spring and summer. Finally figured it had to be TDCM. Priced a new one from Deere for 196.11 and could be used ones for anywhere from 40 to 150. One last try. Started out fresh this morning and checked everything that I had checked before. One thing that I noticed was that one of the fuses could be pulled out with my fingers, but did fit OK. Finally tried wiggling the fuse with the switch on and guess what??? The fuse holder was not holding one side of the fuse tight enough and that was my problem. Now the light stays off, the pto works fine and all was caused by a fuse that did fit tight enought. My rear end is still sore from me kicking myself all afternoon. Real simple fix, so maybe this will save someone all my headaches. At least it was working fine when I put is away tonight. REMEMBER the fuse has to fit TIGHT. Why my fixes would work and then not work is still a mystery to me. The things you learn the hard way one tends to remember. Thanks to all who helped. JIM