Digital monitor question

[Mitch Poindexter]

Anyone know how to test the digital pto/rpm/ground speed monitor in a 2-180? I have power coming to the monitor, but it is blank in all settings. Service manual just says to hook it up to a diagnostics tool, but I don't seem to have one of those.
 

[ollie gm]

Usually with everything blank, you have a blown internal fuse and/or a polarity protection diode.

Some causes of this are using a cheap battery charger while charging or starting, attaching battery jumpers backwards with ignition on and basically anything that will cause an electrical current spike in your system.

Some of these current spikes are momentary reverse polarity bumps caused by for instance dropping a tool across some open wire terminals. Even being wet can create these issues.

An alternator with a bad voltage regulator is a place to look. High voltage is hard on electronics. Low voltage will cause the same symptoms also, but not destructive.

I do a lot of electronic repair on ag equipment and feel sorry for the farmers that have paid out hundreds and even thousands of dollars for a complete circuit board replacement. Most of the circuit board components cost less than $3.

Most electronic systems are tough and don't die of old age. They are usually "hurt" by something or someone.

I hope you can find access to a diagnostic tool. Most of the time you will need your display enabled for the tool to work its magic. Good luck.