3020 starting issue help needed

[ghuds]

Hi everyone, I have a 3020 diesel, never had a starting problem until a couple days ago. I ran the tractor for several hours a couple days ago with no problems. Parked it overnight and got a few inches of snow overnight. I plugged in the block heater and the battery tenders for a couple hours the next morning. Went to start it and I heard what sounded like a short (sizzling noise) then nothing. No click from the solenoid or anything. I pulled the dash panels and disconnected the push button wires. I couldn't find any evidence of burned wires. The previous owner had installed a key switch - he ran a hot wire from the battery to the switch, then from the switch to the starter solenoid. I removed the key switch and hooked the wires back up to the original pushbutton switch last fall. Never had any problems. I'm getting 24 volts from the battery to the switch, but when I connect the switch wires, I'm only getting 6 volts at the solenoid terminal. Any ideas what is going on? Is there another relay somewhere that I am overlooking? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[burnsg2003]

Have you checked all your connections on the battery and the starter. Had the sam e issue on my 4010 which is basically the same. After cleaning all the connections it turned over and started. if you have a battery charge with boost touch up to starter and see if starter turns over at least you then know its not the solenoid or starter. I am presuming it is 120 volt system

 

[ghuds]

It?s a 24 volt system. All contacts are good. Can?t figure out why it worked fine one day then not the next.

 

[Bob]

"I heard what sounded like a short (sizzling noise)"

Dunno why why you guys immediately think a "sizzling noise" is a "short"?

More common would be a poor connection at one of the battery posts.

 

[David from Kansas]

Strange thing happened to me a few years ago. Brother went to start the JD 4555, said when he hit the starter he heard a loud "pop", and then nothing. When I got to looking it over one end of a battery had blown off.

 

[Tx Jim]

I agree with Bob on poor battery cable connection or possible bad cable.

 

[larryanderson]

Even if they look fine the battery cables are key to getting tractor started.Clean them and if by chance someone has put the aftermarket connectors replace cable.I have started many tractors by just removing and cleaning both terminal and cable. If you are able to have someone watch batteries when you try to start it you will see problem.

 

[ghuds]

That is strange! Don?t think I?ve ever heard of that happening.

 

[ghuds]

Thanks gentlemen. I?ll look into it. I assumed
everything was tight. The tractor vibrates a lot more
with the tire chains on. Could have shaken loose.

 

[Lee B]

Might be overlooking clutch safety switch with it's notorious terminal problem that might go sizzle for you while it definitely cuts power to the 6 volt range at the starter solenoid too. Just ahead of the driver platform on the left side near the clutch pedal area look for two yellow wires going to a brass screw in switch. The problem isn't the switch itself but the connectors on it that commonly can't carry the solenoid current without a bump or touch anymore. They need disassembly and tweaking back into proper shape in the spade terminals used there, but you are allowed to just wiggle for the time being to get started and using it again.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7X1JMCAHyg" target="_blank">How to Fix or Replace the Wiring Connectors on Your Vehicle</a>

 

[buickanddeere]

As others have stated . Looks don’t mean a thing regarding battery connections . Unless tested under load with a meter , youbate just wasting time and parts guessing while there is no production .

 

[ghuds]

Pulled the cables and cleaned the terminals. The
positive terminal on one battery was partially
melted. That must have been causing the sizzling
sound I heard. I load tested them, one was weak,
the melted one was shot. Heading to town to pick
up a couple new ones. I?ll let you know if that fixed
it.
Thanks!

 

[ghuds]

Replaced both batteries, and all new battery cable connectors. Two of them were cracked. Put it back together and it fired right up. Thanks everyone for your advice, it was much appreciated!

 

[Bob]

THANKS for posting back and letting us know!

 

[SVcummins]

The 24 volt systems are really finicky about the battery connections being clean and tight a lot more than the 12 volt systems . Be sure to keep the connections on the battery tight at all times or you will melt the battery post again and when you hear the sizzling it?s already to late checking the connections Is part of my pre start service just like checking the oil and water

 

[ghuds]

I?ll check them regularly, thanks for the input!

 

[SVcummins]

I?ve Melted a few posts in my day it?s a sickening feeling when you hear that and find you?ve ruined a good battery