Clicks but won’t start

[SGrado]

My L3301F clicks when I turn the key but it won’t turn the starter to start the tractor. Have checked seat sensor switch and others, etc. New battery too. I suspect problem is with solenoid but how do I test? Also have been reading about after market Starter Relay Kit as a solution.

 

[lmichael]

The way their wired the slightest issue inline to the solenoid is gonna cause this. Check voltage at the solenoid when you turn the key. Odds are you will find it only at 9 volts maybe less. Had this issue and tried going through all the switches and wiring I could find and gave up. Simply added a helper relay no more issues now

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

An L3301 will not need a Starter relay fix, it's a quite adequately designed system.
You have a PTO/ Clutch/ Seat/ Or HST pedal switch engaged or bad.
That is an electronic tractor, DO NOT go messing with the electrical if you don't know the system.
Messing with it, even with a simple test light can cause you some real expensive issues.
Move all levers and peddles to make sure they are all in the disengaged position.
If that doesn't work, get the WSM and if you still don't understand the troubleshooting instructions in the WSM, take it to a dealer!

 

[Vigo]

If the click is coming from the starter solenoid itself, your problem is likely pretty simple. Are you able to have someone put their hand or some kind of improvised stethoscope on the starter solenoid while someone else turns the key to acertain whether it’s the source of the click?

 

[Dave_eng]

My L3301F clicks when I turn the key but it won’t turn the starter to start the tractor. Have checked seat sensor switch and others, etc. New battery too. I suspect problem is with solenoid but how do I test? Also have been reading about after market Starter Relay Kit as a solution.

Please post photos of the top of your battery and where the ground cable connects to the tractor frame.
Many problems like you describe can be visually diagnosed with this info.
Follow Wolfman's advice but in the meantime post the photos.
Since, as a new member you cannot post photos, I will send you a private message containing my email.
Send the photos to me.
Look for the envelope symbol at the top right of most pages.
Dave

 

[Scottly]

I saw you said the battery is new. I would check it, new batteries can fail.

 

[DrankTheOrangeKoolaid]

I feel like a broken record, but... two words, voltage drop test...

 

[SGrado]

The way their wired the slightest issue inline to the solenoid is gonna cause this. Check voltage at the solenoid when you turn the key. Odds are you will find it only at 9 volts maybe less. Had this issue and tried going through all the switches and wiring I could find and gave up. Simply added a helper relay no more issues now

Thanks. I am still considering adding this starter kit relay. Every source I read keeps bringing it up as a solution. But still make sure before I go messing with the electrical on this tractor.

 

[SGrado]

I saw you said the battery is new. I would check it, new batteries can fail.

I have done so and even have it on a battery maintainer so charge should be more than adequate.

 

[SGrado]

I feel like a broken record, but... two words, voltage drop test...

Thanks. I will check it out.

 

[Dave_eng]

Thanks. I will check it out.

I looked over the photos you emailed me and your connections are in terrible condition and could well explain why you cannot get her started.
This is a critical one;

Every single battery cable joint needs to be opened, heavily wire brushed, corroded bolts replaced, frame touched with an angle grinder to get to shiny bare metal. There is a couple of hours of work. Then your tractor will start like new.

If you are not used to doing this ask a friend or neighbor, call a mobile mechanic. The costs will justbe labor and few parts.

Dave

 

[lmichael]

Yeah I could definitely see that bad of a ground causing all kind of issues. Starting, charging among others

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Don't waste your time trying to clean that cable, buy a new one. What you don't see is the corrosion eating from the inside out in that cable. The end of the cable is exposed to water, water wicks into the core, corrosion starts, and never stops.....
I've seen it wick over 120' (yes feet ) in a communications cable I used 3 decade ago.