No Start! L2501 Stuck In Field, Relay Buzzing

[Sea Change Tractor]

Hello!
Looking for some quick help out there. We're just getting started on spring tilling, our young 2016 L2501 been starting and running fine for several weeks, but now we're dead in the field with our first real problem. In the middle of tilling I left the tractor idling while I jumped off to clear some debris. When I jumped back on I accidentally kicked the key/switch. The tractor shut off and would not start again. When the key is turned to the on position one of the relays behind the dash starts buzzing (I think it's the glow relay? the rubber covered one in the center). When the key is turned to start there is no response, no clicking, no cranking. Dash lights don't work, no glow plug light when the key is turned to the glow position.

- I assumed that I damaged the ignition switch when I kicked it so I replaced that and unfortunately the issue persists
- I checked all of the start and glow fuses and they all look good
- Battery terminals looked fine but I cleaned them
- I get 12.2v across the battery terminals then it drops to 3-4v when the key is turned to the on start or glow position

I welcome suggestions to get us tilling again before the next rains.

Thanks!

 

[Sea Change Tractor]

Here's the picture of the relay that is buzzing (I gather that just because it is buzzing doesn't mean that it is the problem but ordered a new one anyway, it doesn't come until next week).

 

[je1279]

Did you try tapping the relay with the handle of a screwdriver a few times?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: I get 12.2v across the battery terminals then it drops to 3-4v when the key is turned to the on start or glow position

1st 12.2v is not a good fully charged battery reading
2nd dropping to 3-4 volts could mean a bad battery, or corroded cables,or bad starter.

easy test #1 , REMOVE old battery, Use a known GOOD battery ,on ground, and jumper cables to supply power to starter. Obviously be sure tractor's in neutral, see it starter spins.

easy test #2, Put that GOOD battery in place of old battery, see if it starts up. Do NOT 'jumper' good battery with old battery !!!!

once tractor is running, measure the battery voltage.

 

[johnjk]

Throw a jump pack on it and see if that makes a difference. Did you check the fuses?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Do you have the pto engaged?

 

[Kennyd4110]

I get 12.2v across the battery terminals then it drops to 3-4v when the key is turned to the on start or glow position

Battery is dead! You effectively did a load test and it FAILED.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

- I get 12.2v across the battery terminals then it drops to 3-4v when the key is turned to the on start or glow position

Battery is dead! You effectively did a load test and it FAILED.

Good catch Kenny, I missed this line.

 

[Sea Change Tractor]

Thanks for the feedback. I know the battery reading was low but didn't think it was the battery since we hadn't had any starting problems prior, and since this happened after the 'kick the key' abrupt stop... but I put a fresh battery in and it started right up, no relay buzzing etc. Fingers crossed that all is back to normal.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Thanks for the feedback. I know the battery reading was low but didn't think it was the battery since we hadn't had any starting problems prior, and since this happened after the 'kick the key' abrupt stop... but I put a fresh battery in and it started right up, no relay buzzing etc. Fingers crossed that all is back to normal.

Are you reading ~13.6v across the battery with the engine running?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

best to check fan belt tension AND the battery voltage , should be > 14ish when charging.

 

[Russell King]

Thanks for the feedback. I know the battery reading was low but didn't think it was the battery since we hadn't had any starting problems prior, and since this happened after the 'kick the key' abrupt stop... but I put a fresh battery in and it started right up, no relay buzzing etc. Fingers crossed that all is back to normal.

Thank you for posting the resolution of the issue.

 

[Sea Change Tractor]

Thank you for posting the resolution of the issue.

best to check fan belt tension AND the battery voltage , should be > 14ish when charging.

Yes, we got about 13.6V when the engine is running.
thanks!