I inherited a L1500 from my grandfather. Overall it is in great shape and runs great. Prior to taking possession of it my dad told me that if after starting the tractor the key is left in the "on" or "start" position while using the tractor. That the battery will completely drain and will need to be charged in order to use the tractor the next time I want to. If you turn the key to the off position after you start it then the battery drain does not occur and the tractor can be started and used many times like normal. My grandpa recently replaced the battery within the last year so that shouldnt be the issue. I am not very good with electrical issues especially with something like this, so i have no idea what the cause could be or where I should start. Do I start with the alternator? Wiring? Relays? Or do I just not care since the tractor runs properly everytime as long as the key is turned off after it starts? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
L1500 battery drains
- Thread starter DisneyDan13
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85Hokie
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BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
So.....
According to what I read - you should have an alternator and not a dyno.
If you do not have a simple Volt-Ohm meter - get one, they are cheap and they are very valuable to have.
Any of these will suffice :
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=volt+ohm...refix=volt+ohm+meter,aps,124&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
IF you have one - set it to DC volts ----- place leads on the correct battery terminals - you should get 12.5+ Volts.
Start the tractor and rev up to 1/2 throttle and repeat the reading. You should have closer to 14 volts.
IF the voltage is not closer to 14 ish - you have a charging problem. Have you checked belt to alternator?
Report back your findings.
According to what I read - you should have an alternator and not a dyno.
If you do not have a simple Volt-Ohm meter - get one, they are cheap and they are very valuable to have.
Any of these will suffice :
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=volt+ohm...refix=volt+ohm+meter,aps,124&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
IF you have one - set it to DC volts ----- place leads on the correct battery terminals - you should get 12.5+ Volts.
Start the tractor and rev up to 1/2 throttle and repeat the reading. You should have closer to 14 volts.
IF the voltage is not closer to 14 ish - you have a charging problem. Have you checked belt to alternator?
Report back your findings.
Russell King
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L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
There are a couple of obvious drains in the battery - the oil pressure light and alternator light will be on anytime the key is on (and the engine is not running). Also the headlights might be on if the key is turned past the run position.
Those are the only ones that are designed into the system. Others would have to be searched out and the charging system is as good a culprit as anything else. The wiring is pretty basic so you should be able to eliminate the headlights and rear lights easily. The regulator is probably up under the dash cowl and can be replaced easily if you can get the steering wheel off of the tractor.
Just turn it off is my suggestion.
Those are the only ones that are designed into the system. Others would have to be searched out and the charging system is as good a culprit as anything else. The wiring is pretty basic so you should be able to eliminate the headlights and rear lights easily. The regulator is probably up under the dash cowl and can be replaced easily if you can get the steering wheel off of the tractor.
Just turn it off is my suggestion.
GreensvilleJay
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BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
get a copy of the wiring diagram ! 'follow the wires' and locate where and why the battery is being drained.
Since you're not the original owner, someone may have modified or upgrade the wiring, vermin(mice..grrr.) may have chewed the cables and 'crossed wires'.
it could also be as simple as tightening the fan belt !
Since you're not the original owner, someone may have modified or upgrade the wiring, vermin(mice..grrr.) may have chewed the cables and 'crossed wires'.
it could also be as simple as tightening the fan belt !