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J Wendt 10-23-2009 18:53:33 97.86.231.163 455267 Report to Moderator	The problem is that the battery won't stay topped off. This started early last spring. If it was very cold it wouldn't turnover fast enough to start even if the block heater was plugged in. If you put a charger on it would start. The charging light goes out and you can tell it kicks in because the lights will get brighter. But then sometimes the light comes back on dimmly, but not consistently. Anyway it didn't bother this summer when it was warm, although sometimes it turned over slow but would start. This fall as soon as it got cold a couple days close to 30* it wouldn't start again. If I put the charger on for 10 minutes it would start (only a 6 amp charger) the voltage will be at 12.3 aprox, ten minutes later its at 14+ and will start right up. I have checked the voltage when its charging at the alternator an it is 14+ at high idle. I have changed the battery, so I don't think it is the battery. Today the battery light would go on and off, no particular pattern that I can figure out. My dealer is kinda stumped also. The rest of the idiot lights on the top of the dash seem to have a mind of there own also. For awhile today the turtle light actually worked again. The fwa light hasn't worked in awhile and the parking brake light has a mind of its own. Don't know if it's all related or not. Hope that gives you something to go on. [Reply]   [Send Email]
RickB 10-24-2009 03:27:43 74.209.22.14 455302 Report to Moderator	Clean the battery ground cable at both ends, with particular care to the chassis end. Pull the upper steering column cover and inspect the harness going to the key switch. The harness is often strapped down a little short and the connector can work off the key switch. Look for heat damage on the battery and accessory terminals of the key switch. Look for looseness in the key switch parts where the contact plate is crimped to the switch body. If there is any question at all, replace the switch, it's (relatively) cheap. The 4WD indicator lamp is controlled by a pressure switch in the 4WD clutch supply tube. Find the switch near the bottom left of the rear axle housing and jumper the wires to check the circuit. The switch has two wires in individual spade comnnectors, not a weatherpack plug. If the lamp lights, replace the pressure switch. Check the entire electrical system for a draw after shutdown. Disconnect the alternator if a significant draw is found and check again. A bad diode set in the alternator will suck the life out of a battery when the tractor is parked, but charge normally when running.   [Reply]   [No Email]