Ford 555 keeps killing batteries

BRUCE VAHJEN

New User
I have a 1986 Ford 555B that keeps killing batteries. I cant go a week without them being dead. I noticed today that when I hook up the positive lead a relay clicks under the dash. I assume some load is on even when the key is off (but I leave the key in the ignition on the off position) Anybody have any ideas?
 
You have a problem that is keeping at least part of the electrical system "hot" at all times and that's what's draining your battery. You will need a volt/ohmmeter to start tracking the problem down. It will be difficult for anyone to lead you to the problem until you can offer additional information such as has the wiring been modified (cut & spliced) and which relay clicks when you connect the battery.
The easy way around the problem is to disconnect the battery every time you use the tractor. You can either remove one of the cables from the battery or put a battery disconnect on it which only takes a couple of seconds to activate/deactivate.
 
I think I will put in a kill switch since I am real bad at finding electrical problems. I will also take this tractor back to one large battery since it was converted to two car batteries. I know that is not the problem but one large battery seems like less trouble.
 
It gives some folks the horrors (and is admittedly less than convenient) but on my diesel 4500 I just remove the battery entirely.

One thing I wonder, not knowing the 555 in much detail, though I know it followed on from the 4500 - is the "off" position you are using really the off position? I don't know if the 555 is similar, but the diesel 4500 "off" is in the center of 5 positions with the leftmost ones involving thermostart operation.
 

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