Ford 3600 Diesel Electrical Problem

SteveInTn

New User
Need help with electrical issue. My 3600 quit starting with the key, but I could cross the solenoid w/starter and it would run. Replaced the solenoid thinking that was the issue but still the same problem. When the tractor is running, if I take a DC test light, I don't see fire anywhere at the switch or the alternator. I'm fair mechanical, but not much electrician. Any help appreciated.
 
Could be the neutral safety switch or ignition switch. Jumping across the solenoid will bypass both issues. Using a multimeter to see if you have power and continuity to the ignition switch and proper pins when the key is turned could help identify the missing link.
 

Using a test light, I can't find any power at the ignition switch on any tabs with the switch on or turn to "start".
 
Sounds like you have either high resistance or open circuit
between battery positive and "batt" terminal on back of key
switch.Also when using test light make sure you have a good
ground to hook to.Try running a jumper wire between positive
battery terminal and proper terminal on back of key switch.
 
Sounds like you have either high resistance or open circuit
between battery positive and "batt" terminal on back of key
switch.Also when using test light make sure you have a good
ground to hook to.Try running a jumper wire between positive
battery terminal and proper terminal on back of key switch.
 
(quoted from post at 12:26:35 11/25/14) Sounds like you have either high resistance or open circuit
between battery positive and "batt" terminal on back of key
switch.Also when using test light make sure you have a good
ground to hook to.Try running a jumper wire between positive
battery terminal and proper terminal on back of key switch.

Does anyone have a diagram of what switch terminal are?
 
Look on the back of switch their usually marked.If that doesn't
work a service manual should have a wiring diagram.It should
show what wires go where on the key switch.
 
(quoted from post at 10:44:38 11/26/14) Look on the back of switch their usually marked.If that doesn't
work a service manual should have a wiring diagram.It should
show what wires go where on the key switch.

Thx I replaced the starter solenoid switch and had a hard time making the wire that fits on the spade terminal fit. Was trying to figure out if that wire feeds the ignition switch or it comes from somewhere else. I was thinking jumper wire too, but not sure where to feed from
 
If you have power at key switch when you turn key to start
position power will go from key switch and then through neutral
safety switch and then to solenoid energizing solenoid which
will turn starter.But you need to have power at key switch first.
 
It sounds like you may have made the same mistake I made when I replaced my starter. You should have your positive battery cable AND another wire on the same post ( mine had two red wires with a ring terminal), not on the post with the metal tab that attaches to the starter motor. That will give you power back to the ignition switch. You should have the wire with the spade connection on the solenoid.
 
(quoted from post at 15:37:39 11/26/14) It sounds like you may have made the same mistake I made when I replaced my starter. You should have your positive battery cable AND another wire on the same post ( mine had two red wires with a ring terminal), not on the post with the metal tab that attaches to the starter motor. That will give you power back to the ignition switch. You should have the wire with the spade connection on the solenoid.

U may have something there. Will take a look and post back. Thx
 
(quoted from post at 17:32:57 11/26/14)
(quoted from post at 10:44:38 11/26/14) Look on the back of switch their usually marked.If that doesn't
work a service manual should have a wiring diagram.It should
show what wires go where on the key switch.

Thx I replaced the starter solenoid switch and had a hard time making the wire that fits on the spade terminal fit. Was trying to figure out if that wire feeds the ignition switch or it comes from somewhere else. I was thinking jumper wire too, but not sure where to feed from

The spade single wire on the solenoid is the 12 volt supply from the ignition switch, that activates the starter.

The power to the ignition switch comes from the solenoid. The post where the positive battery cable bolts on also has 2 other wires. one of those wires goes back to the ignition switch. check to see if you have a good connection there, or as tractor virgin said, like he did, you put a wire in a place it doesn't belong.

When did the tractor start having this problem? Did you fix something or change something,and now it won't start?
 
(quoted from post at 20:55:23 11/27/14)
(quoted from post at 17:32:57 11/26/14)
(quoted from post at 10:44:38 11/26/14) Look on the back of switch their usually marked.If that doesn't
work a service manual should have a wiring diagram.It should
show what wires go where on the key switch.

Thx I replaced the starter solenoid switch and had a hard time making the wire that fits on the spade terminal fit. Was trying to figure out if that wire feeds the ignition switch or it comes from somewhere else. I was thinking jumper wire too, but not sure where to feed from

The spade single wire on the solenoid is the 12 volt supply from the ignition switch, that activates the starter.

The power to the ignition switch comes from the solenoid. The post where the positive battery cable bolts on also has 2 other wires. one of those wires goes back to the ignition switch. check to see if you have a good connection there, or as tractor virgin said, like he did, you put a wire in a place it doesn't belong.

When did the tractor start having this problem? Did you fix something or change something,and now it won't start?
I do have the positive cable on the right post. I did see another wire that does not have an end on it. How many wires should be on that post with that positive terminal. Started when could not start with key. Jumped the starter and it worked, even started with key after the jump. Then would not start anymore with the key, so I replaced the starter solenoid.
 
use your test light, and check the back of the ignition switch. Do you have a terminal that is always hot?

If so, replace the ignition switch.
 
(reply to post at 15:43:34 11/28/14) [/quot

Remove the sheet metal that surrounds the lower part of the steering column. There will be a disconnect for the neutral start switch that is in the transmission. Undo the wires and make you a jumper to plug into the connector that is still attached to the tractor and not the wires that go into the transmission. This will let you know if the neutral switch in the transmission is the problem. Also on the front of the tank where the wiring harness goes together sometimes causes trouble it is not attached to the tank but goes over the tank in that area. I have seen a lot of these connectors have problems and people figure out which wire is the problem and jump around the connector for the wires that do not have continuity.
 
(quoted from post at 16:08:33 11/28/14)
(reply to post at 15:43:34 11/28/14) [/quot

Remove the sheet metal that surrounds the lower part of the steering column. There will be a disconnect for the neutral start switch that is in the transmission. Undo the wires and make you a jumper to plug into the connector that is still attached to the tractor and not the wires that go into the transmission. This will let you know if the neutral switch in the transmission is the problem. Also on the front of the tank where the wiring harness goes together sometimes causes trouble it is not attached to the tank but goes over the tank in that area. I have seen a lot of these connectors have problems and people figure out which wire is the problem and jump around the connector for the wires that do not have continuity.[/quot

SOLVED! Started tracing back from the positive post on the starter and where that wire splits to the ignition switch & alternator there was a bad connection. Would test good, but if you moved the wires would test bad. Weird one for sure. Many thx for the thoughts & suggestions. Hope I can return the favor some day.
 
If you have power at key switch when you turn key to start
position power will go from key switch and then through neutral
safety switch and then to solenoid energizing solenoid which
will turn starter.But you need to have power at key switch first.
 

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