[paclockman]

Hello all,

I have an X350, about 3 years old, 135 hours. Twice in the last 3 weeks while mowing a Yellow Exclamation mark (Caution Indicator) on the info panel started flashing, also the bar on the right side of the panel that shows voltage would also flash...voltage was down around the 9v mark. The first time it happened I charged the battery and had no problems for the next few times I used the mow. Today it started doing it again. If I shut off the blades, everything returns to normal including the voltage which moves up to closer to mid-range.

My question....is this indicative the battery going bad or do I need to look at something else? At 3 years, I'm guessing it's the battery.

 

[dave_r]

I would suggest for checking that voltage regulator is working on the engine. It sounds like the VR (or something in the charging circuit) has failed, and the battery is slowly draining while you are using it, then you charged up the battery so everything went back to working for awhile until the battery discharged again.

 

[rhenning]

3 years is a long time for many garden tractor batteries. I have had them last 10+ years but 2 to 5 seems how long most last. You could have charging system problems also. Run diagnostics on that also. With the engine off the voltage on the battery should be 12+volts and with the engine running it should be 13 to 14 volts. Roger

 

[paclockman]

Thanks Dave/Roger......it's on the charger now but I'll keep your ideas in mind once it's charged back up.

 

[paclockman]

Hello again,

Here are the numbers...

with the tractor off and the battery fully charged - 12.85v
with the tractor warmed up and running fast - 12.70v
with the tractor running and blades on - 12.47v

To me it seems the voltage with the tractor running seems a bit low.

Any input? Voltage regulator?

 

[dave_r]

could be, but diagnose where the problem is before getting a new one. I would suggest searching youtube or this site for figuring why it's not charging (as I don't know the specifics of doing it myself).

 

[MinnesotaSteve]

Voltage while it's running should be in the 13.5-14 voltage range.

It could just be a loose or corroded wire... you'll have to trace it with a multimeter.

 

[paclockman]

Sometimes it's the little things....I had a blown 30a fuse. Battery now at 14.14v when running. Is it possible that I blew the fuse while charging the battery while it was still connected in the tractor?

Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[rhenning]

Anything is possible. Roger