722D electrical problem

bozoc

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Brought my 722d out for the first time in a couple of months. It was running perfectly the last time I used it. It started fine but when I looked at the voltage meter it showed about 4 volts and did not appear to be charging. Turned the PTO on and it dropped down to about 2 volts. The battery was new last spring. Checked connections then took battery out and charged it. Put it back in and turned the ignition to the "ON" position. The meter showed about 4 volts immediately. Thought maybe it was a bad battery. Took it to the parts store and they tested the battery and gave me a new one no questions asked. Came home, installed it and as soon as I turned the ignition switch on (before starting) it immediately registered 4 volts. Started it up and the same thing as before. Not charging at all. I have checked to make sure the positive cable is not rubbing on the frame. It would seem if the alternator was bad the new battery wouldn't show low voltage before even starting the engine. I am a poor mechanic. Any ideas or suggestions? Sorry to be so long-winded.
 

KennyV

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The "meter" you are referring to... Is that a digital volt ohm meter?
If you in fact had 4 volts, you could Never start the engine... so I suspect you are Not measuring the battery voltage with a known Good test meter. :smile:KennyV
 

bozoc

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The "meter" you are referring to... Is that a digital volt ohm meter?
If you in fact had 4 volts, you could Never start the engine... so I suspect you are Not measuring the battery voltage with a known Good test meter. :smile:KennyV

Sorry, should have been more clear. I am referring to the voltmeter guage on the control panel.
 

KennyV

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Do you have any reason to believe it is accurate?
Test the voltage At the battery using a good DVOM, they can be had very economically at RadioShack, sears, WalMart or almost any auto parts store... You will find many uses for it, like checking the voltage drop at the connections for the mowers volt meter... Post back with your findings, I'll bet you have a bad meter or corroded connections... :smile:KennyV
 

bozoc

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Do you have any reason to believe it is accurate?
Test the voltage At the battery using a good DVOM, they can be had very economically at RadioShack, sears, WalMart or almost any auto parts store... You will find many uses for it, like checking the voltage drop at the connections for the mowers volt meter... Post back with your findings, I'll bet you have a bad meter or corroded connections... :smile:KennyV

Thanks Kenny, that was going to be my next move tomorrow. I will post back. Probably with another question.:laughing:
 

KennyV

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Not a problem.. I'll look for your post. :smile:KennyV
 

bozoc

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I bought a digital multitester at NAPA today. I had appx. 12.5 volts at the battery connections. Took the console apart and had 12.5 volts on the wires going into the voltmeter guage on the console. I took the voltmeter guage out and cleaned the connections on the guage as well as the wires going to the guage. Still had 12.5 volts at the connection after cleaning. Re-installed the volt meter and it showed 4 volts with the switch on and the motor not running. Checked the connection where the wires hook to the voltmeter guage one last time. Still had 12.5 volts. It looks like I have a bad guage. Do you agree?
 

KennyV

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Yep... Get a new one You will be fine. :smile:KennyV
 

bozoc

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Got my new voltmeter in about dark last night. Hooked it up today and it's running 14 volts! A big thanks to KennyV.
 
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