Scag 54" tiger cub electrical issues

[Rusty71]

the scag in question has everything changed from new batteries(5), cylanoids(5), seat switches(2), p.t.o. switches(4), ignition switches(4),battery cables(2),control arm switches(2), and replaced part of the main wiring harness. All of this has been changed out for new and heavier duty parts per dealer ship. The only way we keep it running is to charge it up every other day.That is getting to be a hassle just like replacing all of this in just over 15 months. Thanks for your help. Rusty

 

[Rivets]

First you don't say so, but is your battery being charged during normal operation. You should get a reading of 13.2VDC at half throttle. I hope you say yes, but if you say no, your charging system is bad. As you have found out, you have one of the hardest electrical problems to solve. This is how I look at finding the bad part or connection. Number 1, NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING. All components and connections are suspected as bad, until you have tested them. The way I look for the problem in this case is to first hook a good digital volt meter (set at the lowest setting possible) to the battery and observe the reading. You have a voltage drain and you should see the voltage dropping, which means your battery being drained. All tests are done with the engine not running. Start at the ignition switch, disconnect it and observe the meter. If the meter stops dropping, we know we can solve the problem if we take our time. If the meter continues to drop, we know that something is wired into the system before the switch or have a dead short. These are very difficult to find and will take an experienced electrical tech to hunt it down. A good wiring diagram will be of great help as you can cross off components check and wires to follow. If it stops dropping, you will reattach the switch plug and follow one wire at a time, disconnecting each component you come to until you get it to stop dropping again. At that point, you hopefully have found a bad component or connection. This is going to take time and patience. A helper and a good meter will be your best friends. The first place I would look at is any fuse blocks or holders. The second place I would go is to follow the wire from the solenoid to the switch. Good luck and if you have specific questions don't be afraid to ask. SLOW AND CAREFUL

 

[Carscw]

First you don't say so, but is your battery being charged during normal operation. You should get a reading of 13.2VDC at half throttle. I hope you say yes, but if you say no, your charging system is bad. As you have found out, you have one of the hardest electrical problems to solve. This is how I look at finding the bad part or connection. Number 1, NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING. All components and connections are suspected as bad, until you have tested them. The way I look for the problem in this case is to first hook a good digital volt meter (set at the lowest setting possible) to the battery and observe the reading. You have a voltage drain and you should see the voltage dropping, which means your battery being drained. All tests are done with the engine not running. Start at the ignition switch, disconnect it and observe the meter. If the meter stops dropping, we know we can solve the problem if we take our time. If the meter continues to drop, we know that something is wired into the system before the switch or have a dead short. These are very difficult to find and will take an experienced electrical tech to hunt it down. A good wiring diagram will be of great help as you can cross off components check and wires to follow. If it stops dropping, you will reattach the switch plug and follow one wire at a time, disconnecting each component you come to until you get it to stop dropping again. At that point, you hopefully have found a bad component or connection. This is going to take time and patience. A helper and a good meter will be your best friends. The first place I would look at is any fuse blocks or holders. The second place I would go is to follow the wire from the solenoid to the switch. Good luck and if you have specific questions don't be afraid to ask. SLOW AND CAREFUL

Don't have a heart attack because I say something nice.

This is the best instructions I have read or heard of to solve this problem. As you said finding what is the bad part takes time and I get frustrated and next time I will follow these instructions.
Thank you
Glad I could learn some more from you.

 

[Rivets]

I think I'm having the big one Martha, but with the cold and snow here, I'll have to wait until the work slows down???

 

[MRCo.]

Useful info, Rivets!

 

[wjjones]

Sounds like a bad voltage regulator keeping the stator/alternator from re-charging the battery.