[jnichols07]

So the problem I have is that my battery isn't holding a charge. I initially replaced the battery, the battery cables, and ran a new wire from the solenoid to the starter motor. Still losing volts when it's off though. (I have installed a battery switch as a temporary fix and that seems to be keeping the battery from running out of power overnight).

Last night, I hooked a test light to the negative of the battery and put the probe on the ammeter and the light came on. I tested for volts with one end of the probe on the battery and the other on the positive side of the ammeter. It read 10 volts, which is what the battery was at. This was with the tractor off and the key out.

I'm sure i have a wiring problem or a ground short somewhere, I just don't know where. I'm thinking the issue would be with the key, but this ammeter thing seems promising. I can't see why it would pull current with the key out and engine off.

Also, the ammeter seems broken. It stays at zero even though I know the battery charges. (If I jump start the tractor and run it for a while and then test the battery it gets back to 12-13v pretty quick). The ammeter stays in the middle the whole time.

I do plan to check the ammeter wiring, but if it's normal for it to be hot even with the tractor off, it might just be another rabbit hole. Regardless, I'm just happy to have it running just in time to start mowing.

Any ideas or thoughts are appreciated.