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    Jumbo1114's Avatar
    Jumbo1114 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 29, 2008, 07:03 PM
    John Deere 185 Hydro Charging/Battery light stays on
    I purchased a used JD 185 Hydro Lawn Tractor and it runs perfect... but the dash battery light stays on all the time. I wonder if it is supposed to stay on... or is the battery not being charged when light is on?
    Also... I've discovered a cure for the center-mounted "free-wheel" knob... getting it to stay in the clockwise position... for when you just want to push the machine. If interested, just let me know.
    Thanks
    Jumbo1114
    crigby's Avatar
    crigby Posts: 4,343, Reputation: 107
    Outdoor Power Equipment Expert
    		  
    #2

    Nov 30, 2008, 08:23 AM

    Hi,
    Many things could cause the charge light to stay on. The two most common areas weak regulator or corroded connectors at the regulator. It is behind the battery and has a 6 prong connector. Check the connectors for corrsion. The regulator itself is rather expensive. The AC output from a healthy stator shouldbe about 36V and the DC output from a healthy regulator should be between 14 and 15V, usually.
    On the freewheel, Eaton hydro there should be two holes underneath that will line up on the linkage that you simply stick a bolt through.
    Peace,
    Clarke
    Jumbo1114's Avatar
    Jumbo1114 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 30, 2008, 10:20 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by crigby View Post
    Hi,
    Many things could cause the charge light to stay on. The two most common areas weak regulator or corroded connectors at the regulator. It is behind the battery and has a 6 prong connector. Check the connectors for corrsion. The regulator itself is rather expensive. The AC output from a healthy stator shouldbe about 36V and the DC output from a healthy regulator should be between 14 and 15V, usually.
    On the freewheel, Eaton hydro there should be two holes underneath that will line up on the linkage that you simply stick a bolt through.
    Peace,
    Clarke
    Thanks for the info... very helpful... and right on target.
    After cleaning all connections... and a little elec. Spray... all is good again.
    As for the freewheel... I made a spring-loaded lever that has a socket head screw that fits into the first hole on knob plate and adjacent hole in mounting plate... I mounted it to the frame. Then I simply rotate freewheel knob until screwhead pops in place... when done I just lift the lever a bit and I'm good to go.
    Thanks again.
    Jumbo1114
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