Go BottomDash indicator lights
 | KenSc
Join Date: Posts: 1 
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2002-03-08 36178
I recently bought a '79 JD 950 with 1100 hours and it runs well. However after reading the owner operator manual I discovered that none of the 3 dash indicator lights work, at least they don't temporarily come on when you initially turn the switch on. I checked with the local JD shop and they said panels and dash have to be removed to replace (or at least check) the bulbs. My plastic dash plate is cracked and the replacement is $48. It sounds like the dash has to be removed to replace the bulbs anyway and the labor for dash replacement is ~ $82. The "indicator" fuse is good. Other than all 3 bulbs burned out what else could cause the problem? Does the dash really have to be torn apart to check the bulbs?
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| BillBass
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 190 North Texas
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2002-03-08 36182
I also have a 950. My lights work, so I haven't looked into the circuit much. If the fuse is good, it could be bad sensors (not likely all 3 though), all bad bulbs (possible), bad ground (if there is a common ground to all 3 bulbs, quite possible). I seem to remember 1 light being off a different fuse than the others, but not sure.
My tractor and manual is about 30 miles away. I will probably go up there this weekend. I will try to remember to look at my manual to see the circuit and bulb replacement. ....
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| TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley 
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2002-03-09 36207
Bill's comments and especially about the ground are good. It would be coincidental if all dash lights burnt out. The problem is more likely the circuit. Back in the days of steel tractors, most components got their grounds through their cases to the tractor chassis. With plastic components, ground paths often have to be supplied by a ground wire. I was surprised to find an extra contact when I ordered a new flasher for my 1710. I finally figured out that old style 2-wireflashers probably aren't made any more, and my extra contact was for the ground wire.
There's a chance somebody forgot to reattach a ground wire. Such things are easy enough to test with a VOM and a wiring diagram. Working behind the console on most tractors is a pain and runs up labour costs. If the console is going to be removed anyway, maybe it wouldn’t cost much more to have the lights checked out and replaced if needed.
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| BillBass
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 190 North Texas
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2002-03-11 36245
Ken-I looked at my manual over the weekend. The "hot" from the fuse goes directly to all 3 lamps. Each lamp is then grounded thru each sensor. So a ground problem is not as likely. Did you verify the fuse with a meter? If it is good, you may have a bad or broken connection from the fuse to the lamps.
On mine, a 1984 model, the lamps are mounted on a small panel insert in the main panel and comes out the front by removing 2 small screws. Sounds like yours may not have that. ....
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| KenSc
Join Date: Posts: 1
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2002-03-11 36257
Bill - Thanks for the info. After looking closer I noticed that there is a seperate panel for the lights held by two screws. I'll have a closer look as soon as the weather permits. I did check the fuse with a meter and it was good. I'm assuming I should also find 12 volts on the fuse when I turn the switch on so I'll check that also. Do you have a wiring diagram that shows where the fuse gets the 12 volts?
Ken ....
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| BillBass
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 190 North Texas
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2002-03-11 36260
Ken-my manual does have good schematic and wiring diagrams of all the electrical circuits. It is still with my tractor which is about 30 miles away. I could scan it and e-mail it to you but I am not sure when I will get back up there. I will have to work next weekend.
If you intend to maintain the tractor yourself, I would recommend buying the repair manual and the parts manual. The repair manual gives good repair info and the wiring info. The parts manual is great because it gives exploded parts views of almost everything. These are actual JD manuals and can be bought by calling 1-800-522-7448. The repair manual was $76 and the parts manual $38. Kinda expensive but worth it I believe. ....
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| BillBass
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 190 North Texas
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2002-03-11 36261
I forgot to add. If you decide to buy the manuals, you will need your serial number when you call so that they can get you the correct manual. ....
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| TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley
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2002-03-12 36271
It's good to have a wiring diagram. It may be even better that somebody like Bill is around who also has a diagram.
I just wanted to note that it's a good idea to check for 12V on both sides of a fuse holder. I had some gimpy circuits on my 1710 that proved to be caused by dirty fuse holder contacts. At least I think so because I cleaned them and then everything worked.
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