Lawn Tractor: Lights Don't Work

The switch controls the power to the bulbs. A broken switch will result in lights that don’t work. To check the switch, first hook your volt meter up to the switch, turn the switch on, and look for 12 volts. If you do not see 12 volts, then attach the positive end of the volt meter to the positive end of the switch and ground the negative lead on the volt meter to the negative post on the battery. If your volt meter reads 12 volts, then you know that the switch is getting power. If it is getting power, and the lights still won’t work, it is an indication that the switch is defective and requires replacement. To replace the open hood, locate the switch, and depress the tabs on the switch housing to remove it. Next, remove the wires, and attach them to a new switch, then push the new switch into place and test the lights.

The wiring harness transmits the power from the battery to the switch, and ultimately to the bulb. A damaged or faulty harness can prevent your tractor’s lights from working properly. To check for a problem in the harness, start by attaching your voltmeter along the harness, looking for 12 volts. Repeat this process with all the connectors, and look for a drop in voltage. When you have located the drop in voltage, check the plug or socket for any signs of damage. Check for loose wire connections at the connectors as well. If they look good, you will need to check the wiring itself. Look for a small crack, or anything that may be causing the wiring to ground itself out. If you notice minor damage on the wire, you can usually wrap it with electrical tape to fix the issue. If one of the plugs or sockets are damaged, simply replace them by cutting off the old one and splicing the new one in with crimpable spade connectors. You can also twist the wirings and solder them together, then cover them with heat shrink to protect them from the elements.

The socket is where the light bulb screws in, and it keeps the bulb in place with a tight connection for power to flow through. If the socket is damaged in any way (like if the connectors inside are bent, falling out, missing, or displaying any other signs of damage), it needs to be replaced. To replace a socket, first lift the hood, then turn the socket clockwise to remove it, and cut the wires. Next, strip off a bit of wire on the harness to make the new connection. Now, slide heat shrink over the wires, attach the new socket, and join the wires together by twisting them together and soldering them. You can also use the proper male and female spade connectors by crimping them on. Slide heat shrink over the connector and use a lighter or small torch to shrink the heat shrink for a nice tight seal, which will keep moisture out. Finally, re-install the bulb.

The simplest way to check the bulb is to remove it and replace it with a new one. If the new one doesn’t work, then the problem is somewhere else. If the new bulb does work, then your old one is burned out or defective and will need to be replaced. To replace the bulb, lift the hood, locate the light socket, and turn clockwise to release. Now you can simply replace the bulb with a new one.