Problem with lights

[DAT]

My cub runs good. Have had it for 35 years. All of a sudden, when I turn the light switch on, the engine stops and the lights do not actually go on. I can turn the lights off although they didn't actually go on and then I can restart the engine. The lights will then not go on even if the engine is off and the ignition switch is not on, which they would always do in the past.
Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks,
DAT

[tst]

welcome to the forum, the light switch power is probably connected through the kill switch so the light switch or a wire is shorted to ground most likely killing the engine when you turn the switch on for the lights
Tim

[Eugene]

Welcome.

First thing is to down load the operator's manual for your tractor. Top of page. Operator's manual will contain the electrical wiring diagram.

My guess is a fault in the light switch. BUT, but, to much missing information to make any kind of positive determination.

Factory original wiring, there were several different ignition feeds. And then, some place in the past a previous owner could have changed the electrical wiring.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

If your cub uses the L lead on the regulator it may have a bad connection where the L terminal connects back to the bat terminal and when the lights are turned on the bad connection does not pass enough power to keep the ignition going.

[offrink]

I had a headlight wire short like this. It would ground and enough energy would be lost and not stall but plain turn off the engine. I rewired and it was fixed.

[Bigdog]

If this problem was a sudden onset problem and nothing was done prior to the problem you have 2 possibilities. The most likely problem is a wire with insulation worn through causing a direct short to ground. The other is that the switch has failed. If you remove the wire from the light switch to the headlights and tail light and the problem still occurs when you turn the switch on the problem is in the switch. If all is OK with the wires off, connect the headlights and test it. If OK then connect the tail light and test. This will give you a smaller search area.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

What size fuse is in your fuse holder? A short in the headlight wiring that draws enough current from the electrical system to kill the engine, unless there is a bad connection in the circuit, should blow that fuse (20amp) immediately.

Is your fuse in the dash or on the light switch?

[DAT]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I'll find it eventually.