Getting behind the Dashboard on L1500

[Harry Bowman]

I turn the key on, indicator lights come on. I turn start switch left to warm glow plugs, THEN A CLICK behind dash sound like its coming from area of switch for heating glow plugs and start and then nothing. Now ignition switch does nothing. Eventually ignition switch may make indicator lights work again maybe not. I dropped ignition switch out to inspect, all appears ok.Checked fuses in fuse box on front of panel, all ok. Was wanting to get behind dash to inspect connections, removed all screws and it seems like I will have to remove steering wheel ( is that correct?)
If so lord help me! Or perhaps an experienced member.....

 

[Russell King]

That is very similar to my L185 except mine is missing that rubber part at the bottom of the steering column.

Unfortunately, if you want to get the dash completely off the tractor, you do have to remove the steering wheel.

I have never tried to just move the dash up to look under it but I know that the wiring harness is short under the dash and the cowl so you can’t easily separate those two.

There should be two harness connectors on the left side near your foot (when sitting on the tractor). If you disconnect them that would give you some slack. You may have to feed the harness through the tractor to get more slack. Then there are four bolts total (two each side) that attach the cowl to the tractor. They are near the tank and difficult to see. You have to get your head below the tractor and look up to locate them. There is a sopport for the tank that also bolts the cowl in place. The support is shown in this picture near where the silver spring is shown.

You may be able to lift this and see what you need to. But removing the steering wheel is not that difficult since the shaft is tapered. I have described how to remove the steering wheel in other threads and will try to find it.

Here is what the wiring under the dash and cowl. Notice how the wring is connected to the key switch and to the instruments.

 

[Harry Bowman]

That is very similar to my L185 except mine is missing that rubber part at the bottom of the steering column.

Unfortunately, if you want to get the dash completely off the tractor, you do have to remove the steering wheel.

I have never tried to just move the dash up to look under it but I know that the wiring harness is short under the dash and the cowl so you can’t easily separate those two.

There should be two harness connectors on the left side near your foot (when sitting on the tractor). If you disconnect them that would give you some slack. You may have to feed the harness through the tractor to get more slack. Then there are four bolts total (two each side) that attach the cowl to the tractor. They are near the tank and difficult to see. You have to get your head below the tractor and look up to locate them. There is a sopport for the tank that also bolts the cowl in place. The support is shown in this picture near where the silver spring is shown.
View attachment 130156

You may be able to lift this and see what you need to. But removing the steering wheel is not that difficult since the shaft is tapered. I have described how to remove the steering wheel in other threads and will try to find it.

Here is what the wiring under the dash and cowl. Notice how the wring is connected to the key switch and to the instruments.
View attachment 130157

Great Idea of photo up under dash. Thanks for info and Ideas.

 

[Harry Bowman]

Great idea on photo underneath. That helps in addition to your comments. Thanks

 

[Russell King]

I neglected to point out that you can see the attachment points of the cowling in that picture loo at the back of the dash.

here is a link to the thread about steering wheel removal (post #7).
I don’t think it is a good idea to use a puller without something helping protecting the rear of the steering wheel. There is a plastic lip that will get damaged.

steering wheel

I am trying to test and probably change out a relay on my M4900SU. To lift off the dashboard to get better access to the relays. I need to remove the steering wheel, but can't get it off with a puller being careful not to break the plastic. Any suggestions ? Thank you.

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