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Overview of the Starting Problem
Operators of the New Holland L220 skid-steer loader often experience intermittent starter failures. While the engine cranks weakly or clicks once when pressing the start button—especially after long idle periods—it frequently starts normally following a jump-start. These symptoms generally point to starter motor degradation or secondary electrical issues.
Reported Symptoms
A 2012 L220 owner described his starter problem after multiple deep battery discharges and trials with AGM replacements. He noted:
Announced Fault Patterns in Early 200-Series
Reports across user forums indicate several L220 machines in this series suffered premature starter failure and associated starter relay issues. Some dealers recommended reverting to legacy Tier 3 starter units to resolve reliability concerns.
Diagnosis & Repair Recommendations
Starter-related engagement failures on New Holland L220 machines, especially first-crank failures followed by successful jump starts, most often stem from weak or failing starter motors, marginal power delivery from aged batteries, or poor relay/interlock performance. A combination of load testing, direct bypass startup trials, harness inspection, and eventual starter replacement usually restores reliable operation. Early identification and replacement can prevent downtime and winter start issues.
Operators of the New Holland L220 skid-steer loader often experience intermittent starter failures. While the engine cranks weakly or clicks once when pressing the start button—especially after long idle periods—it frequently starts normally following a jump-start. These symptoms generally point to starter motor degradation or secondary electrical issues.
Reported Symptoms
- Single click from starter relay without engine turnover on first try.
- Subsequent attempts or jump-start reliably crank and start the machine.
- Starter seems underpowered despite full battery voltage, suggesting wear or internal faults in the starter assembly.
- Occasional multiple starter failures reported by operators among early 200-series L220 machines.
- Weak or worn starter motor: Original units tend to lose torque over time and may fail to engage reliably under load.
- Battery issues: Even if voltage measures well, aged batteries with sulfated or weak cells may not deliver sufficient cold cranking amps.
- Starter relay or solenoid contact failure: Intermittent relay engagement can mimic starter issues.
- System voltage drop when engaging starter: Suggests resistance in cables, connections, or ground path.
A 2012 L220 owner described his starter problem after multiple deep battery discharges and trials with AGM replacements. He noted:
- Reliable starts when jump-started—even if cold.
- Inconsistent behavior when using the machine’s own starter after resting.
Announced Fault Patterns in Early 200-Series
Reports across user forums indicate several L220 machines in this series suffered premature starter failure and associated starter relay issues. Some dealers recommended reverting to legacy Tier 3 starter units to resolve reliability concerns.
Diagnosis & Repair Recommendations
- Load test the battery: Use a carbon pile tester or equivalent to confirm cold-cranking performance under load rather than idle voltage.
- Inspect starter relay and harness: Look for corrosion or damaged connectors feeding the solenoid.
- Bypass test: Temporarily jumper the starter directly to battery to verify starter motor delivers sufficient torque.
- Starter motor condition check: Remove starter for bench tests (amp draw, heat response, solenoid continuity).
- Evaluate ground path and connections: Poor engine-to-frame or frame-to-battery grounding can impede cranking power.
- Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): The current a fully charged battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0°F while maintaining at least 7.2V. Critical for ensuring starter torque.
- Starter Solenoid: Engages the starter motor drive pinion to the engine ring gear when starting.
- Carbon Pile Tester: Portable device for loading a battery under controlled resistance to accurately test battery health under load.
- Tier 4 vs Tier 3 Starters: Different emissions engine variants used differently rated starters; Tier 4 starter design differences reportedly less reliable.
- Replace weak or aged battery, preferably with equivalent or higher CCA rating.
- Verify robust ground and power cable connections between battery, starter, and chassis.
- Replace starter motor early if diagnostics show excessive draw or inconsistent engagement.
- Periodically check starter relay and associated seat/ignition interlock circuits.
- Retain records of service actions, particularly during field service interventions.
Starter-related engagement failures on New Holland L220 machines, especially first-crank failures followed by successful jump starts, most often stem from weak or failing starter motors, marginal power delivery from aged batteries, or poor relay/interlock performance. A combination of load testing, direct bypass startup trials, harness inspection, and eventual starter replacement usually restores reliable operation. Early identification and replacement can prevent downtime and winter start issues.
