New Holland L220 Starter & Cranking Issues: Comprehensive Insight

[MikePhua]

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

• 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.
  

Common Root Causes

• 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.
  

Field Case: “StumpyWally” Experience
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.
  

After consultation, a field technician suspected starter motor aged condition and possible diode/starter solenoid failure. A dealer visit was arranged under warranty-like field support.
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.
  

Technical Term Clarifications

• 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.
  

Maintenance Checklist

• 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.
  

Conclusion
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.