Wiring Issues on Case 1845C: Seeking Help with Identification

[MikePhua]

I’m facing wiring issues with my Case 1845C skid steer and need some assistance in identifying the problem. The machine has been showing signs of electrical malfunction, and after some investigation, I realized that the wiring system might be at fault.
The issue seems to involve the wiring harness, which could be causing intermittent power loss or electrical failures during operation. The machine runs, but the electrical systems (such as lights, gauges, and other components) sometimes stop functioning unexpectedly. It’s been a frustrating issue to pinpoint, as the symptoms aren’t consistent and don’t always occur under the same conditions.
Symptoms

• Intermittent electrical failures, especially with the lights and gauges.
  
• The skid steer will occasionally lose power to certain components without warning.
  
• Some fuses and relays seem to be blowing unexpectedly, and the issue appears to happen more frequently when the machine is under load.
  

Despite these issues, the engine itself starts and runs fine, suggesting that the main electrical circuits are intact. However, the various electrical systems are unreliable, which leads me to believe that the wiring might be the root cause.
Steps Taken
I’ve taken the following steps in an attempt to resolve the issue:

• Checked fuses and relays: I’ve replaced any blown fuses and relays, but the problem persists. It seems like the issue is deeper in the wiring harness or connections.
  
• Visual inspection: I’ve done a basic visual inspection of the wiring and connections, particularly around areas where there might be wear or corrosion. While some wires seem to be exposed, I haven't found any major frays or damage yet.
  
• Checked battery connections: I ensured that the battery connections were clean and tight, which can sometimes cause intermittent electrical failures. However, this wasn’t the root cause in my case.
  

Possible Causes
After investigating the issue, here are some possible causes for the electrical malfunction:

1. Damaged Wiring Harness: The wiring harness might have internal damage, which is causing an intermittent connection issue. Worn-out or frayed wires can create shorts or weak connections that lead to electrical failures.
   
2. Corrosion: Corrosion on the connectors or terminals can cause a poor electrical connection, which might explain the intermittent issues with electrical components. It’s especially likely if the machine has been exposed to harsh environments.
   
3. Loose or Faulty Connections: A loose or partially connected wire or terminal could be responsible for the electrical failures. This is common in older equipment and might require checking every connector in the system.
   
4. Faulty Relays/Switches: There could be a relay or switch malfunctioning, which is causing an inconsistent power supply to the electrical components.
   

Seeking Help
At this point, I’m reaching out for help to identify the specific wiring issue. I would appreciate any advice on common problem areas to check on the Case 1845C, especially regarding the wiring harness or electrical connections. Does anyone have experience with wiring issues on these machines?

• Are there any known areas where wiring tends to fail or wear out over time?
  
• Has anyone had success diagnosing and fixing wiring issues on a Case 1845C, and if so, how did you go about it?
  
• Should I be looking more closely at specific relays or fuses that could be causing these electrical issues?
  

Any help or advice on how to approach troubleshooting this issue would be much appreciated. Thanks!