Cub Cadet LGT 1054 won't turn over

My Cub Cadet LGT 1054 was not charging the battery so I replaced the rectifier. It still wasn't charging the battery so I was just putting it on the charger and mowing - then it suddenly stopped and wouldn't turn over. I knew the battery was good so I traced it to the 20A fuse. As soon as I replace the fuse and put the battery back in - it blows. Does that mean there is a direct short somewhere? I followed the red/white line from the fuse to the key switch and don't see an obvious break in the wire. Not sure what to check next. There is a relay also on the wire harness - could that be what is shorting out?

Thanks for any help in advance.

TP

Usually a fuse that blows the instant the battery is connected is because the battery is being connected backwards.

bertsmobile1 said:

Usually a fuse that blows the instant the battery is connected is because the battery is being connected backwards.

Click to expand...

Definitely connecting negative to negative and positive to positive but thanks for the info.

With the key switch turned off there should be no connection to anything.
only 3 things get direct power
1) key switch
2) PTO switch
3) rectifier
Unplug each one of them.
Hook up the + lead but not the - one
Use a jumper to connect the - to an easy to get to spot up front .
Hook it up then one by one replace the plugs till one of them causes the fuse to pop.
Let us know what happens
You can get the wiring diagram for your mower off the Cub web page.
It will either be in the owners book or the parts book.

bertsmobile1 said:

With the key switch turned off there should be no connection to anything.
only 3 things get direct power
1) key switch
2) PTO switch
3) rectifier
Unplug each one of them.
Hook up the + lead but not the - one
Use a jumper to connect the - to an easy to get to spot up front .
Hook it up then one by one replace the plugs till one of them causes the fuse to pop.
Let us know what happens
You can get the wiring diagram for your mower off the Cub web page.
It will either be in the owners book or the parts book.

Click to expand...

Thanks - it was the rectifier - go figure - brand new and it was bad. Replaced it and all is fine!

Thanks to all who read and helped!

TP

Good luck.
Don't throw the old one out till it is tested.
The + wire that runs power back to the battery could have a bare spot & be shorting to ground.
Also make sure the ground straps to the rectifier are in good nick.
I put one on each side on Kohlers where the rectifier is screwed into the plastic blower housing.