Engine Will Not Start Or Is Hard To Start

Motion control levers not in the "neutral lock" position.

Park brake lever not in the proper position.

Operator on seat.

Key switch not in proper position.

PTO engaged.

Stale or improper fuel / fuel level

Plugged fuel filter.

Plugged air intake filter.

Blown fuse.

Electrical problem - dead battery.

Fuel system on water or air.

Engine Runs Rough or Stalls

Plugged fuel filter.

Plugged air intake system.

Fuel cap vent dirty.

Stale or improper fuel / fuel level.

Dirty or faulty fuel injectors.

Engine Knocks

Engine oil level low.

Reduce load. (Slower ground speed.)

Fuel is bad. Fill tank with fresh fuel, correct octane.

Idle speed too slow.

Water in fuel system

Clogged air filter

Engine Overheats

Clean grille, radiator screen or radiator cooling fins.

Low oil level.

Do not operate at slow idle. Operate at fast idle.

Plugged air intake filter.

Operating at too fast ground speed for conditions.

Defective thermostat, water temperature indicator or sender.

Engine Lacks Power

Reduce load.

Plugged air intake system.

Plugged fuel filter.

Improper type of fuel. Drain tank and fill with correct fuel.

Clean cooling fins to help prevent overheating.

Engine Uses Too Much Oil

Find and correct oil leaks.

Incorrect engine oil.

Plugged oil filter.

Plugged air intake filter.

Low Oil Pressure

Engine oil level low.

Plugged oil filter.

Improper type of oil.

Oil leaks.

Engine Emits White Smoke

Improper type of fuel.

Low engine temperature.

Engine Emits Black Or Gray Exhaust Smoke

Improper type of fuel.

Plugged air intake system.

Operating at too fast ground speed for conditions.

High Fuel Consumption

Improper type of fuel.

Plugged air intake system.

Operating at too fast ground speed for conditions.

Restricted air intake system.

Plugged crankcase vent tube or baffle.

Battery Will Not Charge

Loose or corroded connections.

Defective battery - check electrolyte level.

Dead cell in battery.

Loose or defective alternator belt.

Defective alternator.

Starter Will Not Work

Blown fuse.

Loose or corroded battery or ground connections.

Neutral start switches faulty or not adjusted properly. See your John Deere Dealer.

Key switch or starter faulty. See your John Deere Dealer.

PTO engaged.

Motion control levers and park brake lever not in proper position.

Operator not on seat.

PTO Switch Does Not Work

Poor connection between harness and clutch.

Blown fuse

Bad switch.

Starter Turns Slowly

Loose or corroded battery or ground connections.

Low battery power - charge battery.

Engine oil viscosity too heavy.

Excessive Machine Vibration

Engine speed too slow.

Machine Will Not Move With Engine Running

Transmission oil level low.

Transmission oil cold - allow engine to warm.

Free-wheeling pump release valves engaged.

Transmission problems. See your John Deere Dealer.

Machine Creeps With Engine Running and Motion Control Levers in a Neutral Position

Needs control linkage adjustment.

Needs transmission neutral adjustment.

Brakes Not Working Correctly

Brakes out of adjustment- adjust linkage.

Wet brakes.

Worn brakes.

Steering Not Working

Free-wheeling pump release valves partially engaged.

Needs control linkage adjustment.

Improper tire Inflation.

Hydrostatic transmission oil low.

Discharge Chute Plugged

Grass is wet - mow grass only when dry.

Raise cutting height.

Mow at full fast throttle.

Ground speed too fast for conditions.

Correct installation of deck drive belt.

Mower Deck Vibrates

Run engine at fast throttle.

Loose hardware.

Check/replace deck drive belt.

Blade bolts are loose.

Blades are bent or worn.

Sharpen and balance blades.

Remove belt shields and clean debris from sheaves.

Check sheaves for proper alignment or damage. See a John Deere dealer.

Mower Blades Do Not Engage

Deck drive belt slipping or broken.

Deck belt tension spring not installed or broken.

PTO switch failure.

Fuse is blown.

Loose electrical connections.

Mower Mows Unevenly

Mower deck not properly leveled.

Ground speed too fast for conditions.

Run engine at fast throttle.

Reduce ground speed when making turns.

Sharpen or replace blades.

Change mowing pattern.

Check air pressure in all traction unit tires.