Troubleshooting

Using Troubleshooting Chart

If you are experiencing a problem that is not listed in this chart, see your John Deere dealer for service.

When you have checked all the possible causes listed and you are still experiencing the problem, see your John Deere dealer.

Engine


THE ENGINE WILL NOT START OR IS HARD TO START	Open the fuel shutoff valve.
	Push the brake pedal down or lock the park brake.
	Connect the spark plug wire(s).
	Replace the spark plug(s).
	Let the travel pedal return to NEUTRAL.
	Sit on the operator's seat.
	Fill the fuel tank.
	Drain and fill the tank with correct fuel.
	Drain and fill engine with correct oil.
	Push down the PTO switch to the OFF position.
THE ENGINE RUNS ROUGH	Replace the fuel filter.
	Drain and fill the tank with correct fuel.
	Drain the fuel system. Flush the dirt. Add fresh fuel.
	Replace the air cleaner element(s).
	Check the electrical connections.
	Replace the spark plug(s).
	F710: Clean the cooling fins.
	F725: Clean the sir intake screens.
	Clean the choke control pivot (below the fuel pump).
THE ENGINE LACKS POWER	Reduce the load.
	Replace the air cleaner element(s).
	Replace the fuel filter.
	Drain and fill the tank with correct fuel.
	F710: Clean the cooling fins to help prevent overheating.
	F725: Clean the air intake screens.
	Replace the spark plug(s).
THE OIL LIGHT COMES ON	Add oil.
	Change the oil filter.
	Drain and fill the engine with correct oil.
THE ENGINE OVERHEATS	F710: Clean the cooling fins and the air intake screen.
	F725: Check the coolant level. Clean the air intake screen and the radiator screen.
	Add oil.
	Operate the implement at FAST idle.
	Clean the air intake screen.
	Replace the air cleaner element(s).
THE ENGINE KNOCKS	Drain the fuel tank. Fill tank with fresh fuel, correct octane.
	Reduce the load.
	Run the engine at FAST IDLE.
THE ENGINE BACKFIRES	Replace the spark plugs(s).
THE ENGINE WILL NOT SLOW IDLE	Check the spark plug(s) gap.
THE ENGINE WILL NOT SLOW IDLE	Replace the spark plug(s).
THE ENGINE VAPAOR LOCKS	Replace the fuel filter.
THE ENGINE VAPAOR LOCKS	If vapor lock persists, fill the tank with fresh fuel.

Front Mower


THE FRONT MOWER VIBRATES TOO MUCH	Replace the mower drive belt if it is damaged.
THE FRONT MOWER MOVES WITH ENGINE RUNNING AND THE TRAVEL PEDALS IN NEUTRAL	Adjust the pedal linkage. (See your John Deere dealer for this service.)
THE FRONT MOWER WILL NOT MOVE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING	Unlock the park brake.
	Check the transmission oil level.
	Run the engine several minutes to warm it during cold weather.

Electrical System


THE STARTER DOES NOT WORK OR WILL NOT CRANK THE ENGINE	Push the brake pedal down or lock the park brake.
	Push the PTO switch knob down.
	Clean the battery terminals and cable ends.
	Check for a blown fuse.
	Check the electrical connections.
ONE CIRCUIT DOES NOT WORK	Check for a blown fuse.
THE BATTERY WILL NOT CHARGE-THE YELLOW LIGHT COMES ON	Replace the battery if a cell is dead.
	Run the engine faster. Operate the mower at FAST idle.
	Check the electrical connections.
	Check the alternator.
	Check the electrolyte level.

Mower


THE DISCHARGE CHUTE PLUGS	Wait for the grass to dry.
	Raise the cutting height and cut the grass twice.
	Mow at FAST idle.
	Slow down.
PATCHES OF GRASS ARE NOT CUT	Slow down.
	Mow at FAST idle.
	Remove the belt shields. Clean the sheaves and belt.
	Sharpen the mower blades.
THE BELT SLIPS	Remove the belt shields. Clean the sheaves and belt.
THE BELT SLIPS	Replace the belt if it is badly worn.
THE MOWER VIBRATES TOO MUCH	Remove the belt shields. Clean the sheaves and belt. Check sheaves for damage.
	Replace the belt if it is damaged.
	Remove and balance the blades.
THE CUT IS UNEVEN	Check the mower level.
	Slow down.
	Sharpen the blades.
	Check the tire pressure.
THE MOWER SLOWS DOWN THE ENGINE	Mow at FAST idle.
	Slow down.
	Remove debris wrapped around spindles.
	Sharpen the mower blades.
THE BLADES ARE SCALPING	Raise the cutting height
	Slow down before a turn.
	Change the mowing pattern to avoid ridges.
	Check the tire pressure.
	Check for a bent blade.
	Adjust the gauge wheel.