Troubleshooting

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


IF	CHECK
ENGINE WILL NOT START OR IS HARD TO START	Speed control lever not in park position.
	Key switch not in proper position.
	PTO switch in the ON position.
	Fuel shut-off valve CLOSED (OFF).
	Stale fuel / Improper fuel / fuel level.
	Plugged fuel filter.
	Plugged air intake filter.
	Spark plug wire is loose or disconnected.
	Spark plug not gapped correctly.
	Fuse is blown.
	Wrong engine oil viscosity.
	Electrical problem- electric start kit.
	Choke adjusted incorrectly - See your John Deere Dealer.
ENGINE WILL NOT SLOW IDLE	Carburetion problems - See your John Deere Dealer.
ENGINE RUNS ROUGH	Fuel shut-off valve partially closed.
	Plugged fuel filter.
	Plugged air intake filter.
	Fuel cap vent dirty.
	Stale or improper fuel / fuel level.
	Spark plug not gapped correctly.
	Replace spark plug.
	Choke adjusted incorrectly - See your John Deere Dealer.
	Carburetion problems - See your John Deere Dealer.
ENGINE OVERHEATS	Clean cooling fins.
	Low oil level.
	Do not operate at SLOW idle, Operate at FAST idle.
	Cooling air, intake screen is dirty.
	Plugged carburetor air intake filter.
	Operating at too fast ground speed for conditions.
ENGINE KNOCKS	Fuel is bad. Fill tank with fresh fuel, correct octane.
	Reduce load. (slower ground speed)
	Operate engine at FAST idle.
ENGINE LACKS POWER	Reduce load.
	Plugged air intake filter.
	Plugged fuel filter.
	Drain and fill tank with correct fuel.
	Clean cooling fins to help prevent overheating.
	Spark plug.
ENGINE USES TOO MUCH OIL	Find and correct oil leaks.
	Incorrect engine oil.
	Plugged air intake filter.
ENGINE BACKFIRES THROUGH MUFFLER	Carburetion problems - See your John Deere Dealer.
ENGINE BACKFIRES THROUGH CARBURETOR	Carburetion problems - See your John Deere Dealer.

Mower


IF	CHECK
MOWER VIBRATES TOO MUCH	Run engine at FAST throttle.
	Blade bolts are loose.
	Blades - sharpen and balance.
	Loose hardware.
MOWER WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD	Speed control lever in park position.
	Transmission drive belt slipping or broken.
	Neutral Locks engaged and locked.
	Free-wheeling levers engaged.
	Transmission Problems - See your John Deere Dealer.
BLADES DO NOT ENGAGE	Check mower drive belt.
	Loose electrical connections.
	Check and adjust electric PTO clutch / brake.
MOWER MOWS UNEVENLY	Operating at too fast ground speed for conditions.
	Do not operate at SLOW idle, Operate at FAST idle.
	Slow down before you turn.
	Change mowing pattern.
	Sharpen and balance blades.
	Tire circumference - make them the same.
	Mower level.
DISCHARGE CHUTE PLUGS OFTEN	Grass is wet - mow grass only when it is dry.
	Raise cutting height.
	Do not operate at SLOW idle, Operate at FAST idle.
	Operating at too fast ground speed for conditions.
	Change to different type blade - 48/54-Inch decks only.
MOWER WILL NOT MOVE IN REVERSE	Speed control lever in the park position.
	Reverse rods need adjustment.
	Steering handles not squeezed upward.
	Transmission drive belt slipping or broken.

Introduction

Safety Signs

Controls

Operating Machine

Replacement Parts

Service Machine Safely

Service Interval Chart

Service Engine

Service Transmission

Service-Brakes and Drive Wheels

Service Mower

Service Electrical

Service Miscellaneous

Troubleshooting

Storing Machine

Assembly

Specifications

Warranty

John Deere Service Literature

Quality Doesn't End When You Invest In A Deere

Troubleshooting

Using Troubleshooting Chart

Engine

Mower