Troubleshooting


IF	CHECK
ENGINE WILL NOT START OR IS HARD TO START	Control levers not in the swing-out neutral position.
	Park brake lever not in the proper 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.

Front Mower


IF	CHECK
EXCESSIVE VIBRATION	Run engine at FAST throttle.
EXCESSIVE VIBRATION	Make sure mower deck driveshaft bolts are tight.
WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE WITH ENGINE RUNNING	Transmission oil level low.
	Traction drive belt slipping or broken.
	Park brake adjustment.
	Free-wheeling levers engaged.
	Transmission Problems - See your John Deere Dealer.
MACHINE CREEPS WITH ENGINE RUNNING AND CONTROL LEVERS IN A NEUTRAL POSITION	Transmission neutral adjustment.
	Park brake not engaged.

Electrical System


IF	CHECK
BATTERY WILL NOT TAKE A CHARGE	Clean or tighten battery connections.
	Electrolyte low.
	Dead cell.
INDICATOR LIGHTS DO NOT WORK	Defective bulb.
	Dead battery.
	Loose battery connection.
	Electrical problems - See your John Deere Dealer.
PTO SWITCH DOES NOT WORK	Engine oil hot - allow oil to cool.
	Clean oil cooler fins.
	Bad switch.
STARTER WILL NOT WORK	Fuse is blown.
	Clean or tighten battery connections.
	Low battery output.
	Neutral start switch not adjusted correctly or defective.
	Key switch or starter faulty.
	Position of PTO knob.
	Position of control levers and park brake lever.
	Operator not on seat.
STARTER TURNS SLOWLY	Low battery output.
	Low battery power.
	Wrong engine oil.

Steering and Brakes


IF	CHECK
BRAKES NOT WORKING CORRECTLY	Park brake adjustment-adjust linkage.
	Worn brake shoes.
	Brake shoes wet.
STEERING NOT WORKING CORRECTLY	Tracking adjustment.
	Improper tire inflation.
	Hydrostatic transmission oil low.
	Linkage needs lubrication.