Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Using Troubleshooting Chart

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

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

Engine


IF	CHECK
ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK OR START	Stale fuel / improper fuel / fuel level. Fuel is dirty / replace fuel filter. DIESEL MODELS: Open fuel shut-off valve. PTO indicator light lit-disengage hydraulic PTO lever. Defective fuse. Air cleaner filter element(s) plugged. Put gear shift lever in NEUTRAL position. GAS MODELS: Spark plug wire(s) loose or disconnected. GAS MODELS: Check spark plug gap. Battery low - charge battery. Battery cables loose or corroded-clean and tighten battery cables.
ENGINE MISSES UNDER LOAD	GAS MODELS: Spark plug not gapped correctly. GAS MODELS: Faulty spark plug - replace spark plug. Stale or dirty fuel. Plugged fuel filter-replace fuel filter. Check electrical connections.
ENGINE HARD TO START	GAS MODELS: Clean/adjust carburetor. (See your technical manual or your John Deere dealer). Stale or dirty fuel. GAS MODELS: Check/replace failing spark plug. GAS MODELS: Check spark plug gap. Air cleaner filter element(s) plugged. Check/clean electrical connections. Check for air lock in fuel line. Disconnect fuel line from fuel filter. Fuel should flow.
ENGINE OVERHEATS	Air cleaner element plugged/ replace filter element. Clean radiator air intake screen, fan shroud and cooling fins. Clean oil cooler coils. (Optional) Check engine oil level - add oil. Low coolant level. Cooling system needs flushing. Defective radiator cap. Defective thermostat. Loose or defective alternator belt.
ENGINE WILL NOT SLOW IDLE	GAS MODELS: Clean/adjust carburetor. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.) GAS MODELS: Spark plug not gapped correctly. GAS MODELS: Faulty spark plug - replace spark plug. Improper idle speed adjustment. Stale or dirty fuel. Plugged fuel line - clean fuel line. Valves not seating correctly - adjust valves. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)
ENGINE BACKFIRES	Gas Models: Faulty spark plug - replace spark plug. Intake valve sticking - adjust valves. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)
ENGINE VAPOR LOCKS	Replace fuel filter.
ENGINE RUNS ROUGH	Plugged fuel line - clean fuel line. DIESEL MODELS: Fuel shut-off valve partially closed. Stale or dirty fuel. Replace fuel filter. Air cleaner filter element(s) plugged. Check/clean electrical connections. GAS MODELS: Faulty spark plug - replace spark plug. GAS MODELS: Clean/adjust carburetor. (See your technical manual or your John Deere dealer.)
ENGINE LACKS POWER	Improper fuel. Too much oil in engine - drain to correct level. Air cleaner filter element(s) plugged. Engine overload-reduce load. Engine overheating-Clean radiator screen, fan shroud, cooling fins and oil cooler coils (optional). GAS MODELS: Faulty spark plug - replace spark plug. Replace fuel filter.
ENGINE KNOCKS	Stale or low octane fuel. Engine oil level low. Engine overload - reduce load. Improper idle speed adjustment.

Steering


IF	CHECK
STEERING NOT WORKING CORRECTLY	Check tire inflation pressure. Transmission oil level low-check oil level. 4WD MODELS: Front axle oil level low-check oil level. Check and align toe-in adjustment. (See your technical manual or your John Deere dealer.)

Brakes


IF	CHECK
BRAKES NOT WORKING CORRECTLY	Brake fluid level low-check fluid level. Adjust brakes. (See your technical manual or your John Deere dealer.) Replace worn brake shoes. (See your technical manual or your John Deere dealer.) Repair/replace worn or damaged brake linkage. (See your technical manual or your John Deere dealer.)

Electrical System


IF	CHECK
STARTER DOES NOT WORK OR WILL NOT TURN ENGINE	Clean and tighten all electrical connections. Put gear shift lever in NEUTRAL position. Defective fuse. Low battery output-check electrolyte level. Charge/replace battery. Battery cables loose or corroded-clean and tighten battery cables. Failed key switch or starter motor. (See your technical manual or your John Deere dealer.)
STARTER TURNS SLOWLY	Low battery output-check electrolyte level. Low battery power-charge battery. Engine oil viscosity too heavy. Battery cables loose or corroded-clean and tighten battery cables.
BATTERY LOW VOLTAGE INDICATOR REMAINS ON WITH ENGINE RUNNING	Low engine speed. Defective battery Defective alternator. Loose or defective alternator belt.
BATTERY WILL NOT CHARGE	Battery cables loose or corroded-clean and tighten battery cables. Defective battery-check electrolyte level. Dead battery cell. Loose or defective alternator belt. Defective alternator.
LIGHTS DO NOT WORK	Defective fuse. Loose or defective bulb. Loose switch connection.

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