Engine Will Not Start Or Is Hard To Start

· Motion control levers not in the neutral lock position.

· Park brake lever unlocked.

· Key switch not in proper position.

· PTO engaged.

· Fuel shutoff valve in OFF position.

· Stale or improper fuel / fuel level

· Plugged fuel filter.

· Plugged air intake filter.

· Spark plug wire is loose or disconnected.

· Spark plug not gapped correctly.

· Blown fuse.

· Electrical problem - dead battery.

· Choke adjusted incorrectly. See your John Deere dealer.

Engine Will Not Slow Idle

· Carburetion problems. See your John Deere dealer.

· Bent or kinked throttle cable.

· Bent governor control.

· Incorrect governor idle control.

Engine Runs Rough or Stalls

· Plugged fuel filter.

· Plugged air intake system.

· 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.

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.

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.

· Plugged air intake filter.

· Operating at too fast ground speed for conditions.

Engine Lacks Power

· 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.

· Replace spark plug.

Engine Uses Too Much Oil

· Find and correct oil leaks.

· Incorrect engine oil.

· Plugged oil filter.

· Plugged air intake filter.

Engine Backfires Through Muffler

· Throttle should be at low idle for two seconds before turning off machine.

High Fuel Consumption

· Improper type of fuel.

· Plugged air intake system.

· Operating at too fast ground speed for conditions.

· Improper valve clearance. See your John Deere Dealer.

· Restricted air intake system.

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.

Battery Will Not Charge

· Loose or corroded battery or ground connections.

· Battery cables and terminals are dirty.

· Dead cell in battery.

PTO Switch Does Not Work

· Blown fuse

· Bad switch.

· Bad clutch.

· Failed regulator/restrictor.

· Loose PTO clutch connections.

Starter Turns Slowly

· Loose or corroded battery or ground connections.

· Low battery power - charge battery.

· Engine oil viscosity too heavy.

· Pump linkages failed and are engaged.

Excessive Machine Vibration

· Engine speed too slow.

Machine Will Not Move With Engine Running

· Park brake locked.

· Transmission hydraulic oil level low.

· Transmission oil cold - allow engine to warm.

· Drive belt slipping or broken.

· Free-wheeling pump release valves open.

· Traction drive belt damaged or worn.

· Transmission problems. See your John Deere Dealer.

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

· Needs linkage adjustment.

Brakes Not Working Correctly

· Brakes out of adjustment- adjust linkage.

· Brake drums wet.

· Worn brake shoes.

Steering Not Working

· Free-wheeling pump release valves partially open.

· Improper tire Inflation.

· Hydrostatic transmission oil low.

Discharge Chute Plugged

· Grass is wet - ground speed may need to be adjusted.

· Raise cutting height.

· Run engine at fast idle.

· 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, check and adjust belt tension.

· 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.

Poor Quality Cut

· Clean debris build-up from underside of deck.

· Check blades for sharpness and damage.

· Check discharge chute for damage.

· Change blades.

· Run engine at fast throttle.