Troubleshooting


IF	CHECK
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.
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).
	Clean the air intake screens.
	Clean the choke control pivot (below the fuel pump).
Engine Lacks Power	Reduce the load.
	Replace the air cleaner element(s).
	Replace the fuel filter.
	Drain and fill the tank with correct fuel.
Engine Lacks Power-continued	Clean the air intake screens.
Engine Lacks Power-continued	Replace the spark plug(s).
Engine Oil Light Comes On	Add oil.
	Change the oil filter.
	Drain and fill the engine with correct oil.
Engine Overheats	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).
Engine Knocks	Drain the fuel tank. Fill tank with fresh fuel, correct octane.
	Reduce the load.
	Run the engine at FAST IDLE.
Engine Backfires	Replace the spark plugs(s).
Engine Will Not Slow Idle	Check the spark plug(s) gap.
Engine Will Not Slow Idle	Replace the spark plug(s).
Engine Vapor Locks	Replace the fuel filter.
Engine Vapor Locks	If vapor lock persists, fill the tank with fresh fuel.

Front Mower


IF	CHECK
Front Mower Vibrates Too Much	Replace the mower drive belt if it is damaged.
Front Mower Moves With Engine Running And The Travel Pedals In Neutral	Adjust the pedal linkage. (See your John Deere dealer for this service.)
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


IF	CHECK
Starter Does Not Work Or Will Not Crank 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.
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


IF	CHECK
Discharge Chute Plugging	Wait for the grass to dry.
	Raise the cutting height and cut the grass twice.
	Mow at FAST idle.
	Slow down.
Patches Of Grass Uncut	Slow down.
	Mow at FAST idle.
	Remove the belt shields. Clean the sheaves and belt.
	Sharpen the mower blades.
Belt Slipping	Remove the belt shields. Clean the sheaves and belt.
Belt Slipping	Replace the belt if it is badly worn.
Mower Vibrates Too Much	Remove the belt shields. Clean the sheaves and belt. Check sheaves for damage. Replace belt if damaged.
Mower Vibrates Too Much	Remove and balance the blades.
Cut Is Uneven	Check the mower level.
	Slow down.
	Sharpen the blades.
	Check the tire pressure.
Mower Slows Down The Engine	Mow at FAST idle.
	Slow down.
	Remove debris wrapped around spindles.
	Sharpen the mower blades.
Blades Scalping Grass	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.