BALETRAK PLUS® Monitor-Controller Difficulties

Symptom Problem Solution

Monitor-Controller LCD display and switches do not work.

Monitor-controller connection to tractor is unplugged.

Plug in connection.

Monitor-controller functions do not display. STOP indicator is displayed.

Monitor-controller was hooked up with reverse polarity causing the 30 amp fuse to fail.

Check polarity of 12 volt power supply. Replace 30 amp fuse. (See REPLACING MONITOR-CONTROLLER FUSES AND RELAYS in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Intermittent voltage loss due to loose connectors.

Disconnect and inspect connectors for bent or pushed back terminals.

Intermittent connection in wiring harness due to broken or frayed wire.

Inspect wiring harness and repair or replace.

Twine arm actuator does not function. Stop indicator displays. Alarm does not sound.

The internal monitor-controller fuse (30 amp) has blown.

Replace fuse. (See REPLACING MONITOR-CONTROLLER FUSES AND RELAYS in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Twine arm actuator failed.

Replace actuator. (See your John Deere dealer.)

Inspect wiring harness and repair or replace.

Twine arm wedged against back side of knife.

Use monitor-controller RETRACT key and retract twine arm. Clean and lubricate knife pivot.

Twine arm actuator does not function. Stop indicator displays and alarm sounds.

Twine arm actuator failed.

Replace actuator. (See your John Deere dealer.)

Inspect wiring harness and repair or replace.

Twine arm wedged against back side of knife.

Use monitor-controller RETRACT key and retract twine arm. Clean and lubricate knife pivot.

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-1/16


Symptom Problem Solution

Twine actuator does not complete its travel. STOP indicator displays and alarm sounds.

Twine wrap sensor failed.

Replace sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Incorrect twine wrap sensor adjustment.

Adjust twine wrap sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Twine arm travel restricted by foreign object or hay buildup.

Inspect and remove blockage.

STOP indicator is displayed on monitor-controller when activated.

Monitor-controller selector switch is set for net wrap. Baler is not equipped with net wrap unit.

Set monitor-controller selector switch for twine wrap.

Twine/net actuator disconnected.

Check actuator connectors.

Wiring is loose or cut.

Check wiring harness connector for breaks.

Automatic twine cycle does not function. STOP indicator displays and alarm sounds.

Defective gate close switch.

Replace switch. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Incorrect gate close switch adjustment.

Adjust gate close switch. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Gate not closed completely and does not activate gate switch.

Remove hay buildup from gate area.

Operate baler at tractor rated PTO speed when closing the gate.

Released selective control valve too soon after closing gate.

Continue to hold selective control valve 2 seconds after gate closes.

Gate twisted and does not close completely.

See your John Deere dealer.

Manual BYPASS wiring harness connected.

Return twine actuator connector to NORMAL OPERATION connector. (See USING BYPASS SWITCH [TWINE WRAP ONLY] in Operating Baler with BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-2/16


Symptom Problem Solution

Twine arm actuator stops at full extension and will not retract.

Monitor-controller set for incorrect baler model.

Change monitor-controller setting. (See CHANGING BALER MODEL PROGRAM in Operating Baler with BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Twine wrap sensor failed.

Replace sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Incorrect twine wrap sensor adjustment.

Adjust twine wrap sensor. (See procedure in Service-Baler with BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Inspect wiring harness. Repair or replace.

Twine spacing to edge of bale is greater than monitor-controller setting.

Incorrect mechanical twine guide setting.

Adjust mechanical twine guide. (See SETTING TWINE SPACING in Operating the Baler section.)

Incorrect twine wrap sensor adjustment.

Adjust twine wrap sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Number of end wraps is different than monitor-controller setting.

Incorrect mechanical twine guide adjustment.

Adjust mechanical twine guide. (See SETTING TWINE SPACING in Operating the Baler-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Incorrect bale diameter sensor adjustment.

Adjust bale diameter sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Not operating at tractor rated PTO speed.

Operate at rated PTO speed or at a consistent speed. A constant speed less than rated PTO speed will require a different monitor-controller setting.

Defective twine wrap sensor.

Replace sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-3/16


Symptom Problem Solution

Erratic twine spacing. (Also refer to Automatic Twine Spacing "Twine spacing not consistent." in this section.)

Twine catching on foreign object or compressor rods.

Inspect and remove blockage or adjust compressor rods. (See ADJUSTING COMPRESSOR RACK ASSEMBLY in Operating the Baler section.)

Incorrect monitor-controller settings.

Reset to factory initial settings and reset baler model number. (See procedures in Operating Baler with BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Twine wrap sensor failed.

Replace sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Not operating at tractor rated PTO speed.

Operate at rated PTO speed or at a consistent speed. A constant speed less than rated PTO speed will require a different monitor-controller setting.

Distance between twine arms incorrect for monitor-controller setting.

Set twine arm spacing for monitor-controller setting. (See SETTING TWINE SPACING in Operating Baler with BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Inspect wiring harness. Repair or replace.

Net wrap indicator and alarm activates.

Knife did not cut the net wrap material.

Adjust brake. (See ADJUSTING NET WRAP STRETCH in Service-Net Wrap section.)

Sharpen net wrap cutoff knife. (See procedure in Service-Net Wrap section.)

Incorrect net wrap switch adjustment.

Adjust switch. (See procedure in Service-Net Wrap section.)

Net wrap switch actuator lever not free to rotate.

Check actuator lever for obstruction or corrosion in hinged area.

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-4/16


Symptom Problem Solution

Twine or net wrapping settings not consistent with different bale sizes.

Not operating at tractor rated PTO speed.

Operate at rated PTO speed or a consistent speed. A constant speed less than rated PTO speed will require a different monitor-controller setting.

Incorrect bale diameter sensor adjustment.

Adjust sensor. (See ADJUSTING BALE DIAMETER SENSOR in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Bale shape is inconsistent with monitor-controller reading.

Operator not following recommended procedure.

See INTERPRETING BALE SHAPE INDICATORS in Operating Baler with BALETRAK PLUS System section.

Incorrect bale shape bar and sensor adjustments.

Adjust bale shape bar display and bale shape sensors. (See procedures in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Bale shape sensors failed.

Replace sensors. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Broken bale shape sensor arm spring.

Replace spring.

Bale size inconsistent with monitor-controller setting.

Incorrect bale diameter sensor adjustment.

Adjust bale diameter sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Bale diameter sensor failed.

Replace sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Near-full size indicator does not display on monitor-controller.

Bale diameter sensor failed.

Replace sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-5/16


Symptom Problem Solution

Bales are not dense.

Variable core feature is activated.

Turn variable core off.

Variable core set for too large of diameter.

Reduce variable core diameter setting or turn off feature.

Variable core solenoid failed.

Replace solenoid. (See your John Deere dealer.)

Bale diameter sensor failed.

Replace sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Incorrect bale diameter sensor adjustment.

Adjust bale diameter sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Gate open indicator is on when gate is closed.

Incorrect gate close switch adjustment.

Adjust switch. (See ADJUSTING GATE CLOSE SWITCH in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Defective gate close switch.

Replace switch. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

GATE CLOSED indicator is not displayed after attempting to close gate; STOP indicator may flash and buzzer may sound.

Gate did not close because gate lock engaged.

Unlock gate.

Gate not fully closed due to an obstruction or twisted condition.

Remove obstruction or straighten gate.

Belts pinched between lower gate roll and axle tube.

Raise gate fully and close gate at full tractor rpm.

Operate PTO while closing.

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-6/16


Symptom Problem Solution

GATE CLOSED indicator goes out, STOP indicator and buzzer come on while baling.

Gate close switch not adjusted properly.

Adjust gate close switch. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Tractor selector control valve (SCV) leaking oil to gate hydraulic cylinder.

Repair tractor selector control valve (SCV). (See your John Deere dealer.)

Air in hydraulic system.

Open and close gate several times to remove air.

Internal leak in tension/gate hydraulic cylinder.

Repair or replace cylinder. (See your John Deere dealer.)

Hydraulic cylinder not completely retracted when gate is closed.

Hold tractor SCV lever 2-3 seconds after GATE CLOSED indicator is displayed.

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-7/16


Symptom Problem Solution

STOP indicator and buzzer come on when gate is closed.

Gate close switch not adjusted properly.

Adjust gate close switch. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Defective gate close switch.

Check gate close switch. (See TESTING GATE CLOSE AND OVERSIZE BALE SWITCHES in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.) Replace if necessary. (See your John Deere dealer.)

Twine arm difficulties.

See TWINE WRAP DIFFICULTIES-BALETRAK PLUS SYSTEM in this section.

Net wrap did not cut at end of wrap cycle.

See NET WRAP DIFFICULTIES in this section.

Poor connections or broken wires to gate close switch.

Test wires for continuity. Repair as necessary.

Oversize bale switch out of adjustment.

Adjust oversize bale switch. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Shorted wires to oversize bale switch.

Test wire shorts. Repair as necessary.

Net wrap switch out of adjustment.

Adjust net wrap switch. (See procedure in Service-Net Wrap section.)

Defective net wrap switch.

Replace switch. (See your John Deere dealer.)

Poor connections or broken wires to net wrap switch.

Test wires for continuity. Repair as necessary.

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-8/16


Symptom Problem Solution

GATE CLOSED indicator is displayed, but gate is open.

Gate close switch not adjusted properly.

Adjust gate close switch. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Defective gate close switch.

Check gate close switch. Replace if necessary. (See TESTING GATE CLOSE AND OVERSIZE BALE SWITCHES in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Shorted wires to gate close switch.

Test wires for shorts. Repair as necessary.

One or both bar graphs on LCD display do not correspond to shape of bale being formed.

Operator not interpreting signal properly.

Review INTERPRETING BALE SHAPE INDICATORS in Operating with BALETRAK PLUS System section.

Bale shape sensors not adjusted properly.

Adjust bale shape sensors. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Defective bale shape sensor(s).

Replace bale shape sensor(s). (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Broken wire(s) between monitor-controller and bale shape sensor(s) or poor connection at harness connectors.

Check continuity. Repair wires or connections as necessary.

Faulty display.

Test display. (See TESTING LIGHTED CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Flashing STOP indicator is displayed when monitor-controller is turned on.

Internal monitor-controller fuse (30 amp) has blown.

Replace fuse. (See REPLACING MONITOR FUSES AND RELAYS in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Low voltage light comes on.

Low voltage to monitor-controller under load.

Check voltage. (See CHECKING TRACTOR VOLTAGE in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-9/16


Symptom Problem Solution

Bale counter does not count bales.

For the monitor-controller to count a bale, an automatic wrap cycle must be followed by a gate opening cycle.

Check that gate close switch are functioning properly. (See TESTING GATE CLOSE SWITCH in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Monitor-controller functions do not display. STOP indicator displays.

Monitor-controller was hooked up with reverse polarity causing the 30 amp fuse to fail.

Check polarity of 12 volt power supply. Replace 30 amp fuse inside monitor-controller. (See REPLACING FUSES AND RELAYS in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Intermittent voltage loss due to loose connectors.

Disconnect and inspect connectors for bent or pushed back terminals.

Intermittent connection in wiring harness due to broken or frayed wire.

Inspect wiring harness and repair or replace.

STOP indicator is displayed on monitor-controller when activated.

Twine/net actuator disconnected.

Check actuator connectors.

Wiring is loose or cut.

Check wiring harness connector for breaks.

Twine Wrap System:
EXTEND/RETRACT and WRAP switches will not move twine actuator. STOP flashes.


The internal monitor-controller fuse (30 amp) has blown.


Replace fuse. (See REPLACING MONITOR FUSES AND RELAYS in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Wiring has a break in it.

Check wiring harness for breaks and check connectors for pushed back pins.

Twine arm actuator does not come all the way home. Twine does not cut off.

Low voltage to the monitor-controller under load.

See your John Deere dealer.

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-10/16


Symptom Problem Solution

Twine arm actuator does not function. Stop indicator displays.

The internal monitor-controller fuse (30 amp) has blown.

Replace fuse. (See REPLACING MONITOR FUSES AND RELAYS in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Twine arm actuator failed.

Replace actuator. (See your John Deere dealer.)

Inspect wiring harness and repair or replace.

Twine arm wedged against front side of knife.

Use monitor-controller RETRACT key to retract twine arm. Clean and lubricate knife pivot.

Twine actuator does not complete its travel. STOP indicator displays and alarm sounds.

Twine wrap sensor failed.

Replace twine wrap sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Incorrect twine wrap sensor adjustment.

Adjust twine wrap sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Twine arm travel restricted by foreign object or hay buildup.

Inspect and remove blockage.

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-11/16


Symptom Problem Solution

Automatic twine cycle does not function. STOP indicator displays and alarm sounds.

Defective gate close switch.

Replace switch. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Incorrect gate close switch adjustment.

Adjust gate close switch. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Gate not closed completely and does not activate gate switch.

Remove hay buildup from gate area.

Operate baler at tractor rated PTO speed when closing the gate.

Released selective control valve too soon after closing gate.

Continue to hold selective control valve 2 seconds after gate closes.

Gate twisted and does not close completely.

See your John Deere dealer.

Manual BYPASS wiring harness connected.

Return twine actuator connector to NORMAL OPERATION connector. (See USING BYPASS SWITCH [TWINE WRAP ONLY] in Operating Baler with BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Twine arm actuator stops at full extension and will not retract.

Monitor-controller set for incorrect baler model.

Change monitor-controller setting. (See CHANGING BALER MODEL PROGRAM in Operating Baler with BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Twine arm position sensor failed.

Replace sensor. (See REPLACING TWINE WRAP SENSOR in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Incorrect twine arm position sensor adjustment.

Adjust twine wrap sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Inspect wiring harness. Repair or replace.

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-12/16


Symptom Problem Solution

Twine spacing to edge of bale is greater than monitor-controller setting.

Incorrect mechanical twine guide setting.

Adjust mechanical twine guide. (See SETTING TWINE SPACING and SETTING TWINE END WRAP DISTANCE in Operating Baler with BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Incorrect twine wrap sensor adjustment.

Adjust twine wrap sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Number of end wraps is different than monitor-controller setting.

Incorrect bale diameter sensor adjustment.

Adjust bale diameter sensor. (See procedure in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Not operating at tractor rated PTO speed.

Operate at rated PTO speed or at a consistent speed. A constant speed less than rated PTO speed will require a different monitor-controller setting.

Defective twine wrap sensor.

Replace sensor. (See REPLACING TWINE WRAP SENSOR in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-13/16


Symptom Problem Solution

Erratic twine spacing.

Incorrect monitor-controller settings.

Reset to factory initial settings and check baler model number. (See RESETTING BALETRAK PLUS ® TO INITIAL FACTORY SETTINGS and CHANGE BALER MODEL PROGRAM in Operating Baler with BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Twine wrap sensor failed.

Replace sensor. (See REPLACING TWINE WRAP SENSOR in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Not operating at tractor rated PTO speed.

Operate at rated PTO speed or at a consistent speed. A constant speed less than rated PTO speed will require a different monitor-controller setting.

Distance between twine arms incorrect for monitor-controller setting.

Set twine arm spacing for monitor-controller setting. (See SETTING TWINE SPACING in Operating Baler with BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Inspect wiring harness. Repair or replace.

Twine wrapping settings not consistent with different bale sizes.

Not operating at tractor rated PTO speed.

Operate at rated PTO speed or a consistent speed. A constant speed less than rated PTO speed will require a different monitor-controller setting.

Incorrect bale diameter sensor adjustment.

Adjust sensor. (See ADJUSTING BALE DIAMETER SENSOR in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

BALETRAK PLUS is a registered trademark of Deere & Company

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-14/16


Symptom Problem Solution

Net Wrap System:
Net actuator will not function during auto cycle. STOP flashes.

The internal monitor-controller fuse (30 amp) has blown.

Replace fuse. (See REPLACING MONITOR FUSES AND RELAYS in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

Wiring has a break in it.

Check wiring harness for breaks and check connectors for pushed back pins.

Net actuator does not move when EXTEND/RETRACT switches are pressed in net mode.

The EXTEND/RETRACT switches are not intended to control net actuator.

See TESTING TWINE WRAP ACTUATOR CURRENT (CHANNEL 14) in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.

Net actuator does not come all the way home. Net does not cut off.

Low voltage to the monitor-controller under load.

See your John Deere dealer.

Net wrap indicator and alarm activates.

Knife did not cut the net wrap material.

Adjust knife and brake. (See CHECKING NET WRAP KNIFE ARM BRAKE in Service-Net Wrap section.)

Sharpen knife. (See SHARPENING NET WRAP CUTOFF KNIFE in Service-Net Wrap section.)

Adjust knife to rubber flap. (See ADJUSTING NET WRAP KNIFE ARM STOP in Service-Net Wrap section.)

Incorrect net wrap switch adjustment.

Adjust net wrap switch. (See procedure in Service-Net Wrap section.)

Net wrap switch actuator lever not free to rotate.

Check actuator lever for obstruction or corrosion in hinged area.

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-15/16


Symptom Problem Solution

Net wrapping settings not consistent with different bale sizes.

Not operating at tractor rated PTO speed.

Operate at rated PTO speed or a consistent speed. A constant speed less than rated PTO speed will require a different monitor-controller setting.

Incorrect bale diameter sensor adjustment.

Adjust sensor. (See ADJUSTING BALE DIAMETER SENSOR in Service-BALETRAK PLUS System section.)

AG,OUO6059,260 -19-17JUL00-16/16