Engine Troubleshooting

SymptomProblemSolution

Engine hard to start or does not start

Incorrect starting procedure

Review the engine starting procedure in Operating the Engine Section.

 

Neutral start system is activated

Move the multi-function level to park position and restart the engine.

 

Fuel tank is empty

Add fuel and bleed the fuel system.

 

Wrong type of fuel

See the Fuels, Lubricants, and Coolant Section for information about the correct fuel type and operating conditions.

 

Air in the fuel system

Bleed the fuel system.

 

Clogged fuel filter

Replace the fuel filters and bleed the fuel system.

 

Engine oil is too thick

Use correct oil viscosity. See the Fuels, Lubricants, and Coolant Section.

 

Low battery output

Check the batteries charge and clean the terminals. Charge if necessary.

 

Excessive resistance in the starting circuit

Clean and tighten all the connections on the batteries and starter motor.

 

Cold weather

Wait until the electrical start aid indicator light turns off before starting the engine.

 

Low compression ratio

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Sticking valves

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Dirty or faulty fuel injectors

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Faulty electrical fuel transfer pump

See your John Deere dealer.

Engine knocks

Clogged air intake system

Check the engine air cleaner restriction warning light. If it is on, service the engine air filters.

 

Air in the fuel system

Bleed the fuel system.

 

Low coolant temperature

Defective thermostat.

 

Lack of engine oil

Fill up the engine crankcase.

 

High-pressure fuel pump out of synch

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Loose or worn engine components

See your John Deere dealer.

Engine runs irregularly or stalls frequently

Low coolant temperature

Check the thermostat. Replace if necessary.

 

Air in the fuel system

Bleed the fuel system.

 

Clogged fuel filter

Replace the fuel filters and bleed the fuel system.

 

Dirty or faulty fuel injectors

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Engine out of synch

See your John Deere dealer.

Lack of power

Engine overload

Reduce the engine load.

 

Clogged air intake system

Check the engine air cleaner restriction warning light. If it is on, service the engine air filters.

 

Incorrect hand throttle lever position

Use the proper engine speed.

 

Incorrect speed range

Use the proper speed range.

 

Clogged fuel filter

Replace the fuel filters and bleed the fuel system.

 

Wrong type of fuel

Use the correct fuel. See the Fuels, Lubricants, and Coolant Section.

 

High altitude operation

Use the proper fuel type for high altitudes.

 

Dirty or faulty fuel injectors

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Engine out of synch

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Incorrect engine valve clearance

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Defective turbocharger

See your John Deere dealer.

Engine overheats

Engine overload

Reduce the engine load.

 

Dirt in the cooling system

Clean the radiator, air conditioner condenser, and fuel cooler.

 

Loose or defective alternator belt

Replace the alternator belt.

 

Low coolant level

Fill up the radiator to the specified level. Check the cooling system for leaks.

 

Cooling system is internally restricted

Drain, flush, and refill the cooling system.

 

Low engine oil level

Check the engine oil level. Add oil if necessary.

 

Wrong engine oil viscosity

Use correct oil viscosity. See the Fuels, Lubricants, and Coolant Section.

 

Faulty thermostat

Test the thermostat opening temperature.

 

Leaking cylinder head gasket

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Faulty expansion tank cap

See your John Deere dealer.

Low oil pressure

Low engine oil level

Check the engine oil level. Add oil if necessary.

 

Incorrect oil

Use the correct engine oil. See the Fuels, Lubricants, and Coolant Section.

High oil consumption

Engine overload

Reduce the engine load.

 

Oil too thin

Use the correct oil viscosity.

 

Oil leaks

Ensure that all seals and connections are sealed.

 

Clogged air intake system

Check the engine air cleaner restriction warning light. If it is on, service the engine air filters.

 

Restricted engine breather

Clean the engine breather.

 

Defective turbocharger

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Excessive engine speed

See your John Deere dealer.

 

High oil pressure

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Loose or worn engine components

See your John Deere dealer.

High fuel consumption

Engine overload

Reduce the engine load.

 

Clogged air intake system

Check the engine air cleaner restriction warning light. If it is on, service the engine air filters.

 

Wrong type of fuel

Use the correct fuel. See the Fuels, Lubricants, and Coolant Section.

 

Dirty or faulty fuel injectors

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Incorrect engine valve clearance

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Engine out of synch

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Defective turbocharger

See your John Deere dealer.

Engine emits black or gray exhaust smoke

Engine overload

Reduce the engine load.

 

Wrong type of fuel

Use the correct fuel. See the Fuels, Lubricants, and Coolant Section.

 

Air in the fuel system

Bleed the fuel system.

 

Clogged air intake system

Check the engine air cleaner restriction warning light. If it is on, service the engine air filters.

 

Defective muffler

Check the muffler for possible damage.

 

Engine out of synch

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Dirty or faulty injector nozzles

See your John Deere dealer.

Engine emits white smoke

Wrong type of fuel

Use the correct fuel. See the Fuels, Lubricants, and Coolant Section.

 

Clogged air intake system

Check the engine air cleaner restriction warning light. If it is on, service the engine air filters.

 

Cold engine

Start up the engine and run it until the normal temperature is reached.

 

Faulty thermostat

Test the thermostat opening temperature.

 

Defective turbocharger

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Engine out of synch

See your John Deere dealer.

 

Dirty or faulty injector nozzles

See your John Deere dealer.

LS87647,0000618-19-20170315