Poor Engine Performance

Dirt in fuel system or fuel is old. Replace fuel with fresh stabilized fuel. Obtain fuel from another supplier before suspecting machine problems. Suppliers blend fuels differently and changing suppliers will generally solve any performance problems.

Fuel blended with alcohol or ether may contribute to performance problems by causing gum and varnish deposits, especially if fuel is stored for several weeks or more. Obtain fresh fuel.

Engine Knocks

Engine oil level low.

Injection pump out of time. See your John Deere Dealer.

Low coolant temperature. See your John Deere Dealer.

Engine overheating.

Idle speed too slow.

Engine Will Not Start Or Is Hard To Start

Wrong engine oil viscosity.

Gear Model: 2-speed range/direction lever not in proper position.

Hydro Model: 2-speed range lever not in proper position.

Engine throttle lever not pushed forward.

Cold start system not being used, or malfunctioning.

PTO engaged.

Fuel shut-off valve CLOSED (OFF).

Stale fuel / improper fuel / fuel level.

Plugged fuel filter.

Plugged air intake filter.

Dirty or faulty fuel injectors.

Blown fuse.

Electrical problem.

Engine Runs Rough Or Stalls

Fuel shut-off valve partially closed.

Plugged fuel filter.

Plugged air intake system.

Fuel cap vent dirty.

Faulty seat switch.

Stale or improper fuel / fuel level.

Dirty or faulty fuel injectors.

Low coolant temperature. See your John Deere Dealer.

Fuel pump not functioning properly. See your John Deere Dealer.

Battery Will Not Charge

Loose or corroded connections.

Defective battery - check electrolyte level.

Dead cell in battery.

Loose or defective alternator belt.

Defective alternator.

Battery Discharge Indicator Stays On With Engine Running

Low engine speed.

Defective battery.

Defective alternator.

Loose or defective alternator belt.

Excessive Tractor Vibration

Engine speed too slow.

Drive shaft universal joint bearings worn.

Throttle linkage out of adjustment.

Tractor Will Not Move With Engine Running

Park brake locked.

Transmission oil level low.

Transmission oil cold - allow engine to warm.

Range shift lever in "N" (neutral) position.

3-point Hitch Fails To Lift

Low oil level.

Hydraulic stop valve closed.

Excessive load on hitch.

Hydraulic oil too cold.

Hydraulic oil suction screen clogged.

3-point Hitch Drops Slowly Or Does Not Drop

Rate-of-drop valve closed.

Rate-of-drop valve set too slowly.

3-point Hitch Drops Too Fast

Rate-of-drop set too fast.

Load too heavy.

Rear Wheel Brakes Not Working

Brakes out of adjustment.

Worn or damaged brake linkage. See your John Deere Dealer.

Steering Not Working

Improper tire inflation.

Steering linkage needs lubrication.

Excessive play in steering. See your John Deere Dealer.

Bent wheel spindles. See your John Deere Dealer.