2538 sputters at/above 1600rpm

[Oledadger]

Ok-- got the filters changed and still have the issue (thanks DF for the write up on that--job was simple and quick.) I will contact my dealer and see what he thinks. I think I read somewhere somebody had incorrect fuel rail pressure that finally threw a code. i am thinking it might just be computer something or other. I will report back when I hear.

Exact issue: After letting the tractor warm up to operating temperature I increased the engine rpm to 2700 and it was heavy smoke started at about 1600rpm. It did finally clear the smoke after about 15-20 seconds but had little power and was almost a fast stutter sound/feel.

 

[Oledadger]

From dealer:

Yeah you have done everything you can for now. I would run the tractor at 2000 rpm max while its cold. There is another computer update coming out in the next few months.

That's the latest we have at this point. When the new updates come we will be out again to update.

 

[motownbrowne]

From dealer:

Yeah you have done everything you can for now. I would run the tractor at 2000 rpm max while its cold. There is another computer update coming out in the next few months.

That's the latest we have at this point. When the new updates come we will be out again to update.

Uhhhh, that isn't very helpful. If that were my machine, I'd be hauling it back in there to get fixed up. If they can't fix it for a few months, well okay, but I need a tractor in the meantime. Under 2000 RPM? What if you need to use a snowblower or drive a few miles down the road? Besides, didn't it start running rough at 1600?

Have you been dealing with the service department? Might try a call to the salesman you bought it from. After that, you gotta go to the owner and beyond, i suppose.

 

[Oledadger]

Went to the service guy. These folks have been pretty helpful and very attentive to everything I have thrown at them (and I have had some good ones.) This is what he had to say below. Once the sales-fellow mentioned to keep it under 2k I knew he didn't read my email real well.

"I suggest we install an older data set, ill get one asap, The last round of data set updates were kind of a flop. We had a 3550 and a 4550 act up but you have the only 2538 that is having an issue as described. At least from what I have heard. I will shoot the service guys a message right now, thanks for looping me in."

 

[hugh01]

In my opinion, it is time to bring the machine to the dealer for diagnosis. There is only so much that can be done with asking questions and talking about the "what-if's" and so on. Let a mechanic who doesn't know the history on the tractor go through it, this way nothing will be assumed or taken for granted. Check for things like debris in fuel tank, proper flow to filters, HPFP, etc. Have them scan it and check for proper rail pressure, and ensure that there are no DTC's.

 

[darmstrong2319]

I had some similar problems with my 4035 when got it, smoking ,loss of power and bogging down, changed fuel filter with no help. The dealer had to advance the fuel injection pump and solved the problem and its run perfect ever since. Dont know if it will help you or not but might be worth asking dealer about it.

 

[dickfoster]

Went to the service guy. These folks have been pretty helpful and very attentive to everything I have thrown at them (and I have had some good ones.) This is what he had to say below. Once the sales-fellow mentioned to keep it under 2k I knew he didn't read my email real well.

"I suggest we install an older data set, ill get one asap, The last round of data set updates were kind of a flop. We had a 3550 and a 4550 act up but you have the only 2538 that is having an issue as described. At least from what I have heard. I will shoot the service guys a message right now, thanks for looping me in."

Something ain't right and I don't think it's the ECU code. My machine has the same engine as yours and I'm having none of the problems like you're describing. Someone needs to do some real digging to troubleshoot the problem. The problem it there to find if they just put in the time and effort to look for it.

 

[Oledadger]

Dealer came out and put the original flash in the ECU. I believe I was on #3 and he put me back to #1. Said that Mahindra corp was working on a new flash for a few of the 4 cylinder models. Mine was the first 25/15 to have the issue. Tractor runs great now. Something having to do with the cold weather I think I heard them saying. Sounds like there will be a new ECU flash coming out for 1538/2538 4550, 3550,4540

 

[Snowback]

Dealer came out and put the original flash in the ECU. I believe I was on #3 and he put me back to #1. Said that Mahindra corp was working on a new flash for a few of the 4 cylinder models. Mine was the first 25/15 to have the issue. Tractor runs great now. Something having to do with the cold weather I think I heard them saying. Sounds like there will be a new ECU flash coming out for 1538/2538 4550, 3550,4540

Glad to hear that worked out! Amazing to me how these new computer controlled engines can respond so positively, (or negatively), to minor adjustments to the ECU parameters.

I have one of the early model 2538s that was specific to TX only and was released late in 2015. (Same machine as current, but with an early ECU program.) It worked very well, but the throttle seemed to lag for a split second on adjustments and then would ever so slightly "wobble" into a fixed RPM during adjustments. Tons of power and no real issues, but you could definitely tell it was an electronic throttle.

Then this summer they flashed it with the "update" while I was picking up a landscape rake. It made a huge difference in throttle response and now feels perfect and runs really strong. I will be sure to stay away from update #3 for the foreseeable future...

Thanks for the heads up on that one... (And in reality it might not be as big an issue here with the warmer winter weather.)

 

[dickfoster]

Glad to hear that worked out! Amazing to me how these new computer controlled engines can respond so positively, (or negatively), to minor adjustments to the ECU parameters.

I have one of the early model 2538s that was specific to TX only and was released late in 2015. (Same machine as current, but with an early ECU program.) It worked very well, but the throttle seemed to lag for a split second on adjustments and then would ever so slightly "wobble" into a fixed RPM during adjustments. Tons of power and no real issues, but you could definitely tell it was an electronic throttle.

Then this summer they flashed it with the "update" while I was picking up a landscape rake. It made a huge difference in throttle response and now feels perfect and runs really strong. I will be sure to stay away from update #3 for the foreseeable future...

Thanks for the heads up on that one... (And in reality it might not be as big an issue here with the warmer winter weather.)

It's just like building a carburetor with the wrong jets and stuff.
What concerns me is that Mahindra seems to be in the mode of slinging s h i t on the wall and seeing what sticks instead of taking a thorough scientific approach to ECU programming with dynos and such like automakers do. Typically and auto ECU has been through many many hours running under all kinds of different conditions on a rolling road type dyno before it ever sees a production line. I also don't understand how they are getting by CARB and the EPA with this kinda crap unless they just aren't looking and taking Mahindra's word for it. That's the funny thing about gubberment regulators. All they seen to do is sit on their behinds and dream up excuses to maintain their existence. It's obvious that they aren't really looking at tractors and all the tier four nonsense. Anything that can be pencil whipped is good enough as long as the checks keep coming in.