John Deere X744 Runs then dies and turning key does nothing. Dash is also dead.

[rp4410]

Hello Everyone,

Hoping someone has run into this issue before and resolved. I have a 2006 X744 with about 800 hours on it. Everything started last fall while moving, the PTO would just shut off in the middle of mowing. Then the tractor started to quit as well. When it quits, no combination of events will restart the tractor. The dash is also completely dead as if there was no 12 volt power. The tractor has a new battery, I swapped out the fuses for all tested and brand new ones. I have cleaned all the safety switch connects for the brake and seat. I also cleaned the pto switch contacts and ignition key switch connections. The radiator is clean on both sides and free of dirt and debris.

Without a wiring diagram to reference, it is hard to trace down all the connections and such. Any ideas what to check next?

 

[beenthere]

Best help I can offer is to get ahold of a service tech manual, and a volt meter and start tracking where you have power and where it is missing at locations that is should be at.

You say

When it quits, no combination of events will restart the tractor.

which I assume means it has not run since that time...

Keep us posted as you work your way through this.. hoping we can offer some help.

 

[ruffdog]

Does the OP have the operator's manual? At about page 14, it explains how to test the PTO/RIO switch, Seat Switch, Park Brake Switch, and RIO. Did you do this?

 

[rp4410]

I did just purchase the service manual download and have begun to review the electrical system information.

 

[rp4410]

I have reviewed and performed the tests for the PTO/RIO, Seat, Brake RIO with everything checking out as described.

 

[rp4410]

So this evening, the tractor will run for about 5 minutes or so, then quit. When it quits, with the key still in the run position, there is power through all the fuses, but no power in the dash, because all indicator lights go black. Switching the key back an for to off and start does nothing. I have check engine oil and it is perfect. Thought maybe a low oil sensor or pressure switch might be causing the shut down, but that does not indicate why the dash would loose power. Thinking maybe some sorta relay somewhere possibly. More review and investigating of the new service manual is needed.

 

[Richard001]

So this is a Yanmar 3TNV76 diesel engine. The only thing that will stop he engine is the fuel shut off solenoid. Unless of course there is a fuel problem.

 

[ruffdog]

But then, why does the dash go dead?

Can the OP put the electrical schematic up here?

 

[Kish318420]

I'm wondering about a temp switch/sensor shutting down the engine. Since that was the first incident with the PTO while mowing. But the OP should get the TM and the engine manual if they want to work on it themselves.

 

[rp4410]

I just picked up a new key switch on my lunch hour. There is a feed from the switch that goes to the PTO switch and Dash along with other areas, that seems to have an intermittent issue per my latest diagnostics. I will swap it out tonight and then retest.

 

[rp4410]

I finally resolved the issue. I was able to trace it down to the cluster as being the culprit of the random shutoffs and wacky dash light flashing. Took the cluster apart and sure enough there was corrosion on the inside of the circuit board where the connector pins are soldered in. A little contact cleaner and a fine copper brush and everything is back to working order. I resealed the cluster on both sides with silicone and put a couple silica packs from recent packages inside as a way to help absorb any moisture that may find it's way inside. By the way, anyone looking to remove a steering wheel the easy way, use a 3" c-clamp and a 3 leg 6" puller. Open the c-clamp all the way and slide it under the steering wheel and then tighten clamp and much as possible. This then gives you ample surface for the puller legs to grab onto the c-clap and span the force evenly applied by the puller under the plastic steering wheel. Very easy. Thank you to all that offered suggestions and possible directions to solutions. Much appreciated!

 

[ruffdog]

Thanks for the update and steering wheel tip. Did you have to do some soldering or did you just clean the connections?

 

[rp4410]

Thanks for the update and steering wheel tip. Did you have to do some soldering or did you just clean the connections?

Just used the contact cleaner and copper brush, no soldering necessary.

 

[Richard001]

I finally resolved the issue. I was able to trace it down to the cluster as being the culprit of the random shutoffs and wacky dash light flashing. Took the cluster apart and sure enough there was corrosion on the inside of the circuit board where the connector pins are soldered in. A little contact cleaner and a fine copper brush and everything is back to working order. I resealed the cluster on both sides with silicone and put a couple silica packs from recent packages inside as a way to help absorb any moisture that may find it's way inside. By the way, anyone looking to remove a steering wheel the easy way, use a 3" c-clamp and a 3 leg 6" puller. Open the c-clamp all the way and slide it under the steering wheel and then tighten clamp and much as possible. This then gives you ample surface for the puller legs to grab onto the c-clap and span the force evenly applied by the puller under the plastic steering wheel. Very easy. Thank you to all that offered suggestions and possible directions to solutions. Much appreciated!


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Great job of trouble shooting and repair.

Does your machine sit outside?

Richard