1999 John Deere 4200 - Will not start

JeffSpencer · Nov 9, 2004

My hydrostat 4200 JD is having problems starting. When I try to start it, the engine turns over, but never starts. I do not turn it over for long, because when it does start, it starts very quickly. I can wait five minutes,try again and sometimes it will start. However, sometimes it will take an hour or so of trying to start it in five minute intervals. I have taken it to the dealer, but when I do, it starts for them. I have checked all of the safety switches.

Can anyone help me?

eee · Nov 9, 2004

That sounds like the problem I had with my JD 4400 when I 1st got it. It was a hard one for my dealer to pin point,it is a small inline piece in a wire going to the fuse panel. They had replaced the fuel pump twice before they finally found the problem, the tractor would start right up at times and other times it would take 1/2 hour to start it. It was an easy fix once they figured out the problem,they came right to my home and fixed it in about 15 minutes and I have not had a problem starting my tractor since ( fixed about 3 years ago)

JeffSpencer · Nov 10, 2004

Thanks Roughcut...Is there any way to get the specifics for me from your dealer? This is driving me crazy. My dealer can't figure out the problem. What do you mean when you say "it is a small inline piece in a wire going to the fuse panel"?

eee · Nov 10, 2004

I will try...give me time...I can't guarantee anything.

JerryT · Nov 10, 2004

Your opening description matches a problem I had with my 4400. If its a safety switch problem, the engine won't crank. About the only other thing that would prevent starting is no fuel. After checking for clogs and measuring the voltage at the fuel cut-off solenoid valve, I decided to pull the solenoid. I messed with it, put it back in and the tractor started fine for a week or two, then went intermittent again. One hint, if it is this valve, is that when working properly it will give a rather loud click when you turn the key on. The next time it won't start, remove the right side panel and listen just to the right of the fuel filter jar for a loud click. If you don't hear one, then you probably need to replace the shut off valve. Once you remove the valve you can easily test it, by holding it in your hand and turning the key on. If it just partially retracts then it is either a voltage problem or the valve itself. Once you have it out you can easily check the voltage. The valve for the 4400 cost a little over $100.00. If you decide to pull it, let me know and I'll tell you how to make the job a lot simpler.

JerryT · Nov 10, 2004

Incidently, Roughcut could be right. This is a thermistor (or something like that) thay allows full voltage to go the the shut-off valve to open it, but then as the thermistor heats up, it drops the voltage to a level that will keep it open. During a non starting episode if you are getting 12 volts or more to the shut-off valve then it probably isn't this inline gismo. Once again, the next time it won't start, listen for the click, if you don't hear it, it is either this gismo (or something else electrical upstream) or the valve itself.

JeffSpencer · Nov 10, 2004

Thanks JerryT and Roughcut. The valve is clicking when I turn the key. That was one of the dealer's first concerns. I was told that if the valve is clicking, the tractor is getting fuel. That's another reason I am baffled.

Thanks again!

eee · Nov 10, 2004

( This is a thermistor (or something like that) thay allows full voltage to go the the shut-off valve to open it, but then as the thermistor heats up, it drops the voltage to a level that will keep it open. During a non starting episode if you are getting 12 volts or more to the shut-off valve then it probably isn't this inline gismo. Once again, the next time it won't start, listen for the click, if you don't hear it, it is either this gismo (or something else electrical upstream) or the valve itself. )

That sounds right.... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

JerryT · Nov 10, 2004

Jeff
I just want to clarify something. The "click" test that I recommend is only valid when the tractor won't start. Also their are other relays that click so you need to do this test with the right side off and your ear close by.
Jerry

pat32rf · Nov 11, 2004

My 4300 does the same thing -about 5 or 6 times a year. I think that the problem is in the fuel system but it always starts before I can pin it down. Of course it only does it when you want to use the tractor NOW. Next time I will pull that side panel and listen instead of pounding on the fuse panel. Please let us know if anyone can pin down the exact location of the offending wire/splice. Pat

eee · Nov 11, 2004

I bet you are having the same problem I had...

johndeere2210 · Nov 12, 2004

You guys are dead on. The thermister is the culprit. The Deere part number for the thermister is LVU10323. If you are on good terms with your local parts person, he/she may show you where it is located on the EPC (electronic parts catalog). Hope the info helps.

JeffSpencer · Nov 12, 2004

Thanks JD 2210!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just got off the phone with my dealer and he has ordered the thermister. You don't know how much I appreciate it!

Thanks to Rough_cut and JerryT too! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

eee · Nov 12, 2004

Before we break out the champagne lets make sure this fix gets you going again,but I would be very suprised if it does not take care of your problem....I wore out a starter,not to mention the frustation of draining the fuel pump etc trying to figure it out on my own every other day what was wrong before they finally figured it out.
Make sure you let us know how it goes...... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

JeffSpencer · Nov 18, 2004

I installed the thermister last night. Before I installed it, the tractor would not start. After installing it, that baby fired right up. The thermister cost me a startling $3.80...$3.80 for a year of frustration. Doesn't that just take the cake?

I will keep everyone updated.

THANKS AGAIN!

JeffSpencer · Nov 18, 2004

Your problem sounds identical to mine. The thermistor is located on the back side of the fuse box. The thermistor looks like some sort of radio diode or transistor. It's about 3/8"x3/8" square, but flat and has two small wires coming out of it. It cost me $3.80 from the dealer.
GOOD LUCK!

eee · Nov 18, 2004

Good for you...its a shame it took so long to find the problem....glad you got it going.... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

JeffSpencer · Dec 3, 2004

"Before we break out the champagne lets make sure this fix gets you going again,but I would be very suprised if it does not take care of your problem...."

Hi hoooooe!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Champagne for everybody!! The 4200 is still starting up everytime I ask it to. You guys are the best!