2003 diesel John Deere Gator 6x4 starts strong and stalls (will not stay running)

Tigerfish · Jul 10, 2013

This is a 3007 series gator with a 3 cylinder Yanmar diesel engine. I had it out working hauling firewood, it was running great with no problems and I crushed the right tail light. After I shut the machine down it failed to return to life again. It will start and run a few seconds (good and strong no surging) and then die. Also, the indicator light for the glowplugs fails to light when the ignition is turned on since this incident.
Years ago this same machine had this same issue, when it belonged to My employer before I bought it. I did not pay to much attention to the fix, I do remember it was a part of the fuel injection system possibly the injection pump solenoid.

I was curious if anyone had encountered this same issue with Gators of this model and engine type, Or could comfirm that the crushed lighting had anything to do with the failure of the fuel system parts.

Tigerfish · Aug 5, 2013

Update: So far I have replaced the Fuel shutoff solenoid, and the fuel shutoff solenoid relay. No changes to gators symptoms, That only leaves the Glowplug Module

Tx Jim · Aug 5, 2013

If engine starts and briefly runs I think the glow plug controller and glow plugs have nothing to do with the problem. Have you checked for good fuel flow from tank? have you checked fuel tank vent for blockage? How long since fuel filter has been changed? Have you checked for correct operation of fuel lift pump?

Tigerfish · Aug 24, 2013

Design Flaw Fixed ! Re: 2003 diesel John Deere Gator 6x4 starts strong and stalls

Hello TX Jim ... appreciate the input but everything in the fuel system checks out.... I ended up replacing the glowplug controller and the ignition switch to no avail. The problem remained just the same, I picked all the minds of the local Deere techs at the dealerships; and Jose @ Fischer tractor in McMinnville, OR put me on the case after another deisel came in exhibiting the same issues.

As it turns out its a bit of a design flaw, the E Brake mechanism Under the seats is the culprit. When actuated to its full extent the E brake hinge can act as a wire cutter and it severs the 3 wires that feed into the Differential lockout switch. In My machine it had cut all 3 of the wires Both 18 gauge yellows, and a 20 gauge green. 2 1/2" inches of each wire was actually severed and laying on the compartment floor. After re-connecting all 3 wires the Gator came back to full normal operation.