5065e (Tier 2) no start?

[Rmd8136]

My 2013 5065e has been running fine. Today, turn key and no turnover. Battery is fine, lights work. No issues with neutral safety switch, PTO is disengaged, gear selector in Park. I pulled the 10 amp starter fuse and it is blown. Swapped signal flasher relay with starter relay (same part #), and back, no change. Replaced 10 amp,fuse and it blew a 2nd time. Flashers worked fine after return proving relay is not bad. I didn’t have my tools so couldn’t look behind starter switch panel for possible mice chewing wires creating short. I store my tractor at farm, away from home 45 minutes. I called the dealer where I bought tractor and talked with a very helpful mechanic. He said he has seen this many times and it’s usually the “cold start switch” located near thermostat housing. It’s a 2 wire electrical connection. He said they develop a short with age (mine 10 years old). he told me to unplug the connector, then replace 10 amp fuse again and it should start. Sounds easy enough. I live in SC and he said it does not get cold enough to ever need this switch to function. Has anyone seen this type of failure? I assume I have this electrical connector but since I was talking with him driving home I have not laid my eyes on it. The owners manual discusses a cold start procedure for tractors with an air intake heater system. I don’t have that. The mechanic said all the tractors have this “cold start switch” however. I don’t know what it does but sounds like it senses coolant temperature at thermostat. I would appreciate it if anyone knows if all these tractors have this switch and if anyone has seen such a failure causing this 10 amp fuse to blow. Also, it is ok to run tractor with a bad cold start sensor in are where it rarely gets down to 20 deg F?

 

[Hoss710]

Yes had the exact same issue with a John Deere skidsteer. mechanic told me same thing. unplugged it. and it stopped blowing fuses, and started. I ordered a new 1 and swapped it out later.

 

[Rmd8136]

Will it hurt to run it unplugged? Permanently?

 

[Hoss710]

No it shouldn't from what my mechanic had told me. in my case I live in a Colder climate and needed it in the winter

 

[Rmd8136]

Thanks. That’s what the mechanic told me also. Looks like all the tractors are equipped with it , not knowing what climate they would be operating in

 

[Tx Jim]

It would interesting to know the number of those sensors that's failed since JD began installing them. The number would be several 1000's.

 

[Harry in Ky]

I would be even more curious to know how many people have actually experienced any starting problems with that sensor disconnected.

It's my belief the system has no effect on cold starting, and was never intended to in the first place.

 

[Rmd8136]

Do you guys agree no harm will come to the engine running with sensor disconnected? I think I read where it is intended to advance the timing 7-9 degrees until the coolant temp rises to >140 F. If that’s correct it means it will start using default timing. In my climate (SC) it rarely gets below 20 F. My Deere mechanic said they leave them disconnected routinely in SC. So I guess in very cold climates (like North Dakota) this feature makes it easier to start? I’m not sure how the it advances the timing? I’m thinking there is a Solenoid that uses fuel pressure to do that. I’m thinking the solenoid is normally de-energized during routine operation which means it would be energized only when colder (<140 F). So with it disconnected the solenoid should stay de-energized always?

 

[Harry in Ky]

I don't think it matters much how it works internally. About harm? I personally know of several tractors, some have had the system disconnected for years and have so far not reported any difference in starting or operation.

If you're afraid of it, then by all means, replace the sensor and keep it operational. Your choice.

 

[Rmd8136]

Agreed. Given a replacement will fail at some point, I’ll probably leave it disconnected. Thanks for you input. I really appreciate it. This is really about as simple a fix as possible.