Challenger 297 won't move

witterbound · Jan 2, 2012

While bushhogging I ran into a small tree and my tractor died, and wouldn't restart. When I turned the key the lights came on, but no click, no nothing. The PTO was on at the time, and it uses an electronic switch to engage it. I found a broken spring on the clutch petal, but the clutch still springs back up and seems to have good pressure. I jumped the solenoid to start it, and it stared fine. But it wouldn't move. Could shift into any gears without any grinding, put it into 4wd, pto, whatever, without pushing in the clutch. Then I couldn't figure out how to stop it. So I had to turn off the fuel back by the filter, so I guess I've created another problem. (1) Any idea what I should check to see why it's not moving. (2) How do I restart it now that it's run out of diesel. (3) If I get it started again, but it won't move, how do I stop it w/o turning off the fuel?

devildog1 · Jan 2, 2012

First things first, replace spring on clutch. Check fuse for electric clutch and if bad replace fuse.When you shut off fuel you caused air to enter system, you need to bleed system either through your pump or through your injectors.Do you have a manual for your tractor as I'm not familiar with your tractor.
DevilDog