CUT Hour meter broken - what to do?

rockyridgefarm · Apr 26, 2017

My 2002 4310 has about 700 hours, but the hour mete is all black and distorted display - unreadable.

The official fix is a replacement cluster. $700 and may require programming.

Of course, I am hoping to sell it and not mislead anyone.

A meter set to 0000 won't look good. A used one with way more hours would hurt the value.

Ideas?

spruce Deere · Apr 26, 2017

On the 790 my instrument cluster would fog not to long after I bought it. The dealer replaced the cluster under warranty and placed one of those Dymo lables in the lower right hand on the window of the cluster that says 'add 250 hours'.

texasranger556 · Apr 27, 2017

Personally I'd tear into it and see how difficult it would be to replace just the LCD screen. Im not sure what makes them go all black but could also be a loose connection.

If you're not into electronics and $700 is too much then you're probably stuck looking for a used dash. Does it count up with just the key on or does it require tach input? I should know because my 4400 is also LCD, but honestly never paid attention. If it's just battery voltage, might try hooking it up to a battery for a couple months until it rolls over. Wait another 29 or so days and you'll be back at 700.

Here's a video of someone replacing a different Deere dash LCD.

repair of John Deere dashboard - YouTube

oldballs · Apr 27, 2017

You could get an ordinary hour meter and install it somewhere convenient. And from your maintenance notes add the hours if and when you sell it.....just to stay honest. Those meters are commonly available for a few bucks...IIRC. Or, maybe the $700 JD could be recouped a bit when you sell it.....assuming the rest of the machine looks all that good.

rockyridgefarm · Apr 27, 2017

Wow! Thx I will look that way. BTW, it gets a pulse from the alternator. like .04V I think

oldballs · Apr 27, 2017

Maybe someone else can comment on the 0.04V.

rockyridgefarm · Apr 27, 2017

oldballs said:
Maybe someone else can comment on the 0.04V.

I double checked the Tech Manual - "Pulsed current flows from the “P” terminal of the alternator to the instrument panel (X8 connector, terminal F) through the 325 Dk Grn wire." Normal is .04 volts.

rockyridgefarm · Apr 28, 2017

I am curious if anyone has opened a Deere CUT instrument cluster. Is it a sealed unit, or can it be easily opened?

not2old · Apr 28, 2017

If you just want to keep track of the hours for maintenance purposes, visit a dirt bike shop and get one that just attaches to the motor without wiring. I assume they have a battery inside that activates the meter when the motor is running.