Disconnected plugs under dash

[GS650GL]

There is a scanner advertised from lawntractorco.com that is $189.99 and will read codes and it says it will read some live data, but obviously is limited in capabilities for that price. From the description, it sounds like it can't clear the codes or do any tests so I wonder how useful it is. But then again, I was a diesel tractor service tech for 40 years so I'm used to a service tool that was thousands of dollars and we had to have a $1000 per year subscription for each tool in our shops. This was so we had constant updates to ECM software and new features as new models of machines came out. Besides fault codes, we could do all the tests and had access to schematics, diagnostic steps, updating software, programming, calibration, configuration, service bulletins, knowledge database, and we could go online with the equipment manufacturer. But I did buy an ELM327 for $18 to work on my car and truck and was impressed with what it can do for the price. Not like one that costs 3K, but still helpful. Maybe someone that has the $189.99 tractor scanner can share their experience with it and tell us if it's worth it.

 

[CliffordK]

Looking at the plugs. There appear to be 4 matching male and 4 matching female connections, and 4 blanks. Just that pattern alone (along with the proximity of the wires) indicates they probably go together. You can also look at the wires to see if they are color coded, if you can see them.

I'd probably test reconnecting. However, they may have been disconnected for a reason. Perhaps annoying safety sensors? Alarms? Lights? Battery drain? Or even something that was non-functional like a malfunctioning safety sensor.

 

[Obi-Wan-YJ]

There is a scanner advertised from lawntractorco.com that is $189.99 and will read codes and it says it will read some live data, but obviously is limited in capabilities for that price. From the description, it sounds like it can't clear the codes or do any tests so I wonder how useful it is. But then again, I was a diesel tractor service tech for 40 years so I'm used to a service tool that was thousands of dollars and we had to have a $1000 per year subscription for each tool in our shops. This was so we had constant updates to ECM software and new features as new models of machines came out. Besides fault codes, we could do all the tests and had access to schematics, diagnostic steps, updating software, programming, calibration, configuration, service bulletins, knowledge database, and we could go online with the equipment manufacturer. But I did buy an ELM327 for $18 to work on my car and truck and was impressed with what it can do for the price. Not like one that costs 3K, but still helpful. Maybe someone that has the $189.99 tractor scanner can share their experience with it and tell us if it's worth it.

This thread from last year has a guy talking about using that scanner. His experience was positive.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/threads/ls-scan-tool-available.452383/

 

[RayIN]

John Deere lost the court battle for right to repair in 2023.

 

[RayIN]

Accordingly to the part number and parts catalogue, on of those plugs goes indeed to the diagnostic port, which is the round one and not the OBD2 on the automotive industry.

It is a Deutsch connector for HD vehicles and industrial equipment.
Cummins Engine uses that 9-pin J1939 ECM connecter for everything above the 6.9 engine.
There is a newer design out that has 11 pins.

 

[m5guy]

I'm going to guess they are plugs for options your doesn't have. Like if your tractor is hydro drive, those plugs might have went to the control for the power reverser and adjoining idiot lights on the dash. When you turn your key on all the lights light up. Some of the lights you never see because of how your tractor is equipped. I'm sure ls only uses 1 harness and then plugs in what needs to for equipment on the tractor

 

[GS650GL]

This thread from last year has a guy talking about using that scanner. His experience was positive.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/threads/ls-scan-tool-available.452383/

Yup that's the one I was thinking about. I knew I saw it in this forum somewhere. Thanks for finding it.