Fuel level indicator problem

[Ed Hahnenberg]

I have a 5105 John Deere tractor, made in 2004, which has a fuel level indicator which does not work. On the dash, everything else works. I was wondering if anyone could tell me which fuse might control that indicator.

The Dash looks like the picture below. It has fill on both sides of the tractor behind the seat.

 

[rmorey]

According to the first pic, either f3, f10 or f13. Is there anyway to check for power at the back of the fuel guage?

 

[Ed Hahnenberg]

Rick...Thanks for your quick reply. I will take off dash and clean fuses f3, f10, and f13 if they are not blown. Not sure about how to check for power at the back of the fuel guage. Ed

 

[rmorey]

Sorry Ed, that was f2, my thumbs hit the wrong key. Basically any fuse marked "Instrument Cluster".

Rick...Thanks for your quick reply. I will take off dash and clean fuses f3, f10, and f13 if they are not blown. Not sure about how to check for power at the back of the fuel guage. Ed

 

[Ed Hahnenberg]

Rick...Got it, fuses f2, f10, and f13. It'll take me a while to remove the dash and check the fuses. Will report back with results, though. Ed

 

[Ed Hahnenberg]

Rick...None of the fuses were blown and I cleaned the ones you suggested. When I turned on the key, the fuel indicator needle went all the way to full, then went back to empty. Still not working correctly. Ed

 

[Ed Hahnenberg]

Rick...I think I'll just use a flexible, clean, plastic coated wire and dip it into the fuel openings on each side until it touches the bottom of the fuel tank. The tank holds 20+ gallons of diesel, and as long as the tractor is reasonably level, I should have a fairly good idea when to add more. I just did that, and it looks like I have half a tank. As a friend of mine who owns three John Deere tractors told me, "None of the fuel level indicators work very long." It says something about John Deere fuel gauges...and my used tractor is only a 2004.

 

[JD5210]

Your instrument cluster looks about the same as on my 5210.

Most likely the problem is the fuel sender in the tank. Disconnect the 2 wires from the sender at the tank and connect them together, then turn the key to the run position (do not start the tractor) the fuel gauge on the cluster should go to full. If it does not then test the wiring from the sender to the instrument cluster.

Looking at JDparts it looks like the wire for the sender is under the tank, part number RE72864. Here is a link that has a picture of it.

http://www.ssbtractor.com/wwwboard/view_all.cgi?bd=jd&msg=17873

While you have the wires disconnected test the fuel sender with an ohm meter. On my 5210 the range is between 4.5 97.5 ohms. I have include the URL for JDparts if you do not have it.

John Deere - Parts Catalog

 

[Ed Hahnenberg]

JD5210...I will have my mechanic look at your suggestion on Monday. I have also noticed that the PTO light comes on now that it is warmer, even though I don't have the PTO engaged. That's H on the Dash. Sometimes it quits as I drive, sometimes it does not light up if I stop the tractor and turn the key off. It is erratic to say the least.

 

[deere5105]

If my memory is correct, I had this issue on my 5105 and a neighbors 5205. Seems like I dropped the fuel sending unit after draining the tank and replaced it. All was well.

 

[JD5210]

On the PTO light issue, your problem maybe in the switch. Look up part number RE42470 on JD parts catalog to see where the switch is located.

 

[Ed Hahnenberg]

JD5210....I found the part RE42470 for $36.99. I could not see where the switch is located. John Deere catalogs are a nightmare. There is only one online operator's manual for the 5105. The rest you have to purchase... and there are operator's manuals, service manuals, transmission manuals, etc. I could spend a fortune trying to buy a service manual to see where the part is located. I found a picture of of the fuel sending unit RE72864 with the link you provided. The cost for that is $114.45. My question is: "Is there any damage I can expect running the tractor with a malfunctioning PTO light on?" PS: If you could help me find out where both items are located, I might fork out the money. John Deere claims to do things right. For all the hoops one has to go through to find the part, see it, and find where it is located, this company is certainly not user friendly when one doesn't have a dealer in your backyard. BTW, thanks for all your help. Ed

 

[JD5210]

I have attached pdfs from JD catalog showing the switch and fuel gauge.

While I have not purchased anything from this site, look at selectmanuals.com, it shows the tech manuals for your tractor are $29.95.

If PTO switch is what is not working correctly, the only problem I could see is the tractor not wanting to start, since the switch is part of the safety system.

 

[Ed Hahnenberg]

JD5210...Thank you for the information. You surely know your stuff. I guess the first step is to purchase the tech manual and go from there. I think you've given me the tools to have the repairs done. Ed

 

[Ed Hahnenberg]

JD5210...I was able to purchase the tech manual for $29.95 in an online format. It does not come in a printed form, so I transferred the online version to a flash drive. The number of pages in the manual was 827, and took it to Staples where they were able to make three spiral bound sections for $47..

Attached is a picture of the printed copy. I now have a hard copy for future repair. Ed

 

[GUS FINK]

After you disconnect the two wires from the sender go to Radio Sack and get a 5000 ohm potentiometer connect one wire to each end of the pot and with the key on turn the pot up and down if the gauge moves up and down you have a sender problem for sure

 

[JD5210]

Thanks for letting me know that things worked out with selectmanuals.com.

The fuel sender part number RE72864 current cost from JD is $141.96. Not a big savings but you might want to look at greenfarmparts.com, I think they have free shipping. Note on electronics I think there is a no return policy.