Has anyone used AI to diagnose a tractor problem?

[airbiscuit]

It would be interesting to put a couple of TBN "My tractor won't start" posts past AI and see what happens ...

 

[mikester]

GIGO

Garbage In Garbage Out

If you are used to relying on one of these then AI is your friend

 

[Eagle1]

Here is AI Chat reponse.

Q:
Sunday morning I started my JD 4052R. I planned on doing some mowing. I manuevered it to remove bucket and turned off engine. After doing so, it failed to start. It has never failed before. All I got was some clicking noises. All the dash lights illuminated but not nothing turned over. I tried jumping and it didn't even try to turn over - more clicking. I removed the battery and it tests okay. My PTO is off!

A friend suggested checking the engine oil level - that is okay. Same with transmission fluid. I am stuck! Is there anything I can do before summoning the dealer?

AI A:
It sounds like you're experiencing a common issue, and there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take before reaching out to your dealer. Here are some suggestions:

1. Check the Battery Connections: Even though the battery tests okay, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tightly connected. Corrosion or loose connections can cause starting issues.
2. Inspect the Fuses: Check for blown fuses in the fuse panel. A blown fuse could cause electrical issues that prevent starting.
3. Starter Relay: Locate the starter relay and see if you can hear it click when you try to start the tractor. If you don't hear anything, the relay might be faulty.
4. Starter Motor: If you're comfortable working on the machine, check the starter motor connections for corrosion and ensure the ground wire is securely connected. You can also try tapping the starter gently with a hammer to see if it helps free it up.
5. Transmission Neutral Safety Switch: Ensure that the transmission is in neutral. Some machines have a safety switch that prevents starting unless this condition is met.
6. Try Jump Starting Again: If you have access to another fully operational vehicle, try jump-starting it again, ensuring that the connections are secure and in the correct order.
7. Inspect the Ignition Switch: The ignition switch may also be the culprit. If you suspect it might be faulty, you can try jiggling it or turning the key in different positions.
8. Check for Fault Codes: If your JD 4052R has a diagnostic system, try retrieving any fault codes that might guide you to the problem.

If, after checking these items, you're still unable to start your tractor, it may be best to contact your dealer for further assistance. It could be an issue with the starter, ignition module, or another component that requires professional diagnostics.

 

[DJ54]

AI information output, is no better than what has been programmed in. On newer tractors with computer systems, even technicians have to plug in their analyzer to find out what's wrong.

Gone are the days when an experienced mechanic could listen or see what's going on to diagnose problems.

Had a buddy who was pretty knowledgeable wrenching on tractors who had an old Massey that wasn't quite running right. He called another friend who had been a Massey mechanic for 30 years trying to explain the problem. Just so happened he had a phone in the shop and told him to start the tractor so he could hear it, instead of driving 35 miles. In less than a minute he told him what the problem was. Replaced said part(s) and it ran like a champ. That's a pretty good wrench...

 

[DJ54]

Here is AI Chat reponse.

Q:
Sunday morning I started my JD 4052R. I planned on doing some mowing. I manuevered it to remove bucket and turned off engine. After doing so, it failed to start. It has never failed before. All I got was some clicking noises. All the dash lights illuminated but not nothing turned over. I tried jumping and it didn't even try to turn over - more clicking. I removed the battery and it tests okay. My PTO is off!

A friend suggested checking the engine oil level - that is okay. Same with transmission fluid. I am stuck! Is there anything I can do before summoning the dealer?

AI A:
It sounds like you're experiencing a common issue, and there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take before reaching out to your dealer. Here are some suggestions:

1. Check the Battery Connections: Even though the battery tests okay, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tightly connected. Corrosion or loose connections can cause starting issues.
2. Inspect the Fuses: Check for blown fuses in the fuse panel. A blown fuse could cause electrical issues that prevent starting.
3. Starter Relay: Locate the starter relay and see if you can hear it click when you try to start the tractor. If you don't hear anything, the relay might be faulty.
4. Starter Motor: If you're comfortable working on the machine, check the starter motor connections for corrosion and ensure the ground wire is securely connected. You can also try tapping the starter gently with a hammer to see if it helps free it up.
5. Transmission Neutral Safety Switch: Ensure that the transmission is in neutral. Some machines have a safety switch that prevents starting unless this condition is met.
6. Try Jump Starting Again: If you have access to another fully operational vehicle, try jump-starting it again, ensuring that the connections are secure and in the correct order.
7. Inspect the Ignition Switch: The ignition switch may also be the culprit. If you suspect it might be faulty, you can try jiggling it or turning the key in different positions.
8. Check for Fault Codes: If your JD 4052R has a diagnostic system, try retrieving any fault codes that might guide you to the problem.

If, after checking these items, you're still unable to start your tractor, it may be best to contact your dealer for further assistance. It could be an issue with the starter, ignition module, or another component that requires professional diagnostics.

If this is a true scenario, I'd check #4. 15 years or so ago had a new mechanic with not much experience went out to diagnose the same problem on a 2 year old approx. 85-85 hp Deere mowing tractor. Got clicking when he tried to start as the operator had said. He ordered a new starter and put it on a day later. Still had the same problem.

The other "old school" mechanic who had moved up to management told him it sounded like a grounding issue. They went back out, and the more experienced mechanic saw that the mating surfaces were somewhat rusty from setting out in the weather all the time. They cleaned up the surfaces, put the old starter back in and it fired right up. They deduced the mounting bolts had loosened slightly and between being slightly loose, and losing ground was the problem. Luckily the dealer took the starter back, but did charge a restock fee.

 

[WranglerX]

So far AI is no go for me.... Usually answers with something I already know..... All the hoopla over AI is pretty dumb.... It may be the future but its many miles down the road....