I think I got a lemon....

[skibo]

I have a 2014 JD 5055E with loader. On multiple occasions, in multiple situations, my tractor defaults to neutral and the warning light flashes. I have to manually put everything in neutral, back into the appropriate gear, and can then put the hyrostatic in forward/reverse and continue. This happens several times a day and my dealer cannot find any problems. It has also begun to flash the hazards, A/C stutters, and the fuel gauge is reading wrong. Obviously it is electrical. But is anyone else having this problem? This thing is basically brand new and the best response I have gotten from JD is to suggest that I buy the "extended warranty". I didn't agree. I feel like I have a lemon. Any ideas?

 

[w1ebb]

I have a 2014 JD 5055E with loader. On multiple occasions, in multiple situations, my tractor defaults to neutral and the warning light flashes. I have to manually put everything in neutral, back into the appropriate gear, and can then put the hyrostatic in forward/reverse and continue. This happens several times a day and my dealer cannot find any problems. It has also begun to flash the hazards, A/C stutters, and the fuel gauge is reading wrong. Obviously it is electrical. But is anyone else having this problem? This thing is basically brand new and the best response I have gotten from JD is to suggest that I buy the "extended warranty". I didn't agree. I feel like I have a lemon. Any ideas?

It sounds like a bad or loose ground. Check all grounds to the frame. Make sure there is no paint or other contamination in the connection, and make sure the ground bolts are tight. Loose grounds will let it act right while the dealer's technician runs his tests. But in the field, while you are working it, the loose ground shows up by making your electronics do things that make you think you need an exorcist for the tractor! Good fortune!

 

[Coyote machine]

Sometimes the battery ground cable from the battery to the frame can corrode inside the sheath. First check that it has contact with bare metal on the frame then cut back some of the sheath and see if corrosion is present. Next try moving the negative cable while the tractor is idling, while wearing gloves to prevent your body from becoming a temporary ground if the cable is faulty. Also check your fuse block and make sure there is no corrosion on any fuses or their ends where they contact the boxes connectors.Make sure your battery doesn't have an internal short too, by having it load tested by someone who knows how to do same. Battery must be fully charged to do a load test.
And, don't take any guff from Deere dealer or corporate; tell them to find the problem and fix it under warranty. Write them and use email to document the history, it is the best way to keep stuff from being ignored. Report back results.

 

[sd455dan]

I have a 2014 JD 5055E with loader. On multiple occasions, in multiple situations, my tractor defaults to neutral and the warning light flashes. I have to manually put everything in neutral, back into the appropriate gear, and can then put the hyrostatic in forward/reverse and continue. This happens several times a day and my dealer cannot find any problems.and the best response I have gotten from JD is to suggest that I buy the "extended warranty". I didn't agree. I feel like I have a lemon. Any ideas?

Bummer- so what happens if you are headed up or down a steep hill??
If it actually goes into neutral- sounds like it could be considered a safety hazard..??. Seems like the Deere dealer would be all over that tractor to make sure it functions as a new tractor....
since that is what it is-

I agree with Coyote machine- fix it correctly under the warranty you paid for by buying a new Deere, document and be persistent.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Must of happened on the boat from India? :stirthepot::stirthepot:

But in all seriousness, that must be really frustrating. No advice, just commiseration.

 

[Silvic]

Not familiar with the 5055 but I know on the 4720 if I accidentally hit both forward and reverse pedals at the same time (big, clumsy foot issue) that I will get a similar response. (minus the need to put everything in neutral and the fuel gauge issue) I get warning lights with a code (can't remember which one) unit stops and will not respond to either pedal for about 10 seconds even though I am individually using only the one pedal and lots of light flashing.

You have a much newer machine than mine but you might try an experiment and see if that could be any way related to your issues. You have nothing to lose. Try "accidentally" pushing both HST fwd/reverse pedals at the same time and see if it happens.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I did not think Deere made a 5000 series hydrostat. Are you talking the power reverser? It is a clutch pack in the transmission. I just spent $10,140.00 on a old transmission module for our 6200 because I could not stand it any more. Not being able to shift gears properly. That was after almost twenty five years but only 1300 hrs. Get this matter dealt with NOW and don't just live with it like I did..

 

[skibo]

Yeah, you are right. It is power reverser. I noticed today that it happens most consistently when trying to shift from 3rd<->4th. But, it also happened at idle with parking brake on and power reverser in neutral. I was hooking up an implement and heard all of the alarms. When I got back in, it looked like Christmas in the cab. Lights flashing everywhere. Once I put in gear, the tractor responded correctly, but the warning light continued to flash until I got out and cut the engine off. I just have a feeling this thing is heading downhill fast.

 

[w1ebb]

Make the dealer fix that while under warranty. Man, I was hoping it would be something quick and easy that was easily overlooked. Or maybe because of "clumsy big feet!) Haha!

 

[stingray1]

Make the dealer fix that while under warranty. Man, I was hoping it would be something quick and easy that was easily overlooked. Or maybe because of "clumsy big feet!) Haha!

I'd be all over my dealer if I were you. Give him helland good luck.

 

[jenkinsph]

Sometimes the battery ground cable from the battery to the frame can corrode inside the sheath. First check that it has contact with bare metal on the frame then cut back some of the sheath and see if corrosion is present. Next try moving the negative cable while the tractor is idling, while wearing gloves to prevent your body from becoming a temporary ground if the cable is faulty. Also check your fuse block and make sure there is no corrosion on any fuses or their ends where they contact the boxes connectors.Make sure your battery doesn't have an internal short too, by having it load tested by someone who knows how to do same. Battery must be fully charged to do a load test.
And, don't take any guff from Deere dealer or corporate; tell them to find the problem and fix it under warranty. Write them and use email to document the history, it is the best way to keep stuff from being ignored. Report back results.

Very good advice ^^^^^^

 

[Coyote machine]

Very good advice ^^^^^^

Thanks!
Now let's hope the OP gets back with results we can use to solve this puppy.

 

[prs]

Agree with advice to consider grounds and if not that, consider back feeds in the wiring harness due to corrosion or partially broken connections at couplers or poorly crimped wire plug ends. With today's electronics, it can go really freaky. The dealer may not have the resources, but JD can and should step in with expert trouble shooting.

prs

 

[LD1]

About the dealer....

Can they not figure out what's wrong?

Or can they not get the issue to replicate while in their shop?

 

[Coyote machine]

Post 1 says the dealer can't find any problem.

 

[LD1]

But did the dealer experience the symptoms?

Been around here too long to assume anything anymore

 

[CurlyDave]

Most of us have technology and cameras in our pockets that we could only dream of a few years ago.

The next time it happens, take a video with your cell phone and a few still pictures of the lights on the dash. Take these in to the dealer and see what he can do. If he still can't find the problem send the video to JD corporate.

You paid for the warranty -- don't let them stall you.

 

[skibo]

The dealer did experience the problem, but as importantly, the tractors computer had logged all of the "stalls". It did not register the other things, such as the hazards, AC, fuel gauge, etc. I have been fortunate enough to be able to video some of the gremlin attacks with the electronics as I used the tractor. I spoke with a different John Deere representative on Friday and he was much more helpful, and even mentioned swapping tractors as a last resort. The local dealer has been as helpful as they can and is waiting on me to get my green fields planted before replacing the entire wiring harness.

By the way, I knew times had changed in owning tractors when, the first time my tractor died, the service person they sent came out in a car, casual dress, and with a computer. There is something wrong with the world when a tractor doesn't need a truck, grease, and some really big wrenches when it breaks.

I will keep the post updated.

 

[DianneInVA]

I am going through a similar problem. Good corporate brand; good dealer; responsive service technicians. The tractor has been in the shop more hours than on the field, but we just can resolve the intermittent failures. Can you post the update? Did you have to negotiate for replacement? Thanks.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I would hate to disturb factory connections that were not at fault and maybe create more problems down the road. I fix a lot of different things (or at least try) and my first rule is not to cause more damage.

Just curious. I see a lot of used 5000 series tractors for sale. We were goint to get one, before deciding on a 6000. Were the 5000 series in fact a lemon of sorts? I mean, sometimes, you only hear about the bad stuff.