JD 4300 won't crank

[wallfarmer]

I got JD 4300 a month ago and have had no problems at all until this morning. Went to start it and get nothing but a loud click at back right of engine. Figured it was a safety switch somewhere so unplugged seat switch and then got nothing when key turned. Plugged back in and loud click came back but won't crank. Problem? Thanks for any help you may give.

 

[Willl]

loud click at back right of engine.

Welcome to the forum Wallfarmer.

Could that click be coming from your starter ?

 

[wallfarmer]

No, it is not the starter clicking, it is higher up and on right side.

 

[kennyd]

I bet it's the battery...Do the headlights work? Try taking some voltage measurements across the battery terminals-both with the key off and while trying to start.

You need a good battery to fire the intake heater and crank the engine.

 

[wallfarmer]

Headlights burn bright, but put booster cables on just to make sure and still the same result. Loud click(not starter) and nothing else. Checked all fuses and pulled relays and reseated. Still nothing.

 

[Willl]

Does loud click occur when key turned to 'run' or when just turned to 'start (crank)' ?

PTO lever get bumped ?

 

[wallfarmer]

Clicks when turn to run and then nothing when turn to start. Moved every lever on then off hoping something hanging.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Just had same problem with Honda 6522. Fuel pump worked, lights worked. Checked all the safety switches, in neutral etc. Had 12.5v at terminals. Turned out to be a dirty connection on the positive terminal of the battery.

 

[mfreund]

Make sure you have 12v at the starter, could be bad battery cable. The off gassing from the battery eats everything on the 4x00 and 4x10.

 

[AKfish]

Clicks when turn to run and then nothing when turn to start. Moved every lever on then off hoping something hanging.

Fuel pump selenoid shut-off click? Got 12v there?

AKfish

 

[wallfarmer]

have 12v at starter. how do you short this starter across to make it run? I know you're not supposed to but I want to know if it is the problem.

 

[wallfarmer]

Ok I figured out how to hot wire starter and it started after cranking one turn. (Placed big rock on seat in order to engage seat safety switch). I'm not sure what this tells me i.e. bad safety switch somewhere, key switch bad, bad relay, etc.? Any ideas on what to do next? I really need a wiring diagram in order to try and figure this out - where can I get one?

One other thing - I bought this tractor used with 400 hours but the owner had lost the owners manual - I have searched this tractor over looking for the place to check the hydraulic oil and all I can find is the fill plug right behind the seat. Where the heck is it?

 

[coloradotrout]

I have a 4100 CUT that has similar symptoms right now (parked out in the pasture). I think it's related to the "must be in neutral" safety switch.

It's a HST, and even though it's in N, I think that "it" thinks it's still in L. It acts the same way.

The 'seat switch' acts like it's running -- meaning when I turn on the ignition switch, if I stand up, the seat switch pops a relay (even though it's not running). If it was in N, I don't think the seat switch would matter. You can start the tractor in N while not sitting on the switch.

I was facing slightly uphill, and I think while in L, I stood up and killed it. Somehow, I think it's electronically "stuck" in L, even though I move the lever from L-N-H back to N. I think I'm going to put it into N and tow it about a yard and see what happens.

 

[d1king]

Had a problem like this on kubota b2400, turned out to be common to that model, used a J.D. part no. AM107421, I bought and installed it after dealer wanted to put in a new starter and ignition switch, $340.00 This is a low voltage relay, easy to install, under $30.00. Might be able to go to Kubota thread for B2400 starting problem and look for Kubmech's explanation of this (7/15/04) Has to do with decreased voltage reaching starter solinoid due to increased resistance in starting circuits as parts age. Good luck.

 

[coloradotrout]

On my 4100, it now works.

I has to be something with the neutral sensor. I towed it forward 10' or so and put it through H-N-L and back to N. Then some raising/lowering of the seat and jostling of levers and it started.

To start it has to be in N. You do not need to be in the seat. The brake does not need to be depressed.

 

[kennyd]

I really need a wiring diagram in order to try and figure this out - where can I get one?

One other thing - I bought this tractor used with 400 hours but the owner had lost the owners manual

You can get both at your JD dealer. The FSM(factory service manual) on CD is a wonderful thing to have. They cost under $100 for your machine.

The owners manual can be downloaded HERE from the JD site, click the "view" link on the right.

 

[wallfarmer]

Finally, I found the problem. It was the "nuetral" sensor. They put it right under the floor platform with the wires coming out the top and the platform is actually pressing against the wires. Some "genius" designed this, because there is no way to get the plug or sensor out without taking the whole platform off. Luckily with just a little movement mine started working, how long I don't know, but at least I know where the problem is. Thanks to all who gave advice and helped me track this down.

 

[mfreund]

Wallfarmer,

My 4310 has a sight glass for checking the hydro oil. It is near the rear PTO shaft. I don't know for sure but I'll bet that is where yours is too.

I thought the same thing when I got my 4310!!

 

[wallfarmer]

Thanks, that's where it is! Appreciate the help.

 

[JohnDeere4300]

Wallfarmer,

My 4310 has a sight glass for checking the hydro oil. It is near the rear PTO shaft. I don't know for sure but I'll bet that is where yours is too.

I thought the same thing when I got my 4310!!

On the 4300 the sight glass is on the left side of the PTO shaft.