JD 5303 Tachometer Intermittent

[deere5105]

Over the past couple years I have noticed my tachometer would not register immediately sometimes. On occasion it would work immediately then at times it may take several minutes to begin working. Most recently it seems to not work at all. Before it seemed I could lower the throttle speed to idle and it would begin working. It also seems the hour meter does not advance when tachometer is at zero. All other gauge dials seems to be working. Curious if this is a common issue that others have experienced and resolved.

 

[Tinhack]

My first guess would be the cable. Have you ever lubed it?

 

[TractorTech]

I think that tach works off of the alternator. I would check the connections on the alternator and the back of the tach for corrosion. The sensor wire on the alternator is usually pretty small. It also could be the wire is suffering from mouse damage and just barely making connection.

 

[seville009]

Had a tachometer go wacky on me in my skid steer years ago; dealer said it was an indication of the alternator not working properly. New alternator, and the tach went back to normal.

 

[Tx Jim]

JD 5303 speed/hour meter is electronically controlled by sensor on LH side of engine timing gear cover. I also recommend to check instrument panel wiring harness for good clean/tight ground connection

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/74433/referrer/search/pgId/645729367

 

[deere5105]

I am just starting my investigation. Up until now it has only been a temporary non-working issue. Hope to get to dig into it before too long and see if can get it back going. Feedback and opinions much appreciated.

 

[deere5105]

Was able to locate the engine speed sensor today. Disconnected and reconnected. Did not help. Is there a specific test to be able to determine if the sensor is bad

 

[nisaacs]

Pull the sensor out and inspect the magnetic tip. It may have a sliver of metal stuck on it.

 

[deere5105]

Pull the sensor out and inspect the magnetic tip. It may have a sliver of metal stuck on it.

Gave that a try. No luck. Was a little oil on bottom. Just out of curiosity stuck sensor to metallic object and was still magnetized.

Could it be as simple as replacing the sensor?

 

[MTGreen]

I've tested hall effect sensors by taping a magnet to the edge of a large spade drill bit and spinning them next to the sensor while powered to see if you get any output. If nothing, try untaping the magnet, flipping it over (reversing polarity), retaping and try again

 

[deere5105]

JD 5303 speed/hour meter is electronically controlled by sensor on LH side of engine timing gear cover. I also recommend to check instrument panel wiring harness for good clean/tight ground connection

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/74433/referrer/search/pgId/645729367

Where would the ground connection be that needs to be checked?

Spoke to local dealer shop this afternoon and they too recommended making sure had no fuses blown and good ground. If both of those check out then most likely is bad sensor. Believe he said they were around $40.

 

[Tx Jim]

It appears from viewing 5303 parts wiring diagram that there are 2 possible locations for wiring harness ground(-) connections. Have you considered investing in a JD 5303 tech manual?

 

[deere5105]

It appears from viewing 5303 parts wiring diagram that there are 2 possible locations for wiring harness ground(-) connections. Have you considered investing in a JD 5303 tech manual?

Will look over and see if can find those locations and check them out.

I actually have an electronic copy. Appreciate the attachment shared.

 

[deere5105]

Had to do some quick loader work this evening. Unexpectedly looked down and tachometer was working again. I assumed this last time it had quit for good.

 

[deere5105]

Was able to take side panels off and get to back of gauge cluster today.

 

[deere5105]

Did not find anything loose or out of place. Wiggling wires made no difference to tachometer working or not. When first cranked stayed at zero. After minute or two it started working. This more like what it has normally done for a while. Looked for nearby ground and found one and brushed it, but made no difference. No other electrical issues whatsoever tends to make think it is not a ground issue. For future reference, here are the views of each side with panels removed.

 

[beenthere]

On the left side view, is that the ground you cleaned just a couple inches above the letter "W" in the word "view" ?

 

[deere5105]

On the left side view, is that the ground you cleaned just a couple inches above the letter "W" in the word "view" ?

It is. Everything was still securely in place and no obvious issues, but decided was that far in might as well.

 

[6string]

I am having similar problem with the tach on my 5105. The beeper has gotten real screechy lately and then the tach has been erratic and reading a lot higher than what the throttle is set at. I removed the multi pin connectors on the back of the gauge cluster and cleaned them with electronic spray cleaner but to no avail. I haven't checked the voltage at the beeper yet, it is either defective or there is low voltage somewhere and may be causing the tach problem too. I did not notice that ground wire near the beeper but I will check that out soon. I replaced the speed sensor yesterday and that didn't cure the problem either. I hate to spend a small fortune on an instrument cluster. John Deere replaced it right after we bought the tractor, the hour meter quit working at 19 hours luckily it was covered under warranty.

 

[deere5105]

I am having similar problem with the tach on my 5105. The beeper has gotten real screechy lately and then the tach has been erratic and reading a lot higher than what the throttle is set at. I removed the multi pin connectors on the back of the gauge cluster and cleaned them with electronic spray cleaner but to no avail. I haven't checked the voltage at the beeper yet, it is either defective or there is low voltage somewhere and may be causing the tach problem too. I did not notice that ground wire near the beeper but I will check that out soon. I replaced the speed sensor yesterday and that didn't cure the problem either. I hate to spend a small fortune on an instrument cluster. John Deere replaced it right after we bought the tractor, the hour meter quit working at 19 hours luckily it was covered under warranty.

I am tempted to try replacing the speed sensor too, but hate to guess at it. Recently had some loader work to do and the tachometer started back working. Wondering if the speed sensor can be intermittent or is it either good or bad?? I also took a pic of the hours as I am not certain they were advancing when the tachometer started working.