My wife was using the 4300, stopped to pick up something, and the engine died before she got back on the tractor. She turned the key but it made no cranking or any other sounds. I checked the battery, it seems fine (the lights and flashers work). The idiot lights do not light up when the key is turned on, which is not normal. (Even when the safety switches prevent start up, those lights shine). Any ideas where to start unraveling this mystery? Thanks!
JD4300 starting problem
- Thread starter kak
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- john deere 4300
pat32rf
Veteran Member
Sounds to me like the key switch itself. If the innards are cooked you won't get power to the fuel solenoid (why it quit) and also you loose power to the safety light portion.
I replaced mine at about 2000hours....(of course the plug could have fallen off the back of it)
I replaced mine at about 2000hours....(of course the plug could have fallen off the back of it)
Egon
Epic Contributor
Fuses and relays checked?
pat32rf
Veteran Member
You could pull the key switch and see if it smells like burnt bakelite....look for heat distortion/discolouration on the plug going to it as well.
tlbuser
Veteran Member
Check the PTO(s) switches/levers.
Just Bill
Silver Member
Hello
I would start by checking all of the battery connections both at the battery and at the starter and frame.
A connection that is not tight or a little corrosion will drive you nuts when chasing a problem.
Good luck, I hope its simple to find.
I would start by checking all of the battery connections both at the battery and at the starter and frame.
A connection that is not tight or a little corrosion will drive you nuts when chasing a problem.
Good luck, I hope its simple to find.
rekees4300
Elite Member
In the troubleshooting section of my 4300 owners manual it says the following:
IF STARTER WILL NOT WORK.
CHECK:
Loose or corroded battery connections.
Blown fuse.
Low battery output - check electrolyte level.
Neutral start switch faulty or not adjusted properly - See your John Deere Dealer.
Key switch or starter faulty - See you John Deere Dealer.
Gear shift lever in gear.
PTO engaged.
I had a problem with the neutral switch. Tractor would not start unless I kicked the side of the forward or reverse paddles. Took it to the dealer and they didn't fix it! The neutral switch is located under the tractor by the paddles. There's a small metal wheel that presses the switch. Couldn't figure out how to adjust the wheel or switch, so I put a small band clamp around the wheel to make its circumference slightly larger and that solved the problem. Not an elegant solution but the 4300 has started flawlessly ever since then (4 years ago).
IF STARTER WILL NOT WORK.
CHECK:
Loose or corroded battery connections.
Blown fuse.
Low battery output - check electrolyte level.
Neutral start switch faulty or not adjusted properly - See your John Deere Dealer.
Key switch or starter faulty - See you John Deere Dealer.
Gear shift lever in gear.
PTO engaged.
I had a problem with the neutral switch. Tractor would not start unless I kicked the side of the forward or reverse paddles. Took it to the dealer and they didn't fix it!
The neutral switch is located under the tractor by the paddles. There's a small metal wheel that presses the switch. Couldn't figure out how to adjust the wheel or switch, so I put a small band clamp around the wheel to make its circumference slightly larger and that solved the problem. Not an elegant solution but the 4300 has started flawlessly ever since then (4 years ago).I took the ignition switch to the dealer Saturday morning (July 3rd) and it tested ok. They said "good luck." I didn't get back to it until today, and I rechecked the fuses with magnifying lenses and the 30A starter fuse is blown. I tried a new 30A fuse and the dash lights lit up as normal. Turned the key to the "start" position and blew the fuse!
What do I look for now? Thanks for the input!
--Karl
What do I look for now? Thanks for the input!
--Karl
rekees4300
Elite Member
Here's a thread about a 4720 with similar problem. It may be helpful? Personally, I would call the dealer and tell him you didn't have "good luck" then ask him to come and pickup the tractor and not bring it back until it's fixed! That's what a dealer is suppose to do.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/142532-4720-keeps-blowing-ignition-fuse.html
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/142532-4720-keeps-blowing-ignition-fuse.html