John Deere 455 Problem

sbking · Mar 10, 2012

I have a John Deere 455 with about 1900hrs on it when I go to start it I get lights but I do not hear the normal sound (like a pump or something). The starter just clicks but the engine does not fire. Any troubleshooting ideas? I am not the most mechanically inclined person when it comes to diesels so any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Harry in Ky · Mar 10, 2012

Could be as simple as a battery, or cable/connection problem. Have you tried charging or jumpstarting?

Gittyup · Mar 10, 2012

Is your starter turning over when you try to start it? Sounds like it's not. I'd first suspect ground connection, or maybe a faulty relay. Check that you have voltage to the starter when you try to start. Work back from there.

Also, make sure the PTO isn't engaged and brake is set.

garrynowak · Mar 11, 2012

Turn on your lights when you hit the key. If you lights dim when you hit the key your starter is drawing current; i.e., the starter is most likely the problem.
Here is a suggestion for you that everyone reading it will laugh at. I had an old timer tell me that the battery should have a ground cable go directly to the starter motor. Any like everyone reading this I laughed at him. I had starting problems on a Case 580E and on a 1956 John Deere 420 positive 6 volt ground system. Since I had no other alternatives I ran a ground cable directly to the starter motors at the mounting bolts. I cleaned the bolts and grounding area meticulously. Both machines started like they were still in the showroom. Everyone thinks the frame is a good ground but for some reason a direct ground to the starter motor makes life a lot easier for the starter motor.

garrynowak · Mar 11, 2012

Turn on your lights when you hit the key. If you lights dim when you hit the key your starter is drawing current; i.e., the starter is most likely the problem.
Here is a suggestion for you that everyone reading it will laugh at. I had an old timer tell me that the battery should have a ground cable go directly to the starter motor. Any like everyone reading this I laughed at him. I had starting problems on a Case 580E and on a 1956 John Deere 420 positive 6 volt ground system. Since I had no other alternatives I ran a ground cable directly to the starter motors at the mounting bolts. I cleaned the bolts and grounding area meticulously. Both machines started like they were still in the showroom. Everyone thinks the frame is a good ground but for some reason a direct ground to the starter motor makes life a lot easier for the starter motor.

Ford tractor · Mar 11, 2012

I won't laugh about the ground direct to the starter.

My old machines are all set up that way and it helps a lot!

Maineuropa · Mar 11, 2012

I just finished fixing a running/starting problem on my 955: One of which was identical to your: the battery could happily light the headlamps, but the starter was only good for clicks. Replaced the 6 year old battery with a new one from Wallyworld for about $75. Starts great now. Of course that didn't stop me from replacing the fuel lines, the fuel strainer tube, the battery cable(positive side) as well as removing and cleaning out/flushing the fuel tank and the separator and rehabbing the starter.

@garry: the only thing to laugh about your post was that it posted twice...:laughing: My other over 20 year old vehicle is a fibreglass British 1970 sportscar: now that is an exercise in bad grounds everywhere! Lord Lucas: the prince of darkness: three lamp settings for everything: dim, flicker and nothing.