RX7320 problem with starting and then an issue with no forward/reverse

pleadwelld · May 25, 2020

Hi there, i'm new this forum but i am in need of help. I'm a new (was happy) owner of a 2014 RX7320 - its low hours and i'm liking it (also have a JD 1026r so this is the golliath to my samson). The other day i was just moving dirt and everything was great and i shut down to hydrate (have a beer and be proud of my first work with tractor) and when i came back an hour later it wouldn't start. I tried everything and figured it had to be something simple like a safety or something - everything is as it needs to be (powershuttle, brake, me on seat, PTO off, neutral, clutch in, etc etc) and nothing but a very faint click. I had lots of power it seemed as everything else worked fine but no start. I decided to go on this forum, did a few searches and thought through the process of elimination and did a brute force start just to eliminate things - i crossed the small and big poles on starter and it started right up so that was good - must be something preventing it from starting otherwise. I didn't have the tractor at my house (was doing a favour for someone as we all end up doing when we get a nice piece of machinery) so i thought i'd take it home before i shut it down - but when i went to try and get it into any gear and move either forward or reverse - there was absolutely no movement i could get out of it - not a thing but everything else worked.

What is the issue? Here's another clue some smart person likely can help me with - I see that the 4wd light was on when i got it started and regardless of whether or not i switched the switch on or off it stayed on - now that could be because i had it on before i shut it off the first time and it needs to sense movement or something to go off. I did read in a thread that there is a "Range Shift Sensor" and i'm thinking that this might be something I should look at.

Any thoughts kind people?

justman777 · May 26, 2020

I'd look to the starting issue first. The movement (forward/reverse) will likely resolve itself if you can get it started correctly.

If you've already met all of the safety conditions, then one of the sensors may be broke....which means you'll need to get out the multi-meter or circuit tester to start crossing them off the list. Unfortunately, there's no magic "go to" for electrical issues. Be sure you test your fuses first, then your relays, and then start chasing down safety items. When you test your fuses, be sure to test across the leads to ensure both sides are getting power, and then pop them in and out a few times to clean off the seats.

OrangeAgain · May 26, 2020

Battery issue?

justman777 · May 26, 2020

OrangeAgain said:
Battery issue?

I thought the same, but he was able to start it by jumping the starter posts.

MinnesotaEric · May 26, 2020

Neutral safety switch?

pleadwelld · May 26, 2020

Havent been able to get back to tractor but going to check all the fuses again just in case then i'll try the safety switches. Is the neutral safety the same as the range shift sensor i mentioned? From what i read i can find that under the tractor just about where the seat/shifter box is (as mentioned its a HST).

WoodChuckDad · May 27, 2020

4wd light will come on anytime you push the brake. I have had a few times where I could not start my tractor, but it was because the powershuttle switch was pushed forward.
Also, if I get up out of the seat to get out of the tractor and I don’t have the brake engaged, mine will shut off. So check to see if you have the brake set. You may need to set the brake to start it.
I have also tried to start without pushing clutch in and it wont start. Thats a good thing, since it would make the tractor jump if it did.

pleadwelld · Jun 9, 2020

So i finally gave up and the dealer has come - they tested a bunch of stuff and it seems like it is the speed sensor - it is also causing a short (it seems) and blows the controller fuse. Its funny because i was able to start it using the brute force method (crossing at the starter) but couldn't replicate that again. Anyways, they're ordering the part in and we'll get it changed - they said they've never had to change one of these before - sound right to folks? The mechanic was a really good guy and very patient.

pleadwelld · Jun 9, 2020

pleadwelld said:
So i finally gave up and the dealer has come - they tested a bunch of stuff and it seems like it is the speed sensor - it is also causing a short (it seems) and blows the controller fuse. Its funny because i was able to start it using the brute force method (crossing at the starter) but couldn't replicate that again. Anyways, they're ordering the part in and we'll get it changed - they said they've never had to change one of these before - sound right to folks? The mechanic was a really good guy and very patient.

So the mechanic came today and ran through his different tests and has resolved that it is a "speed sensor" - he had to order and it would be a week or so but I'll update this post when i have it in to see if it resolved in case it helps anyone else.