starting/electrical problem JD 6410

Keith McMullen · Nov 30, 2010

Everytime I try to start my 6410 there is a click in the console and it blows a 30A start fuse in the panel in the cab. I'm thinking that I may have a ground problem somewhere because when you turn the key off the radio loses its settings. I have replaced the battery, rebuilt the starter, replaced the starter solenoid and taken this tractor apart trying to find a bad wire. Still blowing the same fuse. I can cross the solenoid on the starter and get the tractor to turn over but it still won't crank. So there is something somewhere that is preventing it from starting. I'm frustrated with it and pretty dissappointed in the new series John Deere. Have never had any trouble out of my older 4630 and 4640 but this tractor has been an electrical nightmare. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

jd110 · Nov 30, 2010

There are many places that can cause this fuse to blow, but there are two that come to mind that I have seen most often. There is a temperature sensor in the thermostat housing that sometimes shorts out. It is right bove the injection pump. Try disconnecting the sensor to see if it allows you to start without blowing the fuse. If the fuse does not blow until you actually turn the key all the way to the start position, then I would suspect the neutral start switch. The switch is located under the tractor on the bottom of the transmission. There is a tin shield covering it that you will need to remove to access it. You will need to replace this switch. If you have an ohmmeter, you can you can hook it up to the two terminals on the switch to see if you have continuity between the terminals. If you do, then check for continuity from on terminal to the base of the switch. there should not be any continuity to the base. If there is, it will blow a fuse.

jenkinsph · Dec 1, 2010

jd110 said:
There are many places that can cause this fuse to blow, but there are two that come to mind that I have seen most often. There is a temperature sensor in the thermostat housing that sometimes shorts out. It is right bove the injection pump. Try disconnecting the sensor to see if it allows you to start without blowing the fuse. If the fuse does not blow until you actually turn the key all the way to the start position, then I would suspect the neutral start switch. The switch is located under the tractor on the bottom of the transmission. There is a tin shield covering it that you will need to remove to access it. You will need to replace this switch. If you have an ohmmeter, you can you can hook it up to the two terminals on the switch to see if you have continuity between the terminals. If you do, then check for continuity from on terminal to the base of the switch. there should not be any continuity to the base. If there is, it will blow a fuse.

I would like to bring up the fact that this poster "jd110" is the most knowledgeable poster I know of on this board. Always clear and concise with good information, wish we could hear more from him.:thumbsup:

Keith McMullen · Dec 1, 2010

jd110 said:
There are many places that can cause this fuse to blow, but there are two that come to mind that I have seen most often. There is a temperature sensor in the thermostat housing that sometimes shorts out. It is right bove the injection pump. Try disconnecting the sensor to see if it allows you to start without blowing the fuse. If the fuse does not blow until you actually turn the key all the way to the start position, then I would suspect the neutral start switch. The switch is located under the tractor on the bottom of the transmission. There is a tin shield covering it that you will need to remove to access it. You will need to replace this switch. If you have an ohmmeter, you can you can hook it up to the two terminals on the switch to see if you have continuity between the terminals. If you do, then check for continuity from on terminal to the base of the switch. there should not be any continuity to the base. If there is, it will blow a fuse.

:thumbsup:Just wanted to say Thanks jd110. You were right. It was the neutral start switch on the bottom of the transmission. I greatly appreciate your advice. I was pulling my hair out on this tractor. That thing is covered with sensors and switches. But thanks again and have a Merry Christmas.

atc007 · Apr 16, 2011

Hi all! What an awesome site! I too have a 2001 JD 6410,blowing this same fuse,starts fine,runs till hot,10 minutes? Then blows,5 fuses in a row. I pulled the temp sesnor,wasn't it. Would it still be the neutral switch? Or maybe elsewhere? Thanx in a advance for your obvious expertise! I have 6 special needs people in my house,and this is a true lifesaver to be able to fix this w out having it trucked out! THANK YOU!

Zebrafive · Apr 16, 2011

I am thinking since it starts it would not be the neutral switch.

JD110 will probably have the answer

jd110 · Apr 16, 2011

Which temp sensor did you unhook? There are two of them. The picture below shows the one that causes this problem. I don't think the neutral switch is the problem. The temp sensor for the injection pump often acts just like you mention - as soon as it heats up, it shorts out and blows the fuse. Part number for the sensor is RE503243. If this is the sensor you unplugged, then I might suspect the shut-off solenoid in the pump, but they are pretty reliable.

atc007 · Apr 16, 2011

Thank God you're here! Pleasure to see you! I unhooked the Thermostat sensor,Same thing,blows after 10 minutes or so. This one you speak of above,unhook it,and it should run w out it? Thanx again!!

jd110 · Apr 17, 2011

Yes, it will run without it. The only thing that won't work iis the cold-start advance. It might smoke a little more than normal until warmed up.

atc007 · Apr 17, 2011

Thanx again! Trying it in the morning,then will price one! I just cannot thank you enough,you have no Idea what a time saver this is in our lives..

atc007 · Apr 18, 2011

I ran it some today,,it ran fine. I THINK it's fixed! I didn't run it hard,but I think we're ok. Will report back for sure! Thanx AGAIN!

galazzo · May 9, 2011

I have same problem on a JD5420, I turn the key on and blow the 20 amp "key switch" fuse. I removed the key switch and will have it tested tomorrow but I'm thinking problem may be some goofy "saftey" switch.

Any ideas?

atc007 · May 9, 2011

Well,mine is fixed thanx to the man!! Like the rest of the country ,we've had awful flooding here. HAd that tractor not been fixed,we would have had NO way out our driveway,no nurses could have got in for my Mom and Dad,who I care for.It's NOT just advice,it's changing lives. Again,I CANNOT thank you enough!! And BTW ,it was the temp sesnsor,not inside the pump,5420?? Wish I could help you!! But I cannot,hopefully he pops in here and fixes you too!! Good luck! and thanx AGAIN!

Buffitz45 · Dec 2, 2013

I am having a slightly different problem starting my 6410. All summer it starts great. As soon as the temperature drops to around freezing or below the key will not make the starter engage. If I heat it up to summer temps. with a herman nelson it will start. By hooking up a remoter starter to the wire going to the starter and the top connection post it will usually start. My mechanic is leaning toward replacing the starter with a remanufactured one. Anyone else experienced this? No fuses have ever blown. Thanks.

Tx Jim · Dec 2, 2013

Check to see if starter relay(parts key #10) is getting good electrical connections.

Buffitz45 · Dec 3, 2013

Yes it is - we replaced this relay a week ago and that didn't solve the problem.

Buffitz45 · Dec 11, 2013

Buffitz45 said:
Yes it is - we replaced this relay a week ago and that didn't solve the problem.

We replaced the starter with a reconditioned unit and it completely solved the problem. The starter was hanging up and drawing too much for the system. It spins and starts now with no hesitation. Thanks for the suggestions!