Starting problem JD 4300

[Boondoggle]

My new to me JD 4300 is not starting The engine turns over but does not start. What would be the first things to look at or replace? This is my first tractor.

 

[Roger2561]

My new to me JD 4300 is not starting The engine turns over but does not start. What would be the first things to look at or replace? This is my first tractor.

How old is your JD4300?

 

[Boondoggle]

it is a 2001 HST

 

[Roger2561]

it is a 2001 HST

When did you last use it and was it running as it should? May I ask the ultimate stupid question; Is there fuel in the tank?

 

[RavensRoost]

On many there is a fuel solenoid that needs to pull in. Do you hear a click when you turn the key on? If not, have someone crank while you manually hold it open. (Make sure you are not in gear!)

 

[SandyTX]

I had the same problem with mine. I'm betting its the thermistor. This is located behind the fuse panel under the dash. Its a $3 part from John Deere. Just search the forum for JD 4300 thermistor and there are plenty of pictures and info on how to replace it. It took me about 10 minutes to to remove the panels and get to the back of my fuse box. Then about another 10 minutes to solder in a new thermistor. Good Luck! I now keep a extra one on hand.

added the link

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/136751-jd-4300-wont-crank-3.html

Check bottom of the page on the post with pictures.

 

[Boondoggle]

I filled it up with fuel earlier that day. It was running fine and I shut it off and then a few minutes later it wouldn't start back up. I touched a foot peddle and then it started again, later that day after shutting it off and starting it a number of times, it won't start anymore. It has fuel, about 1/2 tank.
I will check to and see if I can hear a click. It is an HST, so it is in low. I don't know anything about a solenoid, or holding it open, do you have a exploded view, or a picture? Where is it?
I can check the thermister this evening also. Is that intermittent?

 

[SandyTX]

The thermistor will just stop working out of the blue. My tractor was fine for the first 6 months (bought it used) and then it just stopped. Same symptoms as you; even had a mechanic come look at it. After no luck (he checked alot of fuel system items and the starter). I went to the dealer and bought a thermistor. Fired right up after that. Good Luck.

 

[Boondoggle]

does the solenoid have the 6 screws with the 2 fuel lines? How can I tell if that is working. When I turn the key, I don't hear a click

 

[Egon]

I shut it off and then a few minutes later it wouldn't start back up. I touched a foot peddle and then it started again,/QUOTE]

Have you checked the safety switches?

 

[Boondoggle]

I believe if it was a safety switch it wouldn't turn over at all. This is turning over, but it is not firing.

 

[atschirner]

Boon, you are close to the solenoid. It is at the back of the injection pump with three wires coming out of it. When you turn the key to 'on' you should hear an audible click or clunk. Either sound is fine at this point. If not, confirm that you have 12 volts at the red wire feeding the solenoid and a good ground path from the black wire at the solenoid to battery ground.

Please let us know how you make out.

 

[Boondoggle]

I checked the solenoid and it is making a noise when I turn the key. My son said the same thing, so I am not imagining things.
I assume that rules out the solenoid and the relay, is that correct?
It cranks over, so it is not a safety switch, correct?
The fuel is half full. What else? Any suggestions?

 

[RoyJackson]

I checked the solenoid and it is making a noise when I turn the key. My son said the same thing, so I am not imagining things.
I assume that rules out the solenoid and the relay, is that correct?
It cranks over, so it is not a safety switch, correct?
The fuel is half full. What else? Any suggestions?

I'd jumpstart the tractor from a know good battery. Your 4300 might not be cranking fast enough.
If that doesn't do the trick, I'd really suggest replacing the thermistor which has been a known problem. It's a pretty low cost replacement.

 

[defed]

my 4300 does the same thing. starts fine every day for 3 months, then decides it doesn't want to. solenoid appears to be working when this happens. i do random things like remove/replace relays. sometimes it starts immediately after doing something like that, other times i come back 5 mins later w/ some tools and it's working again.

**** annoying.

 

[Egon]

You might also consider going through all the electrical connections cleaning them up and applying some dieelectric ?? grease. That means all the fuses, relays and safety switches as well as the both ends of battery cables. On the battery cables make sure they have not corroded out under the insulation.

Actually it's probably not a bad idea to do this once a year.

 

[Boondoggle]

I picked up the Thermistor over the weekend, and installed it this morning. I used electrical tape instead of a crimp or soder, but after I got it put back together it started right up. It also appears that it has been replaced before.
Thanks for your help.
I plan on going through the electrical connections this winter. Thanks for the great advice.

 

[SandyTX]

Good to hear. Shame that such a simple part can cause so much headache. Glad you got it running!

 

[RoyJackson]

Good to hear. Shame that such a simple part can cause so much headache. Glad you got it running!

Be glad it's a simple and very low cost fix!