Strange problem with fuel solenoid

[MichaelOwens]

Hi TBN, I've encountered an unusual problem with my fuel solenoid on my John Deere tractor. My tractor wouldn't start so I pulled the solenoid and it would not retract to let the fuel flow. I was getting power to the solenoid, so I assumed it was bad. I purchased another one and it wound not retract either. I tried it again with another solenoid and all three acted the same. They would not retract on their own, but if you pushed in the plunger with your finger, it would hold the plunger in. When you turn the key off, it would release; but when you turned the key on, it would only hold the plunger in if you push it in manually. There are three wires coming to this solenoid. One is positive and the other two are negative. They all show 12volts of power. The only think I can think of right now is for some reason I'm not getting enough amps to it. The battery turns the starter over just fine, so perhaps it's a loose connection somewhere. Has anyone ever had this problem? Or, do you have any suggestions on what might be causing this problem?
Thank you for any input you have, Mike

 

[DwayneB]

I'd have to see the wiring diagram. My new Holland just has one wire and grounds on the tractor. I'd bet yours is controlled by a computer? If it is it's probably not grounding correctly. I've had lots of problems with circuit grounds on all kinds of stuff. I usually just locate the correct wire and ground it. I'd have to see the schematic but, the third wire might be a signal to another component or back to the computer. My trouble shooting sequence would be to run a wire from the battery to the plus terminal on the solenoid and the ground terminal to the frame and see if it will hold in.

 

[doneill127]

Many of the solenoids have 3 wires. Ground,pull and hold. When you turn the key higher current pull line is energized and moves the solenoid coil, when the key is released to run pull de energizes and the lower current hold wire keeps the solenoid in position

 

[thepumpguysc]

You've already figured out the PULL circuit is bad.. they usually run off of relays located "somewhere".. some have 1 relay & some have 2..
The PULL circuit needs a lot of amps to work & is usually located off the STARTER somewhere.

 

[Zebrafive]

Many of the solenoids have 3 wires. Ground,pull and hold. When you turn the key higher current pull line is energized and moves the solenoid coil, when the key is released to run pull de energizes and the lower current hold wire keeps the solenoid in position

Exactly what I was going to post. You need to figure out why the pull in circuit is not working.

 

[JD5210]

Not saying this is the problem, but I would try and disconnect the cold start advance temp sensor.

Also do your test with a test light. I worked on a 4230 awhile back and the circuit showed 12volts with a meter, but when I put a test light on it, I got nothing. The problem turned out to be a bad connection.

Do not if the 5400 and the 5210 have the same starting system, but I have included a diagram.

 

[thepumpguysc]

WHAT inj. pump is on this machine?? is it the 5400 we're diagnosing?? That has a Delphi fuel system on it & that has a 1 wire solenoid..
If your talking about a Stanadyne inj. pump, that has a 2 wire solenoid & they have a MAJOR PROBLEM w/ the temp sensor shorting out, blowing the start circuit FUSE..
UNPLUG the cold start devise/sensor at the thermo neck & replace the fuse to get started.. then replace the sensor..
IF this is another machine we're diagnosing, please give the mdl..

 

[Egon]

It may be a thermistor in the solenoid opening circuit. Uses more power to open than to hold. The solenoid May engage/disengage the Injection pump rather then shut off the fuel flow.

Thermistor = about ten dollars.

My reference is a JD 4200 series tractor. Three wire solenoid.

 

[MichaelOwens]

Not saying this is the problem, but I would try and disconnect the cold start advance temp sensor.

Also do your test with a test light. I worked on a 4230 awhile back and the circuit showed 12volts with a meter, but when I put a test light on it, I got nothing. The problem turned out to be a bad connection.

Do not if the 5400 and the 5210 have the same starting system, but I have included a diagram.

Thank you very much for the advice. I did have a problem with this in the past and disconnecting it did fix it. Right now, I'm pretty sure I must have a poor connection somewhere and I've been tracking them down and cleaning them up but haven't found it yet.

 

[MichaelOwens]

I wanted to thank you for your help. I've been tracking the wires back into the system and cleaning the connections, but no luck yet.