Temp gauge question.

[jb1390]

I looked around the top of the radiator and found no small hose but I'll look harder when I can get it out into some daylight.

The only odd thing I have found is a steel whatamacallit in line with the lower radiator hose. There are two metal plugs in it but I haven't determined what function it has if any. Just a big hose in and a big hose out. I'm sure they didn't pay for something to do nothing that has no function. Maybe a good place to tap in a cab heater return line or somesuch. I'm also very new to this oil burner stuff so still have much to learn. Although when they say compact tractor they really mean it. I thought it was tight under the hood of my truck but this looks tighter.

Post a photo of the engine and radiator from the top, and one of us may be able to point out the hose to you. It's a 3/8" coolant hose, assuming your tractor has an EGR and associated air bleed hose. I've not been under the hood of a 1538 so cannot confirm this is the issue until I see a picture.

The steel block is to thread in a coolant heater without having to disconnect the setup. It may be used for heat on cab models also - but my 3550 open station has that plug, and the coolant heater threaded into it.

 

[jb1390]

If you have that hose your temps will be very low because much of the coolant is by passing the thermostat .
There is another thread all about this I had tested the sensor and gauge including all wiring before finding out the real problem.

You're welcome :thumbsup:

Too bad it took a customer to figure this out for Mahindra. And apparently they still haven't informed all their dealers that this is an issue across multiple models. Crazy, especially given how easy it is to fix.

 

[dickfoster]

Post a photo of the engine and radiator from the top, and one of us may be able to point out the hose to you. It's a 3/8" coolant hose, assuming your tractor has an EGR and associated air bleed hose. I've not been under the hood of a 1538 so cannot confirm this is the issue until I see a picture.

The steel block is to thread in a coolant heater without having to disconnect the setup. It may be used for heat on cab models also - but my 3550 open station has that plug, and the coolant heater threaded into it.

Well it's good to know that my guess wasn't completely wrong. So adding a block heater is so stupid simple, I wonder why they try to get so much for them. I didn't but almost got it. At least I won't have to yank any freeze plugs if I install one later on.

I still haven't found anything like the coolant hose you guys are talking about. I have a Tier4 tractor so would that have anything to do with it? I'll take a closer look when I get it outside.
All I see on the exhaust manifold is a CAT, says ecocat, and something that looks like a filter can of some sort, likely a simple muffler. The dealer put a spark arrestor on it too so maybe it didn't even need that.

 

[jb1390]

Well it's good to know that my guess wasn't completely wrong. So adding a block heater is so stupid simple, I wonder why they try to get so much for them. I didn't but almost got it. At least I won't have to yank any freeze plugs if I install one later on.

I still haven't found anything like the coolant hose you guys are talking about. I have a Tier4 tractor so would that have anything to do with it? I'll take a closer look when I get it outside.
All I see on the exhaust manifold is a CAT, says ecocat, and something that looks like a filter can of some sort, likely a simple muffler. The dealer put a spark arrestor on it too so maybe it didn't even need that.

The Tier 4 models are the only ones that have problems, since they incorporate an EGR, and hence an EGR cooler. It's actually on the intake, not the exhaust. On mine, it connects from the EGR which is integral with the intake, and then to the top of the radiator.

 

[dickfoster]

The Tier 4 models are the only ones that have problems, since they incorporate an EGR, and hence an EGR cooler. It's actually on the intake, not the exhaust. On mine, it connects from the EGR which is integral with the intake, and then to the top of the radiator.

Well then I have that but I took it for PCV since it was connected to the intake and appears to be connected to the crankcase then another line down to what looks like it may be a smog pump. The can of sorts with three hoses sits right next to the thermostat housing bolted to a bracket but doesn't appear to be connected. Don't see a connection to the cooling system anywhere but I'll look closer out in the light.

 

[Jabonee]

I recently got a 1538, it's my first tractor. I spent a few hours on it today running mostly around 1500 RPM with the backhoe, yet to date I've never seen the temperature gauge register anything but stone cold. Is this normal or is the gauge busted on this brand new machine? The temperature out today was mild, in the high 60s and low 70s so I expected after a couple of hours of run time to see at least some reading on the gauge.

Just spoke to my DSR. The temp gauge issue is a software problem. It is fairly easily corrected. It will require a service call if you have internet access. If not it has to go to the dealership for reprogramming.Call your dealer if you have this issue and make sure they get your DSR involved. Your dealer may not know about the ECU software correction.

 

[jb1390]

Just spoke to my DSR. The temp gauge issue is a software problem. It is fairly easily corrected. It will require a service call if you have internet access. If not it has to go to the dealership for reprogramming.Call your dealer if you have this issue and make sure they get your DSR involved. Your dealer may not know about the ECU software correction.

Jabonee, have you checked a 1538 using an independent temperature sensor (like a thermocouple), to see if it is actually getting up to temperature when showing cold on the gauge? On my machine, it would reach 130 degrees on my independent meter - but not go higher. That's hot enough to register a change in resistance like the OP has, but not as hot as it's supposed to be. Mahindra told me that my issue was software as well.......maybe it is on some machines, and it's hardware on others, but at this point I'm slightly skeptical.

OP, do you have access to a thermocouple that you can use to measure the actual coolant temperature in the upper radiator hose, completely independent of the tractor setup? Even a thermometer in the top of the radiator will get you close. If that's up around 160 degrees, then I would buy that it's software.

 

[Jabonee]

Jabonee, have you checked a 1538 using an independent temperature sensor (like a thermocouple), to see if it is actually getting up to temperature when showing cold on the gauge? On my machine, it would reach 130 degrees on my independent meter - but not go higher. That's hot enough to register a change in resistance like the OP has, but not as hot as it's supposed to be. Mahindra told me that my issue was software as well.......maybe it is on some machines, and it's hardware on others, but at this point I'm slightly skeptical.

OP, do you have access to a thermocouple that you can use to measure the actual coolant temperature in the upper radiator hose, completely independent of the tractor setup? Even a thermometer in the top of the radiator will get you close. If that's up around 160 degrees, then I would buy that it's software.

I don't have a tractor here with that issue. I asked my DSR about it because of the posts here. As you know the temp sender signals the ECU. The ECU signals the gauge. He explained the ECU is set at 80c. The thermostat is at 82c. The gauge barely moves if at all when the thermostat opens. Basically the new software recalibrates the gauge.:thumbsup:

 

[cornfedhogeditor]

I looked around the top of the radiator and found no small hose but I'll look harder when I can get it out into some daylight.

The only odd thing I have found is a steel whatamacallit in line with the lower radiator hose. There are two metal plugs in it but I haven't determined what function it has if any. Just a big hose in and a big hose out. I'm sure they didn't pay for something to do nothing that has no function. Maybe a good place to tap in a cab heater return line or somesuch. I'm also very new to this oil burner stuff so still have much to learn. Although when they say compact tractor they really mean it. I thought it was tight under the hood of my truck but this looks tighter.

X2 but I didn't see the whatchamacallit, will pull it into the shop later and look again to make sure I didn't miss it. Sounds like they have rolling changes on the assembly line.

I was mowing yesterday and the temp gauge went up 1 bar and air temperature was mid 60's got excited thinking it was working, but no it was brown grass on the radiator screen

 

[cornfedhogeditor]

Don't know if it's relevant but OBDII P1801 = Transmission Clutch Interlock Safety Switch Open Circuit

I saw a reference to OBDII in the service documentation somewhere but don't see an OBDII diagnostic plug anywhere yet. If there is one, maybe it's buried behind the instrument cowling.

Max temp at only 75DegF doesn't sound quite right either.

Is this the actual description for the code? My reader is for cars and I can't find codes for Mahindra. I'm telling the reader it's a Ford.

Also should have said the air temperature is over 75degF before I see any bars.

 

[Jabonee]

Mahindra uses standard auto "P" codes.:thumbsup:

 

[dickfoster]

Mahindra uses standard auto "P" codes.:thumbsup:

Well that's good news. Since it's called OBDII I think it has to be both hardware and software compliant the only deviations are some special codes for extraneous stuff which you can typically look up on the Internet, but the basics are all the same. I just want to see what the ECU sees. If it's seeing low temps then it simply can't manage the engine effectively. It's that age old Crap in = crap out game.

I actually keep a Scan Gauge II plugged into my truck all the time. It's pitching codes now because the CAT is going out but just try to buy one in the People's Republic of California. Friggin smog nazis do more to create smog now than cure it with all their idiotic over regulation crap. Guess I'll have to find someone in Reno to get me one then I just go pick it up and install it like I have before. It always passes the test, even the dreaded and super silly dyno test that can only be designed to fail everything because no one can actually drive nor would they drive that silly profile. Since the actual smog problem was licked years ago, I think their efforts are now dedicated solely to keeping themselves in a job and nothing more. Sorry I was just trying to buy a CAT and was ticked off.

 

[dickfoster]

Just spoke to my DSR. The temp gauge issue is a software problem. It is fairly easily corrected. It will require a service call if you have internet access. If not it has to go to the dealership for reprogramming.Call your dealer if you have this issue and make sure they get your DSR involved. Your dealer may not know about the ECU software correction.

Thanks so much. I'll be calling my dealer with that info. Since I'm on it now, I have internet access of course.

 

[dickfoster]

Jabonee, have you checked a 1538 using an independent temperature sensor (like a thermocouple), to see if it is actually getting up to temperature when showing cold on the gauge? On my machine, it would reach 130 degrees on my independent meter - but not go higher. That's hot enough to register a change in resistance like the OP has, but not as hot as it's supposed to be. Mahindra told me that my issue was software as well.......maybe it is on some machines, and it's hardware on others, but at this point I'm slightly skeptical.

OP, do you have access to a thermocouple that you can use to measure the actual coolant temperature in the upper radiator hose, completely independent of the tractor setup? Even a thermometer in the top of the radiator will get you close. If that's up around 160 degrees, then I would buy that it's software.

Yes I do but first thing I'm going to do is plug a scan tool into the diagnostics ports and see what temps the engine is seeing.

 

[dickfoster]

Is this the actual description for the code? My reader is for cars and I can't find codes for Mahindra. I'm telling the reader it's a Ford.

Also should have said the air temperature is over 75degF before I see any bars.

If it's OBDII compliant then the basic codes are all the same thing no matter what it is or what brand. Only some odd stuff is covered outside of the standard codes but if you can find it on the internet then it's likely standard OBDII code. The only reason your scan gauge is asking you about make and model is to translate some of the non standard odd codes into english to give you a starting place. It's important to note that other than reading the data from sensors the ECU is seeing like temp, MAF generated engine load, timing, RPM, voltage, etc. other OBDII fault codes only give you a place to start looking for what is actually amiss. Say it's kicking out a code for a bad CAT, P0420, that could be either of the O2 sensors before or after the cat, sensor wiring or a worn out caput CAT. Any of those things could cause a common code in this case P0420. In this case all you'd have to do is search P0420 on the Internet and you get all the info you can possibly handle. Some scanners just give just you the codes while some usually more expensive modes will decode the fault codes and give it to you in English. Some scanners can even collect and plot graphical data. Now the insurance companies are wanting you to plug something into your diagnostic port and sky on yourself. No thank you very much. LOL

 

[dickfoster]

Well I hooked up the scanner and the ECU is getting good temp info. It is indeed an ECU issue and the dealer is going to pick the tractor up next week and haul it down to Yuba City just to reflash the ECU. I know it's silly but apparently it's the Mahindra way no matter how wasteful or how stupid it is. They are going to attempt the reflash over the Internet which is also ill advised and compounds the folly.
I'm beginning to wonder if I bought the right tractor afterall. It seems Mahindra has drawn their pistol and taken a bead on their big toe.

 

[dickfoster]

Update. I got the tractor back today. The temp gauge now displays as it should. They hauled it all the way down to the dealership just to reflash the ECU and it works as it should now. They also checked and tightened all the backhoe bolts which had left the distributor loose, unchecked and unmarked. Everything is now as it should be.

For those with 1538s if you have a temp gauge that appears not to be working the problem is likely just bad ECU code. This could have been done in the field but someone made the decision to do it at the dealership for some strange reason. All told at the outside it's about a 15 minute process.

 

[brasco426]

Good to hear, glad to hear it's back and working as it should. All told I can only imagine it's a pain to deal with this stuff, especially when new. Thanks for updating the thread and good to hear the dealer made it right.

 

[dickfoster]

Good to hear, glad to hear it's back and working as it should. All told I can only imagine it's a pain to deal with this stuff, especially when new. Thanks for updating the thread and good to hear the dealer made it right.

I guess that's the value of shopping for and choosing the right dealer. Mine is Beeler Tractor in Yuba City, CA. So far so good and the man has done everything he said he would. You can't ask for any more than that especially in this day and age. I'd be willing to bet that Dave of Dave's Tractor, who is on this board a lot, is just as good but he is in Red Bluff a lot further away from my place.

 

[metalcaster]

Don't know if it's relevant but OBDII P1801 = Transmission Clutch Interlock Safety Switch Open Circuit

I saw a reference to OBDII in the service documentation somewhere but don't see an OBDII diagnostic plug anywhere yet. If there is one, maybe it's buried behind the instrument cowling.

Max temp at only 75DegF doesn't sound quite right either.

Does the service manual have the OBDI codes in it? My local service manager just uses the Mahindra code reader and can't / won't give a correlation.