JavaScript is disabled. Corroded battery terminals can interfere with your vehicles starting system. The starter is an integral part of any car engine. Clearing out the air passages by removing any dirt or any sort of carbon build-up will help resolve the stalling problem. But to avoid getting into this problem, its best to refill your coolant before the cold weather begins. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool , tool bag and tools 1 image by Warren Millar from, "John Deere: Operators Manual for the 6x4 TH Utility Vehicle (gas)", "John Deere: Operators Manual for the 6x4 TH Utility Vehicle (diesel)". If your Gators solenoid is faulty, itll either fail to transfer power from the battery to the starter motor or fail to kill the power after the engine starts. Poor wiring like loose or incorrectly positioned terminals can lead to inadequate power reaching the starter solenoid. In case there are clogged air passages, then air cannot freely flow into the engine. The John Deere Gator 6x4 utility vehicle has excellent traction, stability and low impact on sensitive turf. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. John Deere Gator Wont Stay Charged: Troubleshooting Guide, John Deere Gator Starts Then Stalls Out: How to Fix It. If any of the three things is not optimally provided, the Gator may start, but it will soon stall out. These steps help you find any underlying causes behind the problem and, hopefully, save you a ton of money that would have gone in costly repairs. Still no luck. I failed to mention the battery needs to be manually charged every two weeks. This can be due to a locked up or damaged engine. Keep doing this till the engine actually starts. If you hear a really fast clicking noise when turning the ignition key to your John Deere Gator without it starting, then think of the state of its battery. Clean the tank thoroughly and replace the fuel filter as well in order to remove any residual dirt from the fuel tank. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If all else fails power wash the motor and at least you have a clean motor that doesn't work. Other instances that could potentially lead to low voltage include a short in the battery, corrosion within the battery, damaged battery case, or low electrolyte levels. It is often the reason why a Gator may not start or starts and stalls immediately thereafter due to worn-out spark plugs. I don't know but does your carburetor have an anti-afterfire solenoid? Once you have the battery access panel, inspect the battery terminals for corrosion. For example, leaving lights on or playing the radio after the car is shut off. Corrosion of the electrical contacts is another cause of a faulty solenoid. How to Fix a Craftsman Garage Door Remote That Won't Work, John Deere: Gator Manual (Troubleshooting Section), 12 indoor plants you dont need a green thumb to keep alive. Fuel pump seams to be fine. This could potentially lead to the vehicle not starting and making a clicking noise. Remove the clog, and the Gator will start running in no time. I have a 2001 4x2 that was running great until we turned the motor off and would not restart. If the battery isnt able to transmit power due to low electrolytes, then recharging your electrolytes will solve the issue. It is also recommended to turn the tractor lights on a few seconds before cranking as this can help increase the battery power in the cold. Once that is done, lower the lid of the cargo box and try starting your Gator. Rust buildup is also something to watch out for. You may need new wiring or have dead cells in your batteries. Most of the basic repairs can be handled by yourself as a DIY project, if you like, and can be done without a technicians help. Is the plate they are all mounted on securely attached to the engine? Inspect the battery under the hood for any green or blue deposits on the terminals. Inspect your running lights for needed replacements. Connect a battery charger to the battery, by clamping the negative (-) charger cable to the negative battery terminal, and the positive (+) charger cable to the positive battery terminal. Replace any blown fuses and try starting the Gator. These are the three key steps that you can take to help start the Gator during cold weather: The proper starting procedure requires you to put the lever in the full choke position first and then crank the engine for a few seconds. All in all, the solution to a dead battery is either repair or replacement of the battery. Help! This file contains all specifications,troubleshooting and repair procedures for the FE290D (9.5H.P,286cc) engine used in the Mule 500,520 and 550 models. Since this occurrence i have replaced all fuel lines and carburetor. If so I would check to make sure it's not the culprit. Lower the cargo box and try starting the Gator. At this point, you will need to replace the old filter with a new one. Inspect all cabling running to and from your batteries and charger if you're still not getting a full recharge. The way your Gator shuts off is the ignition switch grounds the black wire that, along with two green wires, goes over the motor and down behind the flywheel. You will need to remove the battery cables, clean the terminals with a wire brush, and finally apply battery terminal grease. Yes there is a spark. If this pressure does not find a pathway to escape from the tank, the engine will begin to stall. If your motor or transmission isn't running, make sure the parking brake isn't on, the batteries aren't corroded (see Step 1) and that your charger isn't plugged into the vehicle. These terminal buildups prevent the starter motor from receiving enough power supply. Come join the discussion about troubleshooting, maintenance, repairs, modifications, classifieds, and more! In the course of its functioning, a lot of grass and other things may get stuck inside the machine. To gain this cranking speed, you need to ensure that the engine oil weight is not too heavy, the battery is charged up, and any corroded battery or battery panels are replaced. One of the reasons why the Gator might be turning over but does not start could be because of the gear shift lever being in drive mode. Basic repairs can be handled without a service technician, but if you can't find the problem, a John Deere retail outlet should be equipped to help you. Well I pulled the engine cover off (those lower bolts are a pain in the ass) and attempted to test my coil according to the service manual. Ideally, when fully charged, the battery should read at least 12.65 volts. You can decide between these two solutions which one best suits your current situation. We will also explain in detail the reasons behind each of these fixes, how it will impact the performance of your John Deere Gator, and how you can prevent any of the common problems from occurring. The starter solenoid is attached to the starter motor. Replace the access panel and try starting the Gator. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. In case the gap is too much or too less, you will need to adjust it so that there is a spark. To solve this problem, check the fuse box to see if any of them have blown. You can mash the throttle and push it just a . Posted on Published: March 29, 2021- Last updated: April 10, 2021. You are using an out of date browser. Remove the battery cables. Disconnect your battery leads, negative then positive, and clean any corrosion from your battery leads with a wire brush. Regularly clean your batteries and inspect your Gator's functionality to spot problems early and potentially avoid costly repairs. Very puzzled but happy. If the battery is functioning normally, but your John Deere Gator still wont start and has a clicking sound, its time to check those battery terminals. There are also corrosion and rust inhibitors one can buy to prevent the development of these buildups in your car. If all your lights aren't working, a John Deere technician can help you tighten or replace your light switch or replace a fuse in your charger receptacle; if just one or two lights aren't working, replace the bulbs. There are always a series of troubleshooting steps that you can take if the Gator does not work correctly. I'm Teddy, a small engine enthusiast, and occasional guitar player. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Come join the discussion about troubleshooting, maintenance, repairs, modifications, classifieds, and more! I keep one of these on all winter and it prevents a lot of headaches come springtime. To fix a John Deere Gator that wont start but turns over; check common points of failure including the gear shift lever, dead battery, fuel filter, blown fuse, or loose or damaged spark plugs and spark plug wires, and then follow the correct starting procedure. Lower the box and try starting the Gator. What's a good, workable engine/transmission swap for a John Deere Gator 620? Most models wont even turn over when in gear but Ive encountered some older models that do. The center electrode is the metal that protrudes from the firing end, while the ground electrode is the metal that bends around the center electrode of the plug. Make sure that the gear shift is in neutral before you start the Gator. John Deere Gator Wont Stay Charged: Troubleshooting Guide. If the battery wont charge, it may be time for a replacement. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Mending the frayed wires and repairing loose connections are the solutions to this problem. Check your motor for problems. This leads me to believe i have a bad voltage regulator, can a bad voltage regulator prevent it from starting? Screw-in the tank cap and check for a vent hole at the top of this cap. (Updated). The fuel hose connects the fuel tank to the carburetor. check out the. To remedy this, all you need to do is remove the battery access panel and connect a battery charger to the battery. Fortunately, much of the problems related to the Gators stalling and fixing it can be tackled by the owners of the Gator themselves. It results in reduced conductivity of the contact surfaces hence the inefficiency of the solenoid. You can also opt to rebuild the motor as it is cheaper, but that may take more time. The gator seems to start fine on initial startup when cold. Check the fuses to see if any are blown. Will a John Deere 318 Run With Its Battery Disconnected? Usually, as the engine starts, it produces heat, which may lead to cause or further aggravate an existing flaw in the plug. In case the wires are loose, you will need to press the spark plug wires firmly back into the spark plugs. Point the arrow of the filter downwards towards the engine. But a reading above 12.45 volts is okay and can last a long while. Another issue that can occur is the failure of the starter motor itself. Try lowering the lid of the cargo box now and starting the Gator. It is important to make sure that each of the screws is correctly set. I'm no mechanic but I'm hoping that the troubleshooting guides on this site will save you a lot of time and headaches when it comes to fixing engines. If you find any fuse blown, replace them, and try starting the vehicle. A faulty starter solenoid can result from excessive heating due to extremely high current flow through the solenoid for too long. Remove cables. This site is an affiliate for companies including Amazon Associates and earns a commission on qualifying purchases. This is often placed under the passenger seat of the vehicle. It will not start. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Spark is still extremely weak. Mule model:KAF300B, I've got a mule 550 also, here is a engine service manual i uploaded recently to a UTV forum, it has a troubleshooting section that includes spark issues, also be sure to set the Coil air gap at .012". This happens when excessive moisture gets inside the unit. Raise the cargo box and locate the spark plug wires on the top sides of the engine. Engine model FE290D. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Notes: Make sure you're. John Deere Gator Model Specific Discussions. Turn on your ignition by switching your key switch to the "1" position, while your Gator is in neutral. The mower is about three years old and has about 31 hours on it. Download one today. Another common cause that leads to a stuttered start or stops your Gator from starting altogether is the development of corrosion on the battery panel. Fuel pump seams to be fine. Posts: 544 Maryland. Once you have located it, unscrew the two hose clamps on either side of the filter and slide the filter out. In case the engine does not start at this stage, wait for a few more seconds before cranking the engine again for an additional five seconds. Check the spark plug after removing it from the engine. Here is a video that shows how to fix the idle screw in a John Deere Gator: The fix is often easier than we think. Only then can you fix the problem and get your gator moving. eManualOnline provides descriptive, affordable, and convenient service and repair manuals for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. Shift it into gear -- first forward, then reverse -- to . It can also cause shorting, which is quite dangerous. Inspect your batteries for corrosion if you're still short of a full charge. Introduce yourself. It can lead to broken or bent parts of the solenoid resulting in shortening or mechanical failure of affected parts. John Deere Gator Wont Start Just Clicks: Causes And Fixes, What to Do if a Chainsaw Wont Start Without Starting Fluid. A damaged car battery should be checked by a technician. Remove the clog, and the Gator will start running in no time. could a bad voltage regulator be the problem? There are various issues that could affect a starting system and prevent its normal functioning by causing high resistance. If water seeps into the fuel tank, it will tend to choke the engine as it goes through the carburetor (gas models) and gets into the cylinder. Replace the covers with your screwdriver and accompanying screws. Find parts & diagrams for your John Deere equipment. That ground wire is white coming out of the switch and turns to black at the engine wiring harness. 2022 LawnMowerForum.com. How Often Should You Charge the Battery on a Cub Cadet Mower with an Electric Start. If the engine seems to start but does not fully turn over, you will have to give it another five seconds. Replace the access panel and try starting the Gator. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 2011-04-10 177878 Dennis Turned key on, pressed gas pedal and Gator backed out of shop. of cargo capacity and eight 6-volt batteries for hours of power before a recharge is needed. Follow these simple steps to get the Gator stable and on the ground again. Chrome Battery carries a wide range of outdoor batteries and offers free shipping. The Sign Up I like fiddling with engines big and small, from string trimmers to diesel tractors. Posted on Published: November 3, 2020- Last updated: January 8, 2021. A battery voltage below 12 or 12.45 volts is considered a low voltage. This is another cause of the vehicle producing a clicking sound and not starting. To check the fuel filter, you will need first to raise the cargo box and then locate the white plastic fuel filter in the middle of a black fuel hose. You can access it by pulling the latch under the passenger seat. A carburetor has many components and partsspray jets, floats, needle valves, and springs, to name a few. The starter motor and starter solenoid make up this system together with other connections, including the starter gear and starter control terminal. process will only take up about a minute of two of your time. The spark plug wires will be at the top side of the engine. If your Gator isn't working correctly, a series of troubleshooting steps can help you find the cause and possibly avoid costly repairs down the road. It may not display this or other websites correctly. This file contains all specifications,troubleshooting and repair procedures for the FE290D (9.5H.P,286cc) engine used in the Mule 500,520 and 550 models. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Clogged up air pipes generally lead to stalling soon after starting. Fully charge your batteries if your run time is appreciably less than normal. Kawasaki Mule 550,520,500 Engine repair manual. Loose spark plugs will also hinder your Gator from starting. For issues with loose terminals, make repairs to ensure all connections are intact. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Put Gator in drive and Gator would not start. If the carburetor cannot draw sufficient gas, then the engine will begin to stall. For issues with the starter motor, its advisable to get a technician to handle the matter. To access the fuse box, simply reach out beneath the instrument panelbehind the brake pedalcheck the fuses to see if any are blown. He is a small business owner and a world traveler with a master's degree in communications from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. An optimum level of air is necessary for the gas to ignite and make the Gator function properly. Lets begin. Sometimes the problem can be as small as the batteries have run out of charge. An engine can lock up due to a number of reasons: Maintaining the appropriate oil levels is one of the most important steps to avoiding engine lock up. Thanks for the tip. Changed filter, gas, fule lines, cleaned carb, backed off brakes in case..and nothing works. Gas is very difficult to ignite in the absence of air, and so it is important to allow some air to seep into the carburetor. Will it rev up if you use the choke? Sean2202. Since this occurrence i have replaced all fuel lines and carburetor. In case you are unfamiliar with how to fix it the proper way, seek the help of a mechanic for the first instance in order to learn how to fix them correctly.