L4330 GST mystery: won't move in either direction

[jmc]

So, this tractor only has 450 hrs and it always works great. Today I took a break and shut it off and it would not even crank or click when restarting it. Dropped the loader bucket suddenly to jar the tractor and it started right up on the next try. Ran fine until I shut it off again and then it wouldn't crank or click, no matter what. Battery reads 12v and drops to 11v when I hit the starter.

After lunch, tried again, still won't start. Jacked around with the shuttle shifter, seat switch, PTO switch, pulled all the fuses (good), wiring harness connectors- it then started -about 5 times in a row. But now, the transmission won't engage in either direction. No codes showing on the dashboard, neutral light comes on only when in neutral, gear changes show up on the dashboard, but no movement.

This thing can't be dragged to a shop from where it now sits. Any suggestions?

Thanks all.

John

 

[David_Kb7uns]

If you unplug the GST transmission ECU, you can remove the 2 dummy connectors and plug the 2 wired connectors by the right rear of the seat to put the tractor into 1st gear. but it may not work if you are having electrical problems.

Are all the hydraulics working, the GST gets flow from the regulator on the power steering section of the pump.

Check fuses under dash and fuses and connectors on battery. Had problems with the positive battery terminal and where the master fuses buss connector slides onto the battery terminal.

David

 

[Dave M7040]

So, this tractor only has 450 hrs and it always works great. Today I took a break and shut it off and it would not even crank or click when restarting it. Dropped the loader bucket suddenly to jar the tractor and it started right up on the next try. Ran fine until I shut it off again and then it wouldn't crank or click, no matter what. Battery reads 12v and drops to 11v when I hit the starter.

After lunch, tried again, still won't start. Jacked around with the shuttle shifter, seat switch, PTO switch, pulled all the fuses (good), wiring harness connectors- it then started -about 5 times in a row. But now, the transmission won't engage in either direction. No codes showing on the dashboard, neutral light comes on only when in neutral, gear changes show up on the dashboard, but no movement.

This thing can't be dragged to a shop from where it now sits. Any suggestions?

Thanks all.

John

I assume you have a multimeter since you are reading voltages. A battery voltage of 12 dropping to 11 indicates an uncharged or worn out battery.

Have you tried boosting the battery from another vehicle?

If you get it running, plse check the battery voltage at a high idle speed. It should be in the mid to high 13's or your charging system is not working.

Perhaps the electronics controlling your tractor don't like running at low voltages either.

Dave M7040

 

[jmc]

David and Dave,

Thanks for the suggestions. I will replace that battery first and check all the contacts. That battery is at 5 yo minimum and doesn't sound that strong when cold starting. More questions later if I have to get into the GST wiring.

John

 

[jmc]

If you unplug the GST transmission ECU, you can remove the 2 dummy connectors and plug the 2 wired connectors by the right rear of the seat to put the tractor into 1st gear. but it may not work if you are having electrical problems.

Are all the hydraulics working, the GST gets flow from the regulator on the power steering section of the pump.

Check fuses under dash and fuses and connectors on battery. Had problems with the positive battery terminal and where the master fuses buss connector slides onto the battery terminal.

David

Checked all the fuses in both locations. Cleaned the battery terminals well. Voltage reads over 13v at 1500 rpm. Transmission fluid was low, although the tractor is on an incline. Topped it off to no avail at 1500 rpm. Loader, 3PH, and power steering all work. I'll check that master fuse buss connector tomorrow.

Below may be a picture of the connectors you mentioned under the seat. Their caps are lying nearby. Are those the dummy connectors you mentioned? The connectors were taped together and the yellow label says "Emergency" with what is probably a "read the manual" icon. Do I just unplug the GST ECU, and then plug these two together for first gear? Do you know where the ECU is located? (It's all mud down there..)

Thanks,

John