4x4 Engagement Indicator

[JD 2140]

Hey guys

I own a JD 2140 sg2 cab and FEL.
Just recently I noticed that the 4x4 engaged indicator light on the dash isn't lighting up any more.
To engage 4x4 on this tractor you flick the switch on the dash, as in its not a manual lever. I'm fairly certain the 4wd does engage when I do flick the switch, but I would like the light back on the dash
Question: where should I start looking? I would assume its a wiring issue???

 

[Zebrafive]

First check the bulb. Then check the fuse.

Not sure about how your 4x4 system works, but some use a solinoid to keep a hydraulic valve shifted so the system is in two wheel drive when power is ON. When power is removed the valve shifts and you get four wheel drive. So if the fuse is blown or wiring bad it will be in four wheel drive all the time. Can you determine if you can switch between two and four wheel drive?

I would also check the wiring for damage such as chewed wires, broken wires, disconnected connector, corroded connector.

 

[beenthere]

JD 2140
jdparts.com may be of some help to you tracking down parts that may be involved.
Also, getting yourself a copy of the tech manual is, in my opinion, priceless when tracking such things down. You get the wiring diagrams and are able to get a good idea what is connected to what, and where to start looking.

 

[JD 2140]

Thanks for the replies.

Will check the bulb and fuse soon.

I lifted the tractor with the front of the tractor with the loader this morning and found that when I spin the front left wheel forwards with my hands, the front right wheel spins backwards. What does this mean? Is it in 2WD or 4WD?

 

[Kessler Farms]

That just means the front differential is working correctly, does not mean 4 WD is working.

 

[k0ua]

That just means the front differential is working correctly, does not mean 4 WD is working.

yep, since we don't have a lot of ice and snow around just right now.. do you have a shallow and safe ditch that you can cross at an angle so the one front wheel and one rear wheel is mostly in the air. Then in 2wd only the rear tire (in thin air) will rotate. Put it in 4wd and the one rear and the one front in thin air will rotate. Press the rear differential lock to lock the 2 rear wheels together to move off of the ditch.. So you basically intentionally got your self stuck to test this.. another way if you have a gravel or dirt pile put it in 2wd and push into the pile and note when the one or possibly both rear tire or tires spin. then put it in 4wd and now note that at least 1 front tire will also spin and the tractor may move forward deeper in the pile. If the front never spins and/or the tractor does not push deeper into the pile then the front drive is not working.. yes you have proven the front differential is working, but it would do that even if you removed the drive-shaft..We still don't know if the front drive is working or not. Good luck with it.

James K0UA

 

[JD 2140]

That just means the front differential is working correctly, does not mean 4 WD is working.

Right ok, thanks for that. I'm quite an amateur when it comes to diagnosing faults

 

[JD 2140]

yep, since we don't have a lot of ice and snow around just right now.. do you have a shallow and safe ditch that you can cross at an angle so the one front wheel and one rear wheel is mostly in the air. Then in 2wd only the rear tire (in thin air) will rotate. Put it in 4wd and the one rear and the one front in thin air will rotate. Press the rear differential lock to lock the 2 rear wheels together to move off of the ditch.. So you basically intentionally got your self stuck to test this.. another way if you have a gravel or dirt pile put it in 2wd and push into the pile and note when the one or possibly both rear tire or tires spin. then put it in 4wd and now note that at least 1 front tire will also spin and the tractor may move forward deeper in the pile. If the front never spins and/or the tractor does not push deeper into the pile then the front drive is not working.. yes you have proven the front differential is working, but it would do that even if you removed the drive-shaft..We still don't know if the front drive is working or not. Good luck with it.

James K0UA

Yea about the snow.....here where I am in Waikato, New Zealand it has never snowed here although there is some snow further south from here

Anyway I just had a quick drive of the tractor and I can assume that the 4WD is working again as when I flicked the switch to engage 4WD, the indicator illuminated on the dash :thumbsup:
One thing I forgot to add was that the output shaft seal for driveshaft was replaced by the mechanic as it was leaking a few days back, not sure if that played a role in this mystery but thought I would let you guys know

JD 2140

 

[JD 2140]

One more question......What is the procedure to check the hydraulic oil level?
Check when not running as in completely cold or when idling? Would it make a difference to the level if the front end loader was raised or lowered.

Sorry if I'm asking a stupid question but all this is new to me

 

[k0ua]

One more question......What is the procedure to check the hydraulic oil level?
Check when not running as in completely cold or when idling? Would it make a difference to the level if the front end loader was raised or lowered.

Sorry if I'm asking a stupid question but all this is new to me

Engine off, tractor level, all implements lowered, including FEL. All the things you mentioned will affect the level.. Hot, slightly higher level, Implements/FEL up lower level.

James K0UA