5303 tranny locks up when cold

Tony S · Dec 17, 2017

This has happened the last few years. My 2008 5303 won't shift into gear when its been cold out. If its been below freezing for a week or better when I take it out of park I can't move the lever over to put in gear, if I am able to move it I can't get into reverce untill it warms up for 1/2 hour or so. Once it goes into gear its good feel normal. Is there a possibilty of having water in there somewhere?

beenthere · Dec 18, 2017

I'd suspect water..

Do you have a warm place to keep it for awhile, and drain/change the tranny oil? Or at least drain enough to see if there is water in it.

Tony S · Dec 18, 2017

No its in a shed up on my land. I changed all the fluids 2 summers ago thinking that was the problem. Still has the same problem last winter and this. I think its water also but don't know where.

Kubota 2350 · Dec 20, 2017

Should be able to get it hot enough by using it to do a tranny drain and fill.

Tony S · Dec 21, 2017

I think that I found the problem. I found where its not uncommon for water to get in around the shift boot. I will take the bottom plate off and see if there is water in there.

Tony S · Dec 21, 2017

I think I got it fixed. Took the plate that is under shifter off and found water and oil. Cleaned it up so hope that is the fix.

beenthere · Dec 22, 2017

Hope that fixes the problem. I assume you did a complete tranny oil change to get rid of the water/oil mixture.

Curious, If this tractor is in a shed, how does water get around the shaft boot?

Tony S · Dec 22, 2017

I bought it used, maybe it was in there from before I bought it. I think it did this for as long as I have owned tractor. When I changed oils before there was no water that you could see. I don,t think there is over 30 hrs on it after service. We will see if its. fixed. Cleaning this will be part on main. from now on.