JD 3038E PTO help

[Turbo D]

My 3038E has about 100 hours. Hooked up my post hole auger Sunday, but could not get PTO to engage. I've used it many times before, along with my shredder with no problems. Knob engages OK, dash light turns on, but no drive action at the PTO shaft. Seat safety switch works. Tried in neutral, in gear, different RPM, but no luck. Troubleshooting guide didn't help, and have not called my dealer yet. Any ideas?

 

[RickS]

Can you turn it by hand? If so I would guess that something is broken. If not, then maybe it is not getting the proper signal from the electric switch. I would let the dealer sort it out under warranty.

 

[ATP]

Your PTO switch is going bad...
Mine is starting to do the same thing...
I had to smack the switch in the off and on position to get to work the other day.... gonna need a new switch.

 

[Tx Jim]

Rick
Where did you get the waving Tx flag? I like that seeing that I'm a true Texan

 

[k0ua]

Rick
Where did you get the waving Tx flag? I like that seeing that I'm a true Texan

Just steal it. It is just a .gif named possum.gif. he probably copied if from somewhere else. copy it to your desktop and it is yours forever!

 

[RickS]

Rick
Where did you get the waving Tx flag? I like that seeing that I'm a true Texan

It has been so long I forget where I obtained it. I likely saw it and, ahem, borrowed it as kOua suggested. Feel free to copy it.

 

[Tx Jim]

Thanks,Jim

 

[Turbo D]

Well, I called my dealer. Discussed what I had already checked and he said to check the solenoid wires first and if good to LIGHTLY tap on the solenoid with the engine running and switch engaged. Difficult to do without some help, since the solenoid is below the right floorboard. Note: Service tech even took a picture of the part on his screen so I knew what to look for and sent it to my phone via a text... TOO COOL! With wife in the seat, wiring all good, a few light taps on the solenoid and cycling the switch several times, the PTO came to life... YEA! New rule for me is to cycle the PTO a few times every time I'm on the tractor so the solenoid won't get stuck again. THANKS!

 

[RickS]

Good to know. Thanks for the update. I'll engage my pto a little more often as well.

 

[cleiser25]

im experiencing the same exact problem right now any chance you can post the photo on this thread of the solenoid. i looked for the solenoid where turbo d described it and could not locate it or you can text it to me if you would like 2517098264

 

[Turbo D]

im experiencing the same exact problem right now any chance you can post the photo on this thread of the solenoid. i looked for the solenoid where turbo d described it and could not locate it or you can text it to me if you would like 2517098264

Hi, cleiser25,
I didn't save the picture my dealer sent and my tractor is at my ranch, haven't been there lately. Try following the wires to the solenoid under the right side floorboard in front of the axel. I was able to get my stuck solenoid freed up by lightly tapping on it with a screwdriver handle while my wife sat in the seat and engaged the PTO switch. Now I cycle it a few times every time I start my tractor. Good luck!

 

[Pastor Mike]

I have the same problem. The solenoid is actually under the seat on the driver's right. Silver cover secured by 2-3mm allen keys. The top screw is easily accessed either from the rear or standing on the right side of the tractor. You may need to get under the tractor to easily get the lower screw. My wiring harness won't come all the way off with the solenoid installed.

My question now is this, "How does the solenoid come out after the screws are removed?" Mike

 

[Pastor Mike]

cleiser25 just told me that the solenoid pulls straight out once you remove the screws but to be careful not to let the spring come out with it.

 

[Calitractor]

Well, I called my dealer. Discussed what I had already checked and he said to check the solenoid wires first and if good to LIGHTLY tap on the solenoid with the engine running and switch engaged. Difficult to do without some help, since the solenoid is below the right floorboard. Note: Service tech even took a picture of the part on his screen so I knew what to look for and sent it to my phone via a text... TOO COOL! With wife in the seat, wiring all good, a few light taps on the solenoid and cycling the switch several times, the PTO came to life... YEA! New rule for me is to cycle the PTO a few times every time I'm on the tractor so the solenoid won't get stuck again. THANKS!

Thanks for posting this,I had an identical problem and tapping on the solenoid solved it right away. My neighbor has the same problem so this must be Common if you don't use your PTO too often. My John Deere dealer wasn't as helpful when I called them but to them give them credit he may have never come across this problem before. Thanks.

 

[Turbo D]

Glad this trick worked for you too. I have about 300 hours now and cycle the PTO switch each time I start the tractor. Have not had the problem reoccur since. Thanks!