JD 4200 compact won't crank (electrical problem)

[JD user in Limey Land]

Before calling in the local JD agent and putting megabucks in his pocket I am trying to unpick this myself. Engine on my otherwise trusty 13 year old JD 4200 HST compact won't crank. Has been doing this off and on for a while and I put it down to the HST Forwards and Reverse pedals not centering. I've cleaned up the battery terminals, put the battery on charge, checked all fuses - including the 60 Amp one - cleaned up the battery to engine block connection and checked for volts to the starter motor/solenoid. All OK. Getting "clunk" when sitting on seat and turning key (fuel solenoid presumably?) but no starter motor springing into life.

I have no circuit diagram only an "Operators Manual" which came with the tractor (second hand) 8 years ago. I would dearly like to get a circuit diagram because that is the only way I can understand and check the start line circuit methodically. Can anyone help me there please?

My next plan is to check the Diode Block and relays . Then what? Put an earth/negative onto the starter solenoid? ring out the wire from the solenoid to the probable destination? to the keyswitch maybe? That's where I need that circuit diagram most.

Thanks for your help in anticipation.
David

 

[buckshot721]

I would pull the starter and have it tested. Or put it on a bench and jumper it to see if it works.

 

[Egon]

Have you checked all the shutdown switches.

Look at the wiring harness to starter. One of them may be broken.

 

[JD5210]

If it is in the budget, I would look at getting the tech manuals at selectmanuals.com for $35.00.

 

[dfkrug]

I have no circuit diagram only an "Operators Manual" which came
with the tractor (second hand) 8 years ago. I would dearly like to get a circuit diagram because that is the
only way I can understand and check the start line circuit methodically.

Well, Dave, since your tractor is 13 yo, you will be getting more and more of these electrical problems,
caused by the myriad electrical interlock switches and relays.

Buying a PDF version of the technical manual is imperative if you want to keep your 4200. There
are many pages of electrical schematics in there, including the variations for models sold in Europe,
vs. the USA. You may have to spend a few quid.

You have switches for the PTO, neutral, brake, and HST pedals, as well as a bunch of relays in the
central panel. You can try jumpering the various switches and pulling the relays and cleaning the
contacts, or swapping them around.

 

[whis]

Check if you have voltage to the solenoid, you can use a test lite. If you have voltage there its probaly the starter

 

[joecdeere]

shoot me your email, I have a PDF of the tech manual you're welcome to. It's the USA one, but I'm sure it would help
Joe

 

[RoyJackson]

All good advice (especially about the tech manuals...and do have your tractor's serial number handy as there were running changes through the production of the 4xxx series tractors).
If your head lamps and dash lights come on, but no cranking, I'd look into the safety switches first. There's the deadman switch under the seat...easy to get to, so check that one first. The other switches...well, better to have the manual for the locations.

If one of the others who offered the manual can't come through, send me a PM with your tractor's serial number and I'll send the appropriate pages of the manual.

 

[JD user in Limey Land]

Many thanks to you all who replied with ideas and offers of help, especially to Joe who sent me the tech manual info. That was an eye opener in itself.

Much pondering of the circuit diagram and cleaning up and testing of relays later, wiggling of wires etc. I then asked the wife to listen to each relay in turn to see which one was pulling in when the key switch was engaged. She, brandishing a short length of bamboo stick (to apply to each relay in turn, listening or feeling at the other end) I operated the keyswitch. Engine turned and roared into life. Wife obviously has powers of a witch waving that wand!

However after a 15 minute spell of turning the muck heap over with the loader I then stood up from the seat to dismount the cab and the engine died. Now is completely dead again. So we get closer to the solution... Obviously a dodgy safety switch. Why are they mounted in such cramped and inaccessible places?

I will keep you informed.

Regards to you all.

David

 

[Egon]

Them wiring diagrams are something else!