JD870 Will Not Start

[beenthere]

There appears to be an "old" version and a "new" version.. is your 870 above or below serial number ending in 103795 ?

 

[stuckinarut]

I'm not sure, are you talking about the engine serial number? That's all I can find.

 

[stuckinarut]

S/N 142787? I think that may be the S/N you are referring to.

 

[beenthere]

That is the tractor s/n, and it is above the break indicating the "new version" for the fuel solenoid.
Attached are "theory of operation" from the service manual for pullin, holdin, and override holdin that may be helpful to you in figuring a "next step" to proceed. There are corresponding circuit schematics to each of these three conditions. They may not help, but should give you some thoughts to ponder.
These didn't post up in order that I put them in, so some sorting will be needed on your part.

 

[GBARCLAY]

I have a JD 285 that will not start. So far I have bypassed the seat ,checked the neutral switch and made sure the pto is off. It will turn over but the coils have power on both terminals.

 

[beenthere]

GBARCLAY
:welcome: to TBN

You have put your post in a thread that pertains to the JD 870. It is some different from your 285.
TractorData.com John Deere 87 tractor information

Suggest you go to the google search window at the top and put in "JD 285 won't start" and look at the listing of threads that pertain to your JD 285. Should be some interesting reading and also threads where you can chime in with replies that have your questions for additional help. That or just start your own thread in the JD Lawn mower-specific section with subject line "JD 285 won't start" subject line.

Best help I can offer.

bt

 

[radios1]

SUCCESS!!!!!! It finally starts. In a nutshell, here's what happened since my last post: Once we determined there was no voltage on the black w/red stripe wire on the Neutral Start Relay, TedLaRue sent instructions for testing the Time Delay Control Module as well as instructions for checking the "dummy" connector for the mid PTO (my 870 has no mid PTO). I disconnected, cleaned, and reconnected the "dummy" connector for the mid PTO while my husband disconnected, cleaned, and reconnected the connector for the TDCM. He went off to get the voltage meter, and I, just for yucks, decided to get on and see if it would start. Scared the you-know-what out of me when it started right up! So one or both of those connectors needed cleaning and/or one or both were loose and needed to be secured.

My thanks to all who posted there ideas. I learned a lot through this ordeal! See you on the forum!

I've always put marine grease inside the connectors of anything exposed to the outdoors, it keeps the water and condensation out of the connector, preventing rust and corrosion..

 

[jcp907]

Hello, I have replaced the battery ground cable, replaced the starter relay, and believe I have it down to the time delay module. I do have the fuel solenoid holding position, and have jumpered the neutral safety and PTO switch. It appears that the seat switch works. When I am not on it, the fuel solenoid doesn't work, but when it's lifted up or with weight on the seat, the fuel solenoid works. I have an early serial number that starts with 0. I do not have power to the red and black wire to the starter relay. I am about to check for the blue wires and report back. Does anyone have the diagram and theory of operation for the earlier model? Thank you in advance.

 

[jcp907]

I have .76V on the blue and red wire and don't have a blue/yellow. Blue/black is batt v.

 

[LouNY]

Excellent information in post #24.

With all of the "no crank" and "no start" threads that I see on so many forums I am disappointed, surprised and amazed at the number of people that have no idea on what performs the fuel shutoff/on function on their tractor. Also how few have a simple tester for the "no crank" issue.
The remote starter switch would enable anyone to safely sit on their tractor seat and get the tractor to at least crank if the battery and main cable are good.
NAPA
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_...qnMLUUm9uWEmBOAlpQaAqp0EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&
or
Advance Auto
or
Amazon

This simple switch and the knowledge of how their tractor cuts of fuel or allows fuel
would be one of the first things a new tractor owner should learn about their tractor or ATV or UTV
that goes anywhere but a 5 minute walk from their house.