John Deere 4310 mfwd not engaging NO 4WD

[expressway]

I have a JD 4310 Hydromatic and the 4wd is not engaging. The switch lights up. all fuses and relays have checked good. The hydraulic cylinder that engages the 4wd lever on passenger side is not working. It is always "IN" it does not extend. I need some help diagnosing this. The MFWD valve and solenoids have one pin with 12v going to it when the 4wd swith is off. When I flip the 4wd switch on, no wires have power going to the solenoids.

 

[rScotty]

I did a quick search on Google under "JD 4310 no 4WD" and must have brought up a dozen messages. About half referenced the solenoid and cylinder, while the others talked about the parts the cylinder was supposed to move. Apparently it's a common problem. Move it by hand to make sure the 4wd works.

 

[expressway]

thanks for the reply rScotty, I did the same search and cannot find anyone going as deep as I need to go. The Hydraulic cylinder that actuates the 4wd on the passenger side is engaged in 4wd, but the 4wd is not working. But here is the more peculiar thing, that hydraulic cylinder that actuates the 4wd lever does NOT work, it continually stays in the 4wd position no matter what. When I disconnected the 4wd lever from that cylinder, the lever moves freely and makes no difference which position I put it in. But that hydraulic cylinder will not actuate. I am thinking I may have multiple problems going on here. Sure would like to talk with a good JD repairman about now.
Thanks again for the reply!

 

[joecdeere]

Shoot me your email, I have a PDF of the Deere I have a PDF of the technical manual for your tractor you’re welcome to


Joe

 

[rScotty]

thanks for the reply rScotty, I did the same search and cannot find anyone going as deep as I need to go. The Hydraulic cylinder that actuates the 4wd on the passenger side is engaged in 4wd, but the 4wd is not working. But here is the more peculiar thing, that hydraulic cylinder that actuates the 4wd lever does NOT work, it continually stays in the 4wd position no matter what. When I disconnected the 4wd lever from that cylinder, the lever moves freely and makes no difference which position I put it in. But that hydraulic cylinder will not actuate. I am thinking I may have multiple problems going on here. Sure would like to talk with a good JD repairman about now. Thanks again for the reply!

Thanks to Joe, I'm looking at the technical manual for that system - or at least beginning to do so.

The first thing that jumps out is that the default position for the MFWD switch is to engage the 4wd. Switching between 4WD and 2WD apparently does depend on several other switches being in the proper position. I don't remember which ones, but remember reading about it, so we need to make a note of the necessary switch positions. It could be as simple as that.

The switch is spring loaded so that when the tractor is started the hydraulic cylinder is automatially withdrawn to its shortest position and the 4wd is then engaged. Apparently the normal operating condition for the 4310 is with 4wd thus engaged. Placing the dash switch in the unlocked or 2wd position should power the solenoid - which extends the hydraulic cylinder - and disengages 4wd. Yes, that seems backwards to me as well, but that's the way it is built.

The tech manual is wonderfully complete, but of course it doesn't mention anything that could be detrimental. In this case, we know that constant 4wd engagement also means that anytime a tire is replaced it is very important to replace it with the exact same OEM tire. Failure to do so will damage internal components on the 4WD drive shaft.

BTW, Which transmission do you have? I'm assuming it is not the standard shift, because on those the MFWD is manually operated. In fact, going back to manual operation by disconnecting the hydraulic cylinder from the lever would be a good test of the system. It would tell us if the 4WD system is functional.
rScotty

 

[mike48130]

Thanks to Joe, I'm looking at the technical manual for that system - or at least beginning to do so.

The first thing that jumps out is that the default position for the MFWD switch is to engage the 4wd. Switching between 4WD and 2WD apparently does depend on several other switches being in the proper position. I don't remember which ones, but remember reading about it, so we need to make a note of the necessary switch positions. It could be as simple as that.

The switch is spring loaded so that when the tractor is started the hydraulic cylinder is automatially withdrawn to its shortest position and the 4wd is then engaged. Apparently the normal operating condition for the 4310 is with 4wd thus engaged. Placing the dash switch in the unlocked or 2wd position should power the solenoid - which extends the hydraulic cylinder - and disengages 4wd. Yes, that seems backwards to me as well, but that's the way it is built.

The tech manual is wonderfully complete, but of course it doesn't mention anything that could be detrimental. In this case, we know that constant 4wd engagement also means that anytime a tire is replaced it is very important to replace it with the exact same OEM tire. Failure to do so will damage internal components on the 4WD drive shaft.

BTW, Which transmission do you have? I'm assuming it is not the standard shift, because on those the MFWD is manually operated. In fact, going back to manual operation by disconnecting the hydraulic cylinder from the lever would be a good test of the system. It would tell us if the 4WD system is functional.
rScotty

Pull one of the pins on the cylinder and see if it works un attached. The cylinder is single acting and spring loaded into 4wd the hyd pressure puts it into 2wd. If the cylinder is locked up or corded it will not move. After that you should be able to actuate the lever by hand to verify the mechanics are good. Then break loose the hyd line to the cylinder and see if it squirts out oil when put into 2wd. That should give you the direction you need to persue

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

expressway, what did you find out?