New Member - New JD 3203 Won't Start

[LB1966]

I just picked up a new 3203 (my fist tractor!) and while brush hogging yesterday, it died multiple times. After I cleaned off the screen and it cooled down(?) it started back up. Today same thing, but after it died the second time it would not start. The glow plug light doesn't go off? Any ideas? Thanks!

Lonnie

 

[rbcsaver]

You must be more specific! When you turn the key, what happens? Nothing, or the motor turns over but won't start.
Make sure the PTO is off.
Fuel?
More details please.
regards,
Steve

 

[LB1966]

I hear a slight hum - fuel pump? It will turn over but the glow plug light won't go off and I don't hear it click off, and it wont start. PTO is off, plenty of fuel, checked the oil, coolant - they all look fine.
Thanks!

 

[richamor]

Don't sweat it. Call/go see the dealer Monday.

 

[Cocre]

3203's don't have glow plugs, thus no glow plug light.

 

[thatguy]

you wrote - 'glow plug light doesnt go off' = double check the manual to verify what light that actually is..

Cocre - Does it have a grid heater instead of glow plugs?

Was it overheating? You mentioned 'after cooling off' - but did the gauge (if equipped) or a dash light show it overheated - OR did it just cut off..

Are the lights working? - to rule out battery problems

Being new - are you sitting in the seat? There is a switch on most (if not all) new tractors that wont allow it to start without you in the seat.. Maybe check the connection directly under the seat to make sure it is not loose..

good luck

brian

 

[RoyJackson]

3203's don't have glow plugs, thus no glow plug light.

Well, they use an intake heater and the 3203 does have what Deere refers to as a "Cold Start Indicator Light" (shown as Gage "H" in the attached picture)
If this is a new tractor, still in warranty, go with richamor's advice to call the dealer. I'm suspecting you have an intermittent short in the seat safety switch.

 

[Johndeere3720]

Is it in Neutral? The seat switch could be the problem as well, my dad's 3720 had a corroded wire in the seat switch and basically made it so the tractor would not move. Does it crank over? That noise you are hearing is an electric fuel pump and it is electric so that when or if it was run out of fuel, it will pump the fuel to the injectors so you don't get air in your lines and engine. How does the fuel filter look on it? it is on the right side in front of the operator platform. If is is old and dark, it probably is due for a change. My neighbor's BX24 Kubota had a problem where it would run then bog down and die when it couldnt get fuel. Changed the filter and it runs like new again. :thumbsup: Just a few diagnostics.

 

[LB1966]

Thanks for all the replies! Kinda strange that it has a glow plug relay (which I swapped out, no-go) but not glow plugs. I also swapped out both the other relays (which seem to be clicking when the key is turned on) and checked the fuses. And, I was pretty sure it wasn't a seat issue because it was turning over and it won't turn over if any of the other safety switches (PTO, not in nuetral) are activated. Today I had a "mechanic" take a look at it, he's pretty sure its the fuel cylenoid not engaging, we could never hear it click, so he checked one of the injectors(?) and there's no fuel getting to it. The fuel pump seems to be working and fuel filter is clean. So, I talked to my guy at the dealership and he's supposed to be arranging for a mobile service call tomorow (Monday), which is good because it is broken down in a place it would be a real pain to get out of, not to mention getting it on the trailer once I managed to drag it out. I'll update as soon as anything changes...

 

[Cocre]

No glow plug relay either. May have been a manifold heater relay, but certainly not a glow plug relay. The unit does not have glow plugs, a glow plug light, or a glow plug relay.

I don't know if Deere has one for the 3203, but I highly recommend buying a technical manual if they do. The one on my 3320 contains a wealth of knowledge and is well worth the price.