Newer JD - Cab air (A/C, Heat) fan does not blow

[RancherGuy]

I have an issue with a 2012 JD 6105R. This JD design has all of the cab temperature equipment (cold or hot) in the steering pedestal:

All of a sudden there is no fan. No matter what I set on the temp controls (heat / cold), there is no fan blower action. No action - as in no sound of a blower even trying. I checked every fuse and all are good. I have found nothing else failing except the blower. Here is the fuse layout:

BTW, when the controls are "on" for A/C and the temp is cool enough, the A/C compressor is working - because cold air falls/sinks, I can feel cool air come out of the pedestal and fall onto my feet. So it seems that the controls are trying but not the blower.

Where do I go from here? Any ideas?

 

[rustyshakelford]

I have an issue with a 2012 JD 6105R. This JD design has all of the cab temperature equipment (cold or hot) in the steering pedestal:
View attachment 556817
All of a sudden there is no fan. No matter what I set on the temp controls (heat / cold), there is no fan blower action. No action - as in no sound of a blower even trying. I checked every fuse and all are good. I have found nothing else failing except the blower. Here is the fuse layout:
View attachment 556818
BTW, when the controls are "on" for A/C and the temp is cool enough, the A/C compressor is working - because cold air falls/sinks, I can feel cool air come out of the pedestal and fall onto my feet. So it seems that the controls are trying but not the blower.

Where do I go from here? Any ideas?

Find the blower motor and check that it’s getting power. If it is and still not working, replace

Brett

 

[Tx Jim]

It appears from viewing parts catalog that blower motor is under cab roof.

 

[Zebrafive]

From what I found in the JD parts catalog it looks like the blowers are under the floor. Notice the duct work for the steering column comes from below.

 

[jd110]

Blower motors are actually under the seat. Remove the seat and panel under the seat for access. Depending on which version of a/c you have, blower motors may be controlled by an electronic control unit(computer). Are you getting any codes displayed?

 

[Tx Jim]

I thought blower motor was under seat but didn't understand why parts catalog shows lines leading to top of cab. Can someone explain what lines I saw? Thanks,Jim

 

[RancherGuy]

I feel like I am being asked by Monty Hall to choose door #1, #2 or #3 (roof, floor, seat) for the blower location.

I am going to eliminate the roof. My 5425 cab has ducts in the ceiling (only in the ceiling), so it makes sense to run a/c lines up and place the heater core and condenser up above for that design. However my 6105 and 7130 both have all ducts located only on the steering pedestal. That leaves floor and seat.

I was thinking that the blower was deep inside the pedestal, but now I am doubting. I have removed the steering wheel, tilt collar and large pedestal shroud that has the vents. I can clearly see ducts and butterfly valves but no blower, yet. How to take this further apart is perplexing. Definitely a complex design that requires expensive service if service is required.

As I look at Zebrafive diagrams, I see a probable match. Now the question is how to access. Maybe I should remove the rubber floor and look for an access panel?

 

[RancherGuy]

I wish I understood the overall design here. My first attack was the operator control box. This is the box in the ceiling where one selects temperature and blower speed. I took the box out and disassembled it and found that it is only a circuit board with knobs. That means it only handles low amperage. Seems to me that between that and a blower motor or a/c compressor clutch or butterfly valves, there must be one or more other pieces such as relay(s) or another circuit board. Would this be the possible design? If relays or another board don't show up on the fuse panel layout (or do they?), where would they be? The fan speed is continuously variable; not one of those low-med-high selectors - so how is the voltage/amperage controlled?

My gut tells me a fuse or relay went out. One day a/c, the next nothing. No burning smell and nothing intermittent or diminishing between the two that would imply anything but electrical. I am considering seeing if the following would be possible. Remove the control box from my 7130 and see if it would plug into the 6105, and vice versa. They look very similar and if this is possible at least it would tell me if the $400+ control box is responsible. If they are not swappable, I am concerned that I will not find the cause even if I find the blower.

 

[Zebrafive]

I wish I understood the overall design here. My first attack was the operator control box. This is the box in the ceiling where one selects temperature and blower speed. I took the box out and disassembled it and found that it is only a circuit board with knobs. That means it only handles low amperage. Seems to me that between that and a blower motor or a/c compressor clutch or butterfly valves, there must be one or more other pieces such as relay(s) or another circuit board. Would this be the possible design? If relays or another board don't show up on the fuse panel layout (or do they?), where would they be? The fan speed is continuously variable; not one of those low-med-high selectors - so how is the voltage/amperage controlled?

My gut tells me a fuse or relay went out. One day a/c, the next nothing. No burning smell and nothing intermittent or diminishing between the two that would imply anything but electrical. I am considering seeing if the following would be possible. Remove the control box from my 7130 and see if it would plug into the 6105, and vice versa. They look very similar and if this is possible at least it would tell me if the $400+ control box is responsible. If they are not swappable, I am concerned that I will not find the cause even if I find the blower.

I would NOT do this swap. It's not worth the risk of a $400 part (especially an electronic part) to see if it will work. You may ruin the good part if there is a short that took out the first control unit.


Tech manual might be a better investment.

 

[Zebrafive]

I feel like I am being asked by Monty Hall to choose door #1, #2 or #3 (roof, floor, seat) for the blower location.

I am going to eliminate the roof. My 5425 cab has ducts in the ceiling (only in the ceiling), so it makes sense to run a/c lines up and place the heater core and condenser up above for that design. However my 6105 and 7130 both have all ducts located only on the steering pedestal. That leaves floor and seat.

I was thinking that the blower was deep inside the pedestal, but now I am doubting. I have removed the steering wheel, tilt collar and large pedestal shroud that has the vents. I can clearly see ducts and butterfly valves but no blower, yet. How to take this further apart is perplexing. Definitely a complex design that requires expensive service if service is required.

As I look at Zebrafive diagrams, I see a probable match. Now the question is how to access. Maybe I should remove the rubber floor and look for an access panel?

If jd110 says it's under the seat that's where I'd look. When I said under the floor, I was going by what the parts catalog shows and would include under the seat as also under the floor.


As complicated as this tractor is, I would buy the tech manuals.

 

[RancherGuy]

If jd110 says it's under the seat that's where I'd look. When I said under the floor, I was going by what the parts catalog shows and would include under the seat as also under the floor.


As complicated as this tractor is, I would buy the tech manuals.

OK, looked up Tech manual cost to get some perspective. For 6105R, they have Diagnostic CD for $470 and Repair CD for $100. Not what the wife would want to hear when cashflow was negative last year and not looking any better this year. Not sure if this is representative, but to be honest, for the short time I have had it *this* tractor has been a big disappointment.

I'll try working the seat as my next effort.

 

[RancherGuy]

Just curious ... 'Diagnostic' vs 'Repair'. Are these complimentary or overlapping? Are these the level of detail available to a dealer? In my situation is one more advantageous than the other?

 

[RancherGuy]

OK, late yesterday I bought both manuals; Diagnostic and Repair. I'll see if I can make some headway, then report back.

 

[Zebrafive]

Just curious ... 'Diagnostic' vs 'Repair'. Are these complimentary or overlapping? Are these the level of detail available to a dealer? In my situation is one more advantageous than the other?

I was hoping jd110 would comment.


Diagnostic (used to be operations and tests) helps you figure out what's wrong, usually has detailed lists of things to check.
Plus wiring diagrams
Repair tells procedures for taking things apart and putting back together, plus torque values, special tools needed.


I would say compliment each other. If only one, get Diagnostics.

 

[RancherGuy]

... I would say compliment each other. If only one, get Diagnostics.

You are correct. I have been wandering around in the manuals for hours trying to digest how they are laid out and what I need to know for my project. The Repair manual is heavily weighted in mechanics, especially iron. I found it interesting that there is no mention of the recirculation fan (blower), but if you need to get to the evaporator there are 4 pages and the fan can be seen. I also found it very interesting that the supplier of the fancy seat(s) provided 40 pages(!) of extremely detailed information to be included in the Repair manual.

Here is what could have saved me a lot of time, as found in the Diagnostics:


Now I need to put the steering pedestal back together and remove the seat. The electrical diagram is informative for concepts, but the weakness of those is that physical locations are always absent.

 

[RancherGuy]

Getting frustrated here. I *thought* I paid good money for information from JD. I guess it wasn't enough. Here is one step in their instruction to get to the evaporator/blower: "Take out floor mats (A) and remove trim panels (B)." The mats are not attached, so no problem. Trim panels are composed of a side and a rear panel. They provided picture and instructions for the side, which I did without their help. But the rear panel -- whoa. I am stumped and there is no information provided other than the word "remove".

Two lower screws are out and the panel can pull out at the bottom, but the top seems like it could be designed like a barb - push in to catch, but can't pull out. Even expecting this, it is very tight and I can't get one edge started to see if my concept is correct:


Anyone removed this? Care to share a tip?

 

[RancherGuy]

Started a new thread just for the panel. Hopefully can get some info.

 

[kthompson]

I had issue with my JD recently and did inspection of my fuse one by one and missed the main fuse was blown. First try new fuse for the fan motor. It cost less and is easy to do. Was interesting to find my tractor had two fuse panels, no where near each other, one in top of fender area and other in steering column. Think there is also another behind the pto lever but did not pull it. Just do a search for the ac or such fuse.

 

[jd110]

Sorry I didn't think of this originally, but have you checked for any error codes? I assume you have a Command Center? With the R series, it should set a code for the fan if not working. It may help pinpoint the problem. Since you now have the manual, look up info on how to check codes if you aren't sure how.

 

[RancherGuy]

Conclusion: I removed the old blower fan and replaced with new. $450+. Unbelievable. For a 12v motor and double squirrel cage. I tested the new fan by connecting before reassembling anything. It worked. I dissected the old fan motor and noted some green corrosion (copper) on the circuit board. Apparently the designer and manufacturer did not anticipate ever having condensation.