Starting a JD 2520

[9973720wb19]

have you tried turning the key to the mid position, before the crank position and "push the key in"? i don't know about the 20xx but my 3720 - in the cold will pre-heat the engine for easy starting by pushing in the key. you'll see glow plus light in dash "warming" after about 10-15 secs. of pushing the key...then crank. would not hurt to see if your key goes in...

 

[ac2520]

My dealer suggested that in cold weather I turn the key on and wait until the preheater light goes out on the dash, then turn the key off and on again. After ther preheater light goes out the second time, then crank the engine. I've used to process and never have had an issue in cold weather.

 

[glc24]

My dealer suggested that in cold weather I turn the key on and wait until the preheater light goes out on the dash, then turn the key off and on again. After ther preheater light goes out the second time, then crank the engine. I've used to process and never have had an issue in cold weather.

DITTO!!

Cycling three times makes a difference in REALLY cold temps.:thumbsup:

Greg

 

[revitupfaster]

There must have been some changes over the years to the 2520, because I don't have any dash lights that come on that are related to any pre-heat starting procedure. My key doesn't push in to activate anything, there is no right hand key position to activate anything nor are there any reference to any cold weather starting tips in the owners manual.

There must have been changes made to the 2520 because from what I see here, there are a lot of folks that have the 2520, but the tractors, at least from the starting procedure are not the same and thats why there are so many different answers.

REV

 

[Deadman]

There must have been some changes over the years to the 2520, because I don't have any dash lights that come on that are related to any pre-heat starting procedure. My key doesn't push in to activate anything, there is no right hand key position to activate anything nor are there any reference to any cold weather starting tips in the owners manual.

There must have been changes made to the 2520 because from what I see here, there are a lot of folks that have the 2520, but the tractors, at least from the starting procedure are not the same and thats why there are so many different answers.

REV

Exactly. Seems weird that there are so many acting as if they have lights on dash and ours don't.

What temps are you guys trying to start them at? It seems as if you guys are worrying about something that will NEVER be an issue. :confused2:

Mine starts in less than 3 seconds of cranking at temps of -5 F. Now i would try to start it at colder temps, but my garage rarely gets much below zero, and my tractor NEVER sits outside overnight. Our air temps often get to -20 F, but I'll never get an honest chance to try it at that cold of a temp, because my garage is insulated.

At -5 F, it starts very very easy, and I'm convinced it would start at temps alot colder than that. The starter rolls it over pretty fast, and it fires at idle speed. I find no need to even screw around with cycling the key and messing with all kinds of stuf, because 3 seconds of cranking is totally acceptable to me in extreme cold.

 

[glc24]

The few times I figured it wasn't cold enough to worry about the preheater,and just tried to start 'er,it would just crank. Maybe it would finally fire,but I never kept cranking to see. I have just got in the habit of waiting for the light to go out, and she fires right up. Maybe I don't have to cycle more than once in below zero temps,but I do anyway.

You guys saying you don't have any lights,what years do you have? Lights or not,when you turn your key to ON,I take it you don't hear the preheater either?

Could how "broke in" the engine is play a part in how easy it starts?


Greg

 

[JD Greg]

Mine is a 2007 2520. I don't have any special lights that come
on to indicate a preheat or glow plug. I don't have any lights
that go off prior to starting. I do turn the key on, wait maybe 5-10
seconds and then crank it over. During this time, there is a constant
clicking noise. Not sure if that is related to any preheat/glow plug
condition.
My tractor does however, sit in a heated shop.

JD Greg

 

[glc24]

I do turn the key on, wait maybe 5-10
seconds and then crank it over. During this time, there is a constant
clicking noise. Not sure if that is related to any preheat/glow plug
condition.

Yes. That is what mine does,only difference is I have a light also.

Greg

 

[diesel466]

Hi Rev The john deere 2000 series on line video shows a pre heat lamp on dash? You now know your tractor has glow plugs so check with dealer service dept. to find out if it is working right. Maybe you have a lamp but it is not being powered up? You said it is not starting as quick as others so something is not right. The 2720 owners manual says to to turn to on position and wait 15 seconds, You may want to try that and see what happens. Good luck

 

[revitupfaster]

I really don't have any issues with how fast the tractor starts. By all I see here, it sounds like it's about the same as any other. I was just questioning the fact that there seems to be some differences within the 2520 series.

I notice that if I turn the ignition to the on position and wait a few seconds before cranking, it will start, but blows heavy exhaust for a few seconds, kinda like it was almost flooded. If I go directly to the cranking position, it seems to start without the heavy exhaust.

I don't think I really have any problem, it's just strange that we can't seem to get a simple answer, since it appears there are differences within the 2520 series, depending on the model year. I just got mine a few months ago, so it should be the latest design, as it was an ordered unit, from the factory, not something that had been sitting around anywhere.

REV

 

[diesel466]

I give up!!!

 

[JD755]

Note how the manual for the 2520 specifically does not show a preheat light, unlike the 2720 manual which does. Based on comments here I'm guessing earlier 2520 with the air heater did have a light, while later glow plug ones deleted the light, along with instructions on using one.

Air heaters and glow plugs do not make noise. Clicking is typically an electric fuel pump.

 

[Deadman]

When i turn the key to ON, I hear what sounds like a fuel pump running, not any kind of heater. I'm almost certain it makes a splashing sound, so its gotta be the fuel pump. Don't mistake this sound as a pre-heater.

My tractor is about a 2008, maybe a 2009. The dealer told me right out when i bought it that the glow plugs only kick in when the starter is engaged. I'm not saying he is right, but it does seem like he is right by the way mine reacts.

 

[billb3]

my 2520 is about 3 years old

there's a ticking noise that I believe is some sort of air preheater on a timer and also a yellow indicator light on the dash that also goes out when the ticking stops.
No 'high idle'.
I tend to pull the throttle out a bit when it's cold as many recommend not idling when cold.
Bigger puff of smoke from the exhaust at start when it's colder.
Hardly noticeable in the Summer.


That reminds me, I need to try starting on a cold night to test the battery.
It is now 3 years old. Don't want to find out my battery is getting weak when there's three feet of snow.

I don't think it gets cold enough often enough here on the South Coast to need a electric sump or block heater.

 

[Deadman]

my 2520 is about 3 years old

there's a ticking noise that I believe is some sort of air preheater on a timer and also a yellow indicator light on the dash that also goes out when the ticking stops.
No 'high idle'.
I tend to pull the throttle out a bit when it's cold as many recommend not idling when cold.
Bigger puff of smoke from the exhaust at start when it's colder.
Hardly noticeable in the Summer.


That reminds me, I need to try starting on a cold night to test the battery.
It is now 3 years old. Don't want to find out my battery is getting weak when there's three feet of snow.

I don't think it gets cold enough often enough here on the South Coast to need a electric sump or block heater.

It should have a high idle for about 5 minutes when real cold. Mine idles like 3-500 rpm higher for a few minutes, and them immediately drops to normal idle.

 

[kennyd]

Resolution posted here: Finally....an answer to the 2520 starting issue - TractorByNet.com