Dealer XR4140 stalling

[sodamo]

Was experiencing intermittent stalling. Run for some random period of time then engine would go into limp mode 1500 rpm but no code. Sometimes it would rev back to normal.
That progressed to going into limp then actually stall. Replaced my fuel filter, even got new sensor unit. Seemed to improve. But short lived
Today, added fuel, using a Mr Funnel, only about 3/4 full figuring I’d be taking a break shortly and would top off then. Had planned to mower 4-5 hours. Drove from tractorshed back to house for a quick pitstop, didn’t shut off tractor. When finished started up the drive and fuel indicator immediately drops to Empty and the fuel icon appears. Back tractor down to level spot, turn off, climb down to inspect, half expecting fuel to be gushing someplace. Nothing. Restart, still on Empty and icon. Up the drive and out the gate to mow. About hour later, tractor does the limp mode (no code) again a couple times. Then it starts stalling completely, but with Dash panel lights going crazy. Restarts, runs, repeats. Length of run time varies. Then in addition to panel lights, the Alarm chimes in, even continuing after key is in off position. About dozen iterations later, tractor is back in shed.

So, any thoughts. While I initial thought initially a fuel delivery problem, I’m now suspecting something electrical that is affecting fuel delivery.

Any thoughts?

 

[Avenger]

I had this same problem, only it was -9f out and my fuel was gelling. I don't think Hawaii is getting that cold.

This absolutely screams fuel delivery. And I think your on the right track with electrical. With your fuel gauge going wonky, might be your float. But I have not heard of the tractor going into limp mode with low fuel. Makes me lean towards fuel pump, but that wouldn't cause your gauge to go wonky, and the pump is mechanical.

I'm assuming you don't have codes, otherwise you would have listed them.

I'm not being much help here.

It's gotta be electrical. You have so many sensors in the fuel system. Faulty rail pressure sensor comes to mind too. Could be air entering the fuel system. Not much air would cause the engine to shut down and not start again though.... unless is so little and resealing... but limp mode? Nope, thats not it.

Looking at the book, pin 52 on the ECU wiring harness is the Low Fuel Level Switch signal wire. I'm thinking its either the wiring harness or the float.

You sir, have what Winston Churchill described as "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma."

Please keep us updated.

 

[Bearsixty7]

I'd start with the easiest and very common steps,
Remove all the ground connections, clean the surface with a wire brush, reattach ground wires.
Bad grounds can cause all kinds of weird issues.

Then if symptoms don't change or clear, start checking the fuel level/gauge system.

 

[jonsstihl]

I would start with a careful look at the wiring harness. so many random seemingly unrelated errors or symptoms would point to a large harness being damaged or pinched somewhere and shorting out. any rodents around?

 

[sodamo]

Thanks, guys

Really wish I did have a code, point me in right direction.

Checking harnesses, connections and grounds seem a good early approach. Need to research sensors related to fuel delivery.

Sadly, no longer have local dealer support. LS took dealership away from local where I bought and transfers it to dealer on Oahu. They don’t even have a sign out locally. I suspect I would have to pay for their tech to come over here. Guess at some point I’ll contact them again.

 

[Eagle1]

Seems like some folks had the ECU harness rubbing on the radiator supports. At least I seem to remember a few post to that effect. Wire bundle tied to the support and rubbing on the bottom. Worth a look see I looked my XG over pretty good when I got it in an effort to prevent that.

 

[sodamo]

Wonder if an OBD scanner would help? Not that I have a clue which one works with XR4140.

 

[Avenger]

I use the ELM327 OBD2 reader

https://www.amazon.com/Launchh-Professional-Bluetooth-Interface-Diagnostic/dp/B07Z65HX5X/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=elm327+obd2&sr=8-6

I also use the Torque Pro App. I did pay for the full featured version, its like $5 or something.

These readers wont do what the laptops from LS can do, but they can read some codes and clear some codes, read some sensors. Hope this helps.

 

[Avenger]

I also have a BlueDriver reader, and another reader for my Toyota that is standalone. Both do not work on these tractors. Only the ELM327 I have found to work. FYI.

 

[sodamo]

Thanks. I’m an IOS/Mac guy, no Android.
Was just reading the Bluedriver website.

Thinking hard about this one

LS Tractor Diagnostic Scanner Fault Code Reader

Service and Maintain Your LS Tractor. The LS Tractor diagnostic scanner enables you to read the fault codes that relate to the check engine light for your LS Tractor as well as display critical live engine data. It works on all LS Tractor models listed in the drop down box above. With the code...

www.lawntractorco.com

But would like to see some feedback. Also something a bit less $$

 

[garry1p]

The scanner may not help this time since no codes are displayed.

I would go with what bearsixty7 said above.

Bad grounds and corroded battery terminals cause very weird symptoms and problems.

Garry

 

[sodamo]

Found the elm327 in an IOS version. Wouldn’t be 1st money wasted on equipment. Likely helpful with car or truck.

I did get a tech support email from LS and have reached out to them.

 

[sodamo]

technicalsupport@lstractorusa.com

 

[JCoastie]

I also use an ELM bluetooth reader with the torque app. Just because no codes show on the dash does not mean one is not stored in memory that can be read. Doesn't mean there is one though either though.

 

[sodamo]

Spent some time perusing the Diagnostic section of the manual. Pretty much convinced me that unless an obvious physical problem I see, not much I can due. Will be investigating options for tech support maintenance. New Dealer claims to do on site maintenance. My on island BX dealer is also a New Holland shop. Either way, I suspect it won’t be cheap. Wife agreed it might be necessary.

 

[Avenger]

Thanks for the update. At least SWMBO is onboard. Thats half the problem solved.
Please keep us updated.

 

[GSVette]

Thanks. I’m an IOS/Mac guy, no Android.
Was just reading the Bluedriver website.

Thinking hard about this one

LS Tractor Diagnostic Scanner Fault Code Reader

Service and Maintain Your LS Tractor. The LS Tractor diagnostic scanner enables you to read the fault codes that relate to the check engine light for your LS Tractor as well as display critical live engine data. It works on all LS Tractor models listed in the drop down box above. With the code...

www.lawntractorco.com

But would like to see some feedback. Also something a bit less $$

I have this device- there is a picture or two of it plugged in and reading my XR4155H. I still haven’t checked the scan while running nor have I had to pull a code, yet ( probably just doomed myself).

I got mine at a discount a while back- don’t recall how much but it was less than what is currently listed. It is way less than my much fancier Launch diagnostic computer so I consider it a bargain by comparison.

 

[sodamo]

Took some time with the low tech approach, purging the fuel system. Seriously considered removing tank but didn’t. Appears the feed line is at a low point of the tank, so disconnected that at the fuel separator and the return line at the tank. Was not impressed with the flow rate, even with cap off. Decided to help a bit by using air gun at the return fitting. Really thought I was being careful not to get much pressure. Boy was I wrong. When I had to stop due to can being full, I removed the air gun and got a generous diesel shower. Lesson learned, release the filler cap first LOL. Blew the tank as empty as I could guess. Put a cup or two mineral spirits in tank, let set, blew air back thru fuel line a couple times. Drained, then flushed a couple times with diesel. Also cleaned the filler filter. Double filtered diesel through a Mr Funnel. Put about gallon in, reconnected lines. Started right up. Put couple more gallons in. Fuel guage not registering. Been running about 45 minutes. Headed out to mow a bit.

 

[sodamo]

Sadly, that wasn’t the fix. Guess I”ll try an external tank just to be sure.
Curious what else triggers the alarm chime like the parking brake?

 

[Avenger]

It would be odd that two separate fuel issues would occur at the same time and not be related. I was thinking if it was a clogged up line or port, that would cause the issue. But having the fuel gauge go wonky at the same time? Unless your fuel gauge broke inside the tank perhaps? Parts falling into the pickup hole? You got me scratching my head on this one!

Might be time to pull the tank and take a good look inside. Remove the float and look at it. Check the resistance with a meter.
E (or down) should read 110 ohms, 1/2 = 32.5, and Full = 3 ohms.