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JD 3020 Gas Starting Problem

J

JD in KS

New User
Every 3rd or 4th time I try to start my John Deere 3020 Gas tractor (>123,000 serial no), I turn the key and it won"t turn over. It will start if I leave the key on and short across the solenoid posts. The battery is charged, the lights work. Next time I use the tractor, it will start with the key. I"ve replaced the key switch but that didn"t fix the problem.
 
Sounds like your solenoid may be the problem. I would remove the battery ground cable and then clean all those connections at the solenoid. If this doesn't fix the problem you should check for battery voltage at the solenoid using a volt meter or test lite to see if battery voltage is reaching your solenoid when you twist the key to make a start. You will need a helper to do this. You are bypassing the key switch when you jumper across the solenoid posts. Hal
 
Id stick a test lamp on the solenoids small S activation terminal and insure when the key is in the START position that becomes hot as thats what should pull the solenoid in. If not its either the switch is bad or else theres no hot voltage getting to the switch which is the next place to use the test lamp. It should have a BAT input terminal always has hot voltage present.

Now when you say you jump teh solenoid, do you mean youre jumping the big in and out stud/terminals or youre just jumping hot voltage to the solenoids small S activation terminal so it pulls in (like should if key used). If jumping voltage to the small S activation terminal dont make her pull in, the keys not the, but the solenoid is bad or isnt gettign a ground

Im unfamilair with new generation, there arent any Neutral or clutch type of safety switches that may be at fault you reckon???

John T
 
When I short across the solenoid posts, I'm touching the main positive post (R-8 in my tech manual) in the middle of the solenoid with the outside post (W-29) closest to me that goes to the starter circuit relay - which I believe is the S terminal.

It is suppose to have a safety start switch for either the clutch, park position or both but I have not located a safety switch yet.

It may be that it's not getting a good ground - I'll get out my voltmeter and do some tests

Thanks,

JD
 
It may be that it's not getting a good ground - I'll clean all the connections to the solenoid and try that first. If that doesn't work, I'll get out the voltmeter.

Thanks,

JD
 
If it's a synchro tranny, there's a neutral safety switch on the RH side of the tranny with 2 yellow wires going to it that's in series with the wire from the start switch to the solenoid.

If it's a powershift it's bit more complicated.

Post back with that info.

Also, there's a failure-prone multi-wire connector cleverly hidden at the front of the dash cowling/back of the hood.
 
Sounds like the Solenoid is okay then and since the switch is new Ima thinkin its a SAFETY SWITCH problem or else a bad ground or connection.

John T
 
JD, My brother had asimilar situation on 2510. We replaced the batteries,starter,key switch, starter button, etc...... Finally took it to adifferent mechanic and he replaced the "good" solenoid" with a new one and it has started without aproblem ever since, and they all lived happily ever after.
 
Two safety switches. One on the clutch pedal, the other neutral, park switch below right battery. Turn key on hold start button have another person wiggle connector they are prone to losing connection. Mark
 
Be real careful. A BIL of a friend was holding the clutch safety switch on while standing on ground. He got it started and it took off as it was in gear and knocked him down and rolled him under the grinder mixer and crushed his pelvis, ribs, and legs. I think it made the rest of his life quite painful. I have heard of other similar stories.
 
I think I found my problem - the ground wire to my switch is not making a good ground.

Thanks to all for your input to help me track it down.

JD
 
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