If you use your John Deere tractor for assistance with snow removal or other winter-related tasks, you may encounter an issue where your machine won’t start as quickly as it does in warmer temperatures. Sometimes, your machine may not start at all. There are a few different reasons why this issue may occur, including an improper starting procedure or an improper choke adjustment.
Don’t let the cold weather keep you from using your John Deere tractor this year. Here’s how to cold start your John Deere tractor.
Before performing any maintenance on your machine, refer to your owner’s manual for maintenance instructions and safety information. Maintenance instructions vary by model, so depending on your lawn mower model our instructions may vary slightly.
Here are three steps you should consider when your John Deere tractor won’t start in cold weather.
Proper Starting Procedure
If you are having trouble starting your John Deere tractor, first put the choke lever in the full choke position and crank the engine for about five seconds. If the engine still won’t start up, wait 10 seconds, and then crank again for an additional five seconds. Continue this cycle until the engine starts.
If the engine attempts to start but doesn’t turn over within five seconds, it’s okay to crank a bit longer than five seconds until it starts.
Properly functioning engines should start in 4 to 7 cycles at temperatures between 0- and 15-degrees Fahrenheit. Once the engine has started, allow it to warm a bit, and then gradually pull the choke lever back. The engine should be able to run without the choke after about 10 to 15 seconds.
Adjust the Choke
When the lever is in the choke position, the choke plate must be completely closed. When the lever is in the full throttle position, it must be completely open.
Make sure the linkage is tight when checking for this.
Proper Cranking Speed
For the engine in your to start properly, the cranking speed should be a minimum of 250 rpm. A slow cranking speed can be a result of engine oil weight that is too heavy, low battery output, or corroded battery or starter terminals.
Turning the lights of your tractor on before cranking, for about five seconds, can increase battery power in the cold but make sure you turn the lights back off before you start the cranking process.
John Deere Tractor Won’t Start in the Cold?
