John Deere 455 Starting Probs
 

At work we have a John Deere 455 with the 3 cylinder diesel and well, it seems to have a problem. It only starts when it wants to. One day we started it up to move it out of the shed, go to put it back good 45 mins to an hr later and it doesn't start. It'll crank but wont fire. Then another day I got off of it not putting the break on and it died(safety switch on the seat). We go to start it back up and it doesn't start. Any ideas of what it could be? Sometimes it does it when its warm when its cold, dunno what its prob is, although I kicked it once and it started right up. Lol.

Did these ones have the compression release??

I dunno to tell you the truth. It's an older one, and thats about the extent of it.

The JD455 uses a Yanmar diesel. You have an external electric fuel control valve between the tank and the injection pump. Under the seat is a safety switch that is connected to a small IC behind the dash, when that switch thinks no one is on the seat it will signal the IC to turn off the power to the fuel shutoff switch. That same IC is connected to the mower activation control switch, the PTO switch, and if you have a hydraulic option, to that too.

You have two solutions, troubleshoot the safety switches and the IC, then replace whatever is bad. Or, bypass the safety stuff and direct wire the fuel shutoff to the 12 volt ignition switch. Just remember if you bypass it is dangerous, and just like operating a tractor from back in the 60's.

I agree...the safety switch is your culprit.

Turned out to be a loose connection to the fuel shutoff valve. Thanks Guys.

Anyone know how to turn one of these puppies up and get a little black smoke goin?

Hi,

When the JD is not starting is the fuel pump running with the key on? Do you hear the click from the fuel shut off solniode and do you see movement of the arm on the side of the injection pump? If either of these are not working, check the fuses on the control boards under and behind the black screen behind the radiator for corrosion. At the same time pull all of the plugs out of the same boards and see if they are carotid at all also. You should also check the seat switch with the brake off and key on and listen for the fuel pump and injection pump to go on and off.

Please do all of these and get back to me.

Carter

JD 455 Starting Problems
 

I too have a 455 and a few days ago whilst using it the engine cut out without any warning or reason, when I depress the brake pedal to start it the engine fires up but as soon as I release the pedal to move forward or backwards it cuts out, I have bypassed the seat and bonnet switch just in case it's was either of those that was causing the problem, the fuel is OK as is the fuel cut-off solenoid, I suspected the control board situated to the right of the bulkhead but that was also fine, I am suspecting it's something to do with the linkage that is controlled by the foot pedal but cannot see what or where it goes to maybe a micro-switch or some other safety cut-off device.

Any one out there able to suggest what could be the problem or point in the direction of where to start looking?? :s:

I am fortunate enough to have another 455 that I can swap bit's and pieces over to try and eliminate the problem but as the one that has gone wrong is an all wheel steer and has the 54" cutting deck it's my machine of choice for cutting the grass in my caravan park, spring is coming and the dang grass keeps growing :dang: