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John Deere Fault Codes PDF and Troubleshooting Guide

When it comes to good quality tractors for gardening, John Deere’s reputation can’t be beaten. With almost two centuries in the business and a variety of different tractors to choose from, this is a company that you rely on for all of your agricultural equipment needs.

That said, even the best quality equipment runs into some problems from time to time, and John Deere tractors are no exception. However, the company has established a fault codes system to help users quickly identify any problems that occur in the equipment and find solutions that solve the issue.

If you’re unsure what some trouble codes mean, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your John Deere fault codes PDF and troubleshooting guide. You’ll discover some of the most popular John Deere fault codes to put you on the right path to solving any issues.

How to Check John Deere Fault Codes PDF

To ensure that your John Deere vehicle is always running smoothly, it’s a good idea to occasionally check the trouble codes – past and present – by doing a diagnostic session.

Hold the roll mode switch for five seconds to start a diagnostic session, where you can see any active or previously active fault codes. You’ll see the control followed by the fault code number to quickly identify the problem. 

Noting trouble codes will stay on your equipment unless you clear them is important. For future diagnostics, it’s a good idea to write down all codes before clearing them in case the problem comes up again – that way, you already know what the fault code means and potential solutions to the problem.

You might still be wondering what John Deere’s fault codes mean. Let’s find out.

Young boy in red ball cap plays in a toy John Deere tractor

What Do John Deere Fault Codes Mean?

John Deere fault codes are digit codes that identify a particular problem in the tractor or other equipment. These codes display on the screen when an issue arises with your equipment that must be resolved. 

Different John Deere units have multiple fault codes. These fault codes vary from simple problems with easy fixes to more complicated issues that may require immediate attention or the expertise of a professional. However, the good news is that most problems that appear on the screen can be resolved by simply resetting your tractor.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common fault codes that come up on John Deere equipment.

John Deere Fault Codes PDF – Popular Codes to Know

There are five different major fault codes that you’ll find in John Deere equipment. Those fault codes are:

  • Engine Control Unit Fault Codes (ECU Fault Codes)
  • Basic Control Unit Fault Codes (BCU Fault Codes)
  • Armrest Control Unit Fault Codes (ACU Fault Codes)
  • Transmission Control Unit Fault Codes (TCU Fault Codes)
  • Diagnostic Control Unit Fault Codes (DCU Fault Codes)

Knowing these main categories provides a basis for you to easily identify the different problems that may arise from your equipment.

To give you some examples, here are some popular John Deere fault codes that you may encounter and potential solutions to them.

ACU fault codes

  • ACU 000177.17: Transmission fluid is low. To resolve this, add fluid to the tank.
  • ACU 523955.31: Engine overload when manual mode is selected. To resolve this, reduce the load of the vehicle for better performance. 
  • ACU 523923.03: Problems with the sensor. To resolve, troubleshoot the sensor. You may also need to replace the SCV control switch if it’s faulty. 

BCU fault codes

  • BCU 000070.31: The hand brake is faulty. To resolve, troubleshoot the handbrake.
  • BCU 000186.02: Issue with the power take-off (PTO). To resolve this, check the PTO circuit and replace the clutch.
  • BCU 000084.02: The circuit is faulty. To resolve, inspect the defective circuit and replace the damaged parts as needed.

TCU fault codes

  • TCU 304024.04: The grounding of an electrical system has failed. To resolve, double-check the grounding of the electrical systems.
  • TCU 304032.03: The electric system has a short circuit. To resolve this, change the fuse and replace the damaged wiring.
  • TCU 304020.02: Signal transmission has malfunctioned. Possible solutions are to replace faulty solenoids, replace transmission fluids, fix seals, or adjust the throttle cables.

Other common codes warn you about engine oil pressure, coolant level, engine coolant temperature, engine air temperature, fuel temperature, fuel flow, fuel pressure, abnormal voltage, clogged filters, or engine speed. Check out this page for a more detailed list.

John Deere Fault Codes PDF FAQ

How do you reset the code on a John Deere fault?

Follow these steps to reset the diagnostic trouble code on a John Deere fault:

  1. Write down any error code that appears in the system for your records. This step is essential, so make sure not to skip it.
  2. Press SELECT to scroll through the codes until END appears on the display. 
  3. Press SELECT again to see the WAIT display on the screen. 
  4. Hold SELECT for 5 seconds to clear all John Deere diagnostic codes from the system.
Farmer plowing a field with a John Deere tractor

What are the most common John Deere tractors? 

Knowing the most popular types of John Deere tractors is vital to know what problems arise from each model. This will help you better identify any issues that occur in your tractor. 

Finally, if you’re looking for a new tractor and want to easily diagnose and fix any problems that arise, it’s also a good idea to go for a popular model.

With this in mind, the most common John Deere tractors are:

  • John Deere 1025R
  • John Deere 2025R
  • John Deere 1023E
  • John Deere 2038R
  • John Deere 2032R

Will disconnecting the battery clear fault codes?

Yes, disconnecting the battery will clear fault codes. Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery will reset and restart your tractor’s system computer.

This is one of the easiest and best methods to clear fault codes quickly. You should leave the battery and disconnect the battery for at least 15 minutes to clear the codes.

Remember: clearing the codes doesn’t mean that you’ve solved and resolved the problem. If there is still a problem with something like the cooling system, fuel line, fuel supply, ignition switch, air pressure, supply voltage, or any number of things, you will still need to do a repair.

Recap: What to Do With John Deere Fault Codes 

John Deere fault codes may seem confusing when they pop up, but they are usually nothing to worry about. Most codes are easy fixes, with some being as simple as resetting your vehicle.

With this John Deere fault codes PDF and troubleshooting, you now have a starting point for diagnosing and solving any problems that may arise.

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