My John Deere Keeps Blowing Fuses – What Could Be Wrong?

Does your John Deere lawn tractor keep blowing fuses? Why does this happen repeatedly? We researched the topic to figure out the problem, and this is what we discovered.

Your John Deere may keep blowing fuses if its wiring is damaged, the starter solenoid is defective, or the PTO switch is faulty. The fuse is a safety component that keeps you safe and protects your equipment from extensive damage if there is an electrical surge in the appliance.

Please keep reading as we elaborate on the possible causes of a fuse that blows repeatedly and offer some troubleshooting tips. We will also discuss factors that may cause your John Deere to fail to start and how you can keep the lawn mower in tip-top condition. So, let's jump right in.

Why Does My John Deere Keep Blowing Fuses?

John Deere Compact Utility Tractor. - My John Deere Keeps Blowing Fuses—What Could Be Wrong?

The John Deere lawn mower is a handy piece of equipment to own since you can use it all year round. You can ride it in the warmer months while you maintain your yard or add a front blade or snow blower to its front to move snow during winter.

Like any other piece of machinery, it is not problem-free. And one problem you may encounter is a fuse that keeps blowing.

Because the fuse is a safety feature fitted by manufacturers to protect the lawn tractor from electrical malfunctions, it is logical to identify why the fuse keeps blowing and remedy the problem before replacing it. Otherwise, it will keep blowing.

Here are some possible explanations for why the fuse may keep blowing

Damaged Wiring

Your John Deere is subject to wear and tear. For this reason, the wires' insulation may wear out or experience other forms of deterioration with time. 

The insulation in the wires resists electrical leakage and shock and keeps the wires from contacting other conductors. So, if it cracks or melts, currents may escape from the wire and follow an undesired path. Also, the exposed wire can touch a grounding or neutral pathway, causing the fuse to blow.

Please note that loose connections or an internal wiring problem can also cause the fuse to keep blowing.

You can begin troubleshooting your John Deere by inspecting it for signs of wear on the wires or for loose connections. 

Replace damaged wires with the proper gauge wires—using the wrong gauge wire can cause heat resistance which may result in a fire hazard. The wrong gauge wire can also cause your lawn tractor to perform sub-optimally since inadequate current flows to its circuits. 

It is best to replace frayed wires rather than repair them to minimize your exposure to risks such as sparking. In addition, new wires last longer before they fail, thus requiring lesser maintenance.

Use zip ties to tighten loose connections. If you suspect that there may be an internal wiring problem, it is best to ask a certified professional to check this since it may be difficult to deduce.

See these durable nylon zip ties on Amazon.

Defective Starter Solenoid

The starter solenoid receives an electrical current from the battery and sends it to the starter motor. The current that the starter motor receives causes its shafts to rotate, activating the flywheel's teeth.

The fuse may keep blowing if the starter solenoid is faulty or its wires are damaged. so, if its wires look okay, we recommend asking a John Deere dealer to check whether there is an internal issue with your lawn tractor's starter solenoid.

But if you would still like to test it yourself, you can use a screwdriver to bypass the solenoid by following these steps:

  1. Turn on the ignition key.
  2. Locate the two terminals where the thick red wires attach to the solenoid.
  3. Touch both terminals with the screwdriver's shaft simultaneously, and check whether the engine turns over and starts. Please use a screwdriver that has a thick plastic or wooden handle to avoid electrocuting yourself.

If the engine starts, the starter solenoid is defective, and you should change it.

Here is a visual guide illustrating the above steps:

Faulty PTO Switch

The PTO (Power Take Off) switch engages the engine's power, enabling you to raise or lower the mower deck. If the fuse keeps blowing when you engage the PTO switch, you can assume it's defective and may need replacing.

This video can guide you in testing the condition of the PTO switch if you would like to confirm whether it is to blame for the repeated fuse blow:

Should You Replace A Blown Fuse With A Same-Sized Fuse?

Once you identify and resolve the problem that's causing the fuse to keep blowing, remember to replace the fuse with a fuse that has the exact size as the one you removed.

The fuse size should match the circuit wire's gauge to keep them from drawing more power than they can handle. Generally, the John Deere uses a 20 amp fuse.

If you replace the damaged fuse with a lower rating fuse, say 15 amp, the fuse will blow prematurely.

On the other hand, if you install a higher rating fuse, say 30 amp, if a malfunction occurs in John Deere's electrical system, the fuse won't blow, and the electrical current will keep flowing.

When this happens, the excess current may cause the wires to melt, the tractor's motor to blow, sparking that can start a fire, or even cause the tractor's battery to explode.

Why Won't My John Deere Lawn Tractor Start?

Gardening and Landscaping Theme. Outdoor Power Equipment Riding Lawn Mower Tractor Job. Grass Mowing Work.

It can be quite frustrating when your lawn tractor fails to start. Thankfully, this does not always imply something seriously wrong with your tractor.

Some issues are easy to resolve, while others may require the expertise of a John Deere dealer. So, if the lawn tractor won't start, diagnose it by checking for these problems.

Dirty Air Filters

The air filters protect the internal components in your lawn tractor from damage that would arise if the dust and debris kicked up during mowing found their way to these components. 

As dust accumulates on the filters, it causes the tractor to lose efficiency—it loses power and wastes fuel. Also, airflow to the engine becomes constricted, resulting in the engine overheating. This can cause the engine to fail to start.

If the lawn tractor with dirty filters starts, you may incur costly repairs since the overheating can cause permanent damage to the tractor's parts.

Dead Battery

Industrial handsome worker using ride-on tractor, lawn tractor. Lawn mowing details with tractor and sun rays

The lawn tractor relies on the battery to turn the engine and supply power to other components, such as electrical clutches and headlights. The battery then recharges while the engine is running.

Generally, the battery may remain charged for three to four weeks before it dies. Dead batteries are prevalent after winter because without running the engine, the battery discharges and eventually goes flat.  

If the battery dies, the engine will not turn. Consequently, your lawn tractor will not start. At other times, the lawn tractor may fail to start if the connections to the battery terminal are loose or corroded. So, remember to check the condition of the terminals before deciding to replace the battery.

Faulty Spark Plug

The spark plug ignites the air-and-fuel mixture in the lawn tractor's engine cylinder. Therefore, a dirty or defective spark plug may be to blame if the engine turns but fails to start. 

Stale Fuel

Generally, gas has a 30-day shelf-life. If the gas remains idle in the lawn tractor for more than 30 days, it can break down, causing the tractor's internal components to rust. This can cause your lawn tractor to fail to start.

It is best to add just enough fuel to your tractor so you can use it all. Alternatively, you can use fuel stabilizers to keep the gasoline from going bad.

See this stabilizer on Amazon.

The lawn tractor may also fail to start if the fuel tank is empty. So, always check the fuel levels before running your lawn tractor.

How To Maintain A John Deere Lawn Tractor

A John Deere lawn tractor in River Falls,Wisconsin on June 02,2015. Deere and Company is Headquartered in Moline,Illinois.

Taking good care of your lawn mower ensures that it serves you well when needed and reduces repair expenses. Here are a few ways to help you obtain efficient service from your lawn tractor for a long time.

Clean/Change The Filters

Cleaning the foam pre-cleaner after about 25 operating hours and replacing the paper filter after 300 operating hours is ideal.

You can check your owner's manual to determine what filter maintenance John Deere recommends for your lawn tractor's model.

Follow this guide to clean the filters (before you begin, ensure that the engine is off and all the parts have cooled down):

We also advise annually changing the fuel filters to keep the engine in good condition.

Battery Maintenance

Regularly charging the battery prevents sulfation—this is whereby lead sulfate crystals build up on a lead-acid battery's plates. Sulfation can cause premature battery failure.

If the lawn tractor stays idle for many weeks over the winter, run its engine every few weeks to enable the alternator to charge the battery. Alternatively, you can attach the battery to an automatic charger so it stays fully charged and avoids premature failure.

You may also need to regularly clean the battery terminals and check the cell's fluid level. You can refill the fluid if it is low by adding distilled water.

Spark Plug Maintenance

Dirt reduces the spark plug's ability to ignite the fuel-air mixture. For this reason, it is prudent to regularly inspect the spark plug and carefully clean it to avoid damaging it. You can use a wire brush to clean a spark plug that is still in usable condition.

If the spark plug is too dirty or has cracks, it is best to replace it to ensure that your lawn tractor remains in usable condition.

Final Thoughts

John Deere Compact Utility Tractor

If your John Deere keeps blowing fuses, inspect the wiring, starter solenoid, or PTO switch since they may be to blame. We hope that the information we've shared here helped you better understand the possible causes and how you can resolve them.

If the issue still persists, kindly consider engaging a John Deere dealer. They have the required tools and technical expertise to resolve all malfunctioning affecting your lawn tractor.

Before you go, consider checking out these posts - they may pique your interest!

How To Check Fault Codes On A John Deere? [Step By Step Guide]

How Long Should A John Deere Riding Mower Last?

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