Understanding John Deere Fault Codes and Their Meaning

In the past, diagnosing farm equipment problems was pretty hectic, especially if you did not know what exactly was ailing it. It would take a long time before you identified the source of its problems. 

This is no longer the case, courtesy of technological advancements in the automotive industry. Your tractor’s ECU will throw a code, making it easier to identify the problem. Among the tractor brands that display error codes is John Deere.

So, what do John Deere codes mean? John Deere ECUs will show a code whenever the tractor encounters a problem. The issue is that many people may not comprehend the codes. 

You are in the right place if you don’t understand JD codes. We present you with the necessary info about the fault codes and how to read them.

Introducing John Deere Fault Codes

John Deere utilities are among the most reliable in the market, but once in a while, they may go down with various problems. Getting to the root of JD tractor problems can be challenging, especially if you lack mechanical know-how. The good news is that you can diagnose what ails the vehicle via fault codes.

The codes are alphanumeric characters that reflect on the display of a diagnostic tool, and they guide you to the source of trouble. Understanding the codes makes the work easier, as you know which system to attend to. 

How do the codes work? The warning John Deere indicator light codes are like problem references. You should check a list with the numbers and issues they represent to know what is wrong with the tractor.

How To Check John Deere Fault Codes

Checking for John Deere codes is a walk in the park. The following are steps to follow to check the diagnostic numbers at home. 

• Park your JD tractor or farm equipment on a level and sturdy surface to ensure no variables can affect your readings.
• You should lower the boom and engage the parking brake. Moreover, the transmission control lever should be neutral.
• Turn on the ignition and press the reset button, which you find on the dashboard. Press the reset key for around 3-5 seconds. You will notice a notification alerting you that you are in diagnostic mode. The first digit will flash, and the second will follow after a short break. 
• You notice 32 flash codes if there are active codes and 88 if there are none. A recorded defect code will flash a 33 on display. If the display shows an 88, it means that there is no recorded fault code.
• Switch off the ignition after picking up the fault figures. 

Older John Deere models require you to use the turn signal to select options on the diagnostic menu. You pick your selection by pressing the hazard switch. 

John Deere Fault Code List

A crucial part of learning how to read John Deere fault code is knowing its origin, as they come from different systems.

The engine control unit (ECU) codes indicate complications with the tractor’s electrical unit, while the armrest control unit (ACU) hints at system troubles. The codes may also pop from the basic control unit (BCU) and transmission control unit (TCU). 

Let us look at the error codes from each unit and the problem. 

John Deere ECU Fault Codes List

The engine control unit or engine control module (ECM) works with various sensors to regulate the engine’s fuel and air intake and spark timing. As mentioned earlier, a code from the ECU signals a hitch with the electrical system. The following are some of John Deere ECU fault codes and their meaning.

• ECU 000097.03 and ECU 000097.04: These John Deere codes indicate water in the fuel. The latter signals that the water trap is full. You should contact the John Deere service center for assistance.
• ECU 000100.01: Low oil pressure. You should check your oil levels.
• ECU 000100.03: An issue with the oil pressure voltage signal. You should consult your nearest John Deere dealer.
• ECU 000100.18: Low engine power and oil pressure. Check the oil levels and make necessary adjustments.
• ECU 000102.02: A faulty manifold air pressure sensor.
• ECU 000102.03: The intake manifold pressure sensor is out of order.
• ECU 000102.04: A voltage signal hitch with the manifold air pressure.
• ECU 000103.00: Higher speed with limited engine power. You should reduce the load and speed. Also, the turbocharger speed may be too high if you have one. 
• ECU 000103.05: Reduced turbocharging speed sensor.
• ECU 000103.06: Hiked turbocharger power.
• ECU 000103.08: Wrong turbocharger speed.
• ECU 000103.31: No turbocharge speed.
• ECU 000105.00: Hiked engine air intake temperature
• ECU 000105.04: A troublesome temperature signal.
• ECU 000105.15: A dirty radiator or cooling system. You should clean the parts to prevent overheating and other issues. 
• ECU 000105.16: An abnormally high manifold air temperature.
• ECU 000108.02: Incorrect barometric temperature.
• ECU 000110.00: The engine coolant’s temperature is high.
• ECU 000110.15: High engine air temperature.
• ECU 000110.17: Low engine air temperature. 
• ECU 000157.10: Fuel pressure drops fast.
• ECU 000157.17: The fuel pressure doesn’t rise.

John Deere ACU Fault Codes List

Armrest control unit codes signal a hitch brought by system faults. The following are John Deere’s Codes from the ACU.

• ACU 000158.04 (rear PTO unit): Insufficient ACU voltage.
• ACU 000177.17: Transmission oil is cold and affects engine performance.
• ACU 000581.07 (transmission system): The transmission is unresponsive. 
• ACU 000974.02/ 000974.03: The hand throttle circuit has a voltage issue.
• ACU 002000.09 (communication system): ECU message not showing or a faulty fuse F24.
• ACU 002003.09 (communication system): PTP and PTI messages are not showing.
• ACU 002020.09 (communication system): SFA message not showing.
• ACU 523775.02: A problematic hand presence switch.
• ACU 523805.03: Issues with the single lever control.
• ACU 523955.31 (transmission system): Excess engine load in manual mode.
• ACU 523960.17 (operator not in seat): Low speed without an operator.
• ACU 523960.31 (operator not in seat): Operator not seated or a faulty sensor.
• ACU 523961.02 (transmission system): Gear shifts to park while still in gear. 
• ACU 523961.07: A complication with the park lock engagement.
• ACU 523962.31 (MFWD): Incorrect MFWD speed.
• ACU 523923.02/ 523923.03/ 523923.04 (operator controls): A problem with the sensor or SCV I control level switch. 

John Deere TCU fault codes

The transmission control unit is a type of electric control unit that manages automatic transmission systems. The following are codes that this control unit can throw.

• TCU 304020.02: A problematic transmission of the enable signal. 
• TCU 304019.05: A malfunctioning clutch pedal sensor.
• TCU 304050.04 (hydrostatic speed sender): A grounded channel 1 circuit.
• TCU 304024.04 (transmission oil temperature sender): An electrical grounding problem. 
• TCU 304032.03 (clutch pedal switch): A short circuit.
• TCU 304057.03 (transmission output speed sender): An open or shorted circuit at channel 1.
• TCU 304033.03: An issue with the circuit.
• TCU 304040.03: An open or shorted circuit.

John Deere BCU Codes

The basic control unit is John Deere’s central computer controller. Let us look at the BCU codes and what they signal.

• BCU 000070.31: A problem with the handbrake.
• BCU 000084.02 (wheel speed sender): A faulty circuit.
• BCU 000168.16: An excessively high voltage when the engine runs.
• BCU 000168.17: The voltage is low when the engine runs at around 1500 RPM. 
• BCU 000168.18: A low voltage when the engine speed exceeds 1500 RPM.
• BCU 000186.02 (rear PTO speed sender): A problem with the circuit.
• BCU 000190.02 (engine speed sender): A faulty circuit.
• BCU 000629.12: An internal hitch.
• BCU 000639.14: A high error value.
• BCU 000746.31: A troublesome differential lock solenoid valve circuit.
• BCU 000980.07: A malfunctioning rear PTO switch. 
• BCU 299780.07: A bad turn signal switch.
• BCU 302001.31: 250 hours of service.
• BCU 302002.31: 500 service hours.
• BCU 302003.31: 750 service hours.
• BCU 302004.32: 1500 hours of service.
• BCU 302073.31: A troublesome rear PTO solenoid valve circuit.

Use the Above Codes to Diagnose Your John Deere

Understanding John Deere codes is quite challenging for many people. Fortunately, we’ve taken an in-depth look at this subject and brought you the fault code list and what they mean. 

Diagnosis should no longer be challenging once you grasp the codes. Feel free to contact your nearest John Deere dealership or service center if the problem at hand is too much for you to handle.