John Deere is a well-known name in the farming and agricultural industry since they have an array of well-designed tractors. Similarly, they have designed John Deere 332 skid steer with a three-cylinder diesel engine and a power output of 16 horsepower.
It’s integrated with dual-spool hydraulics, which is great for using the power lift and angle blades. However, there are some issues associated with this skid steer, and with this article, we are sharing the problems as well as their solutions.
How to Fix John Deere 332 Skid Steer Problems?
- Sensors Not Performing
The sensors are designed to collect and transmit data from the equipment’s different parts and send it to the control board. However, if the sensors stop working, the users won’t be able to keep an eye on the skid steer’s performance. In most cases, the sensor issues are caused by damaged wires or fuses.
So, it’s recommended that you check the wires that connect the sensors and replace them if they are frayed or damaged (the bent wires should be replaced as well). In fact, you can connect the wiring cluster to the multimeter and see if they are transmitting power.
Secondly, you have to check the fuse – it’s recommended that you access the fuse box and look for the blackened fuse (the damaged or blown fuses become black). These fuses should be replaced immediately to make sure the power transmission is optimized.
- Power Output Issues
This skid steer is designed with a three-cylinder diesel engine as well as a power output of 16 horsepower, which is why low power output indicates an issue with the equipment. In most cases, it’s caused by insufficient or excess oil in the system.
That’s because too little or too much oil in the reservoir will damage the skid steer’s system as the skid steer won’t be able to sustain the pressure. For this reason, check the reservoir and make sure there is sufficient oil. Also, if the oil is too much, you must remove the excess.
On the other hand, if the oil levels are correct but the power output is still affected, you’ve to check for leaks in the pipes as well as the valves. That’s because the leaks will reduce the oil levels and cause pressure loss, hence low output.
So, the solution is to inspect all the valves and pipes in the skid steer to identify the leak and replace the damaged or leaking parts.
Last but not least, you must check the fuel pump . That’s because even if there is sufficient oil in the reservoir, a damaged fuel pump won’t be able to maintain the pressure. However, to check the fuel pump, you should hire a professional mechanic.
- Engine Doesn’t Start Or Hard Start
The three-cylinder diesel engine of this skid steer is designed to provide a smooth startup, but if your skid steer’s engine isn’t starting or has a hard start, you must check the spark plugs.
The spark plugs are integrated into the engine’s cylinder head and create a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture. However, if the spark plugs don’t work, the air-fuel mixture won’t be ignited, resulting in engine startup issues. The only solution for a damaged spark plug is to replace it.
The second thing you’ve to check is the fuel shutoff solenoid – it is a valve with an electromagnetic design and is responsible for cutting the fuel supply to the engine.
Similarly, a damaged solenoid can cause engine starting issues, particularly if you use the skid steer in a cold environment. That’s because the engine will take time to transmit fuel to the combustion chamber.
To fix the solenoid, it’s recommended that you restart the engine and give it a few minutes. However, if this doesn’t work, you’ve to replace the fuel solenoid.
If the engine still has starting issues, you’ve to check and adjust the choke. The choke is responsible for restricting airflow into the engine’s carburetor, but if it’s left on for too long, it causes engine wear and tear.
So, there are chances that your skid steer’s choke has been on for a long time, and the only solution is to turn off the choke and let the engine rest. After a few minutes, try turning on the engine, and it should work normally.
Lastly, you have to check the idle mixture screw – this is basically an air-fuel mixture screw that’s responsible for controlling how much air combines with the fuel.
The incorrect placement of this screw can impact the engine’s idling and startup. This is because adjusting this screw will change how slow or fast the engine will idle and how smoothly it operates. It’s recommended that you consult the manual for correct screw adjustment and make the changes accordingly.
- Engine Is Backfiring
If you turn on the engine and it creates an explosive sound, it indicates misfiring, and in most cases, it’s caused by the damaged ignition system. This is because the ignition system ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine, and it also has an ignition coil that transforms the battery voltage into a higher voltage.
Having said that, if the engine is backfiring, there are chances that the ignition system is damaged and has to be checked. However, you should hire a professional to check and repair the ignition system.
Secondly, you’ve to make sure that the idle mixture screw is in the right position. That’s because this screw controls how much air will combine with the fuel, and incorrect adjustment can cause engine issues. You can consult the manual for the correct placement of the idle mixture screw.
Last but not least, you’ve to look for sticking valves. In fact, if the backfiring issue is caused by sticking valves, the engine will make a clicking sound as well. The valves become sticky when there are carbon deposits on them.
In addition, the sticking valves are a result of worn-out valve guides. So, first of all, you’ve to replace the torn valve guides and clean the carbon deposits on the valves.
- Engine Is Running Cold Or Overheats
The engine has to achieve a specific temperature to work properly, which means a cold or overheated engine will cause performance issues in the skid steer.
So, if your engine is unable to achieve the right temperature, you should check the coolant level and make sure it’s not less or more than the recommended level. Also, make sure that the coolant switch is working optimally.
Secondly, you’ve to check the thermostat – it is responsible for maintaining the minimum operating temperature in the engine. Whenever you turn on the engine, the coolant and antifreeze mixture is saved in the engine by a thermostat and opens when the engine reaches a specific temperature.
However, if the engine has temperature issues, you’ve to get the thermostat inspected and repaired to make sure it works well.
Thirdly, you’ve to check the muffler. It is an important part of the exhaust system and is located on the rear bottom of the vehicle and helps in dampening the engine noise and emissions.
A broken muffler can negatively impact the exhaust system’s effectiveness and cause temperature issues. So, if the thermostat and coolant level aren’t the issue, you should hire a mechanic to get the muffler checked and repaired in case of damage.
- Engine Is Consuming Too Much Fuel
Poor fuel economy is a serious issue, and if your skid steer has started consuming too much fuel, the first step is to check the fuel injectors and make sure they aren’t damaged.
That’s because damaged fuel injectors will cause insufficient fuel inflow into the engine, resulting in efficiency issues. A less efficient engine will increase fuel consumption, which is why replacement of damaged fuel injectors is recommended.
Secondly, you’ve to ensure that the air filters aren’t clogged. That’s because clogged air filters can negatively impact the ratio of fuel and air going into the engine, which causes engine damage and higher consumption of fuel.
It’s common for people to clean the air filters and use them again, but we recommend replacing the clogged filters.