QuestionHello- I have a John Deere 445 20HP lawn tractor. The problem starts when I have been mowing grass from a cold start for 10-15 minutes; so far the engine runs perfectly. The engine all of the sudden chokes, coughs and sputters and dies or runs bad until it is turned off and restarted. If restarted after a few minutes, the same condition returns within 5 minutes. The EFI diagnostic light comes on in a long, long, short, short code and repeats. According to my manual this means "Key switch was turned on too quickly". When starting I always turn the key on and let the fuel pump run for about 2 sec. until it quits and then start the engine. The other possible EFI codes are Air Temp Sensor, Water Temp Sensor and Air Pressure Sensor problem (they however use different codes). I have installed new plugs and air filter since the problem started but it has not helped.
Here is the info from my engine:
Kawasaki V Twin 20HP OHV 617cc JDK Series
FAM ID SKA617U5G2RA
Prod ID# M00445C044401
Please help me narrow down the problem! I am thinking a sensor possibly breaking down when hot or possibly the coil? Thank You!
AnswerHello Barry:
LOL. I Just Love the Newer Engines. LOL. The Code for Ign Key Turned on to Quickly is a Common Code and I See it All the Time. Usually the First Code After the Key Code is the Cause of the Problem. This Code will Usually Cause the Other Sensors to Throw Code Into the Computer. Replace the Sensor that the Computer Shows First on the Readout. You are Correct in Thinking a Sensor is Heating Up and Causing this Problem. Sometimes you can Disconnect the Sensor and the Computer will Replace the Sensor with an Onboard Default that will Run the Engine. Try Unplugging the Sensor and See if the Engine Runs Correctly. I have Found that Not All Mowers will Operate without the Sensors Plugged in but Some Do. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.buykawpower.com/kmcb2c/main.jsp and Select View Parts Catalog. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
Hello Again Barry:
Operate the Unit Until it Quits and then Immediately Check for Fire at the Plug/s. If Fire at the Plug/s, then Disconnect the Sensors, One at a Time and Operate (try to) the Engine. I Suggest you Disconnect the Water Temp Sensor First. If the Plug is Not Firing, then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire to the Coil/Ign Module. Check for Fire at the Plug. If the Plug Still has No Fire to the Spark Plug with the Shut Off Wire Disconnected, then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
