445 PTO SOLENOID

[Krupczak1]

Bought a used 455 and the mower has not worked for a few years. I went right to the solenoid 12 volt plug to eliminate all the safety features other electrical connections and applied 12 volts direct to solenoid from a battery. Nothing happens, No click or sound implying the solenoid is firing. Assume it is shorted as it has a high ohm reading. Is there a special tool to get the armature out and can it be bench tested? How can I determine if the failure is internal to the hydraulic clutch or simply the solenoid without taking off the rear plate to expose the guts of the trans/PTO.

 

[Deleted member 97405]

Bought a used 455 and the mower has not worked for a few years. I went right to the solenoid 12 volt plug to eliminate all the safety features other electrical connections and applied 12 volts direct to solenoid from a battery. Nothing happens, No click or sound implying the solenoid is firing. Assume it is shorted as it has a high ohm reading. Is there a special tool to get the armature out and can it be bench tested? How can I determine if the failure is internal to the hydraulic clutch or simply the solenoid without taking off the rear plate to expose the guts of the trans/PTO.

The only way to check it is with hydraulic gauges. The simplest thing you can do is go to your dealer and order the solenoid valve. Part number AM878297. It just winds out of the rear of the transmission. I am including the removal/installation instructions from the tech manual. Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[Krupczak1]

The only way to check it is with hydraulic gauges. The simplest thing you can do is go to your dealer and order the solenoid valve. Part number AM878297. It just winds out of the rear of the transmission. I am including the removal/installation instructions from the tech manual. Hope this helps and good luck!

View attachment 44536View attachment 44537

Thanks for the immediate reply. This is helpful, it looks like I need a solenoid socket to get it out unless there is some other way. I did hot want to risk using an open end wrench on it. Am I correct to assume that 12 volts connected directly to the solenoid should activate it if it is working. It doesn't do anything.I am trying to bypass all the other electrical diagnostics.

 

[Deleted member 97405]

Thanks for the immediate reply. This is helpful, it looks like I need a solenoid socket to get it out unless there is some other way. I did hot want to risk using an open end wrench on it. Am I correct to assume that 12 volts connected directly to the solenoid should activate it if it is working. It doesn't do anything.I am trying to bypass all the other electrical diagnostics.

You're welcome! Yes, it should activate with power directly applied to it. Honestly, only the solenoid usually goes bad. I have already in the past, just swapped the coils and got them to work. It might be worth a try before you go and buy a special socket just for that. Just a thought.

 

[Krupczak1]

You're welcome! Yes, it should activate with power directly applied to it. Honestly, only the solenoid usually goes bad. I have already in the past, just swapped the coils and got them to work. It might be worth a try before you go and buy a special socket just for that. Just a thought.

Good suggestion. The armature bones not move it is stuck and I’m told the shaft should move in and or out. Make sense. I’m going to try filing a 15/16 open end. I think one millimeter will make a snug fit. If I can remove it I can see what’s going on. Will let you know my progress

 

[Krupczak1]

You're welcome! Yes, it should activate with power directly applied to it. Honestly, only the solenoid usually goes bad. I have already in the past, just swapped the coils and got them to work. It might be worth a try before you go and buy a special socket just for that. Just a thought.

Good suggestion. The armature does not move it is stuck and I’m told the shaft should move in and or out. Makes sense. I’m going to try filing a 15/16 open end. I think one millimeter will make a snug fit. If I can remove it I can see what’s going on. Will let you know my progress

 

[Deleted member 97405]

Whoever informed you the shaft should move may have misguided you. The part that moves is internal. I am including a pic of the layout. Part #6 is the pin that moves. You wont be able to see that unless you unscrew the shaft. I would try and put the new coil on the old shaft and see if you hear the pin inside 'click'.

(P.S., I have worked at a John Deere dealership since 1998 as a lawn and garden tech/shop manager. Just to give you a bit of background on my experience level.)
Good luck and let me know how you make out!

 

[Krupczak1]

Whoever informed you the shaft should move may have misguided you. The part that moves is internal. I am including a pic of the layout. Part #6 is the pin that moves. You wont be able to see that unless you unscrew the shaft. I would try and put the new coil on the old shaft and see if you hear the pin inside 'click'.

(P.S., I have worked at a John Deere dealership since 1998 as a lawn and garden tech/shop manager. Just to give you a bit of background on my experience level.)
Good luck and let me know how you make out!

View attachment 44560

That is the best advice. Even our dealer said the shaft should move that's why I thought it was stuck inside. I will buy the coil. I hesitate taking the armature out without the special socket.Perhaps I can save a lot of effort thanks to you.

another subject.
Do you have any opinion on a three point hitch after market brand?

 

[Deleted member 97405]

That is the best advice. Even our dealer said the shaft should move that's why I thought it was stuck inside. I will buy the coil. I hesitate taking the armature out without the special socket.Perhaps I can save a lot of effort thanks to you.

another subject.
Do you have any opinion on a three point hitch after market brand?

Unfortunately, I dont have much experience on the three point hitch for this tractor. We didnt sell many of that option as most people would just buy a compact tractor with a loader. I would suggest starting a new thread for that and see what kind of answers you get.

 

[Krupczak1]

Unfortunately, I dont have much experience on the three point hitch for this tractor. We didnt sell many of that option as most people would just buy a compact tractor with a loader. I would suggest starting a new thread for that and see what kind of answers you get.

I ordered the solenoid and hope to be" in business" next week. It seems to be the likely problem. TPH will be for a box grader, thanks for the tips