It can be due to multiple factors if you have problems with your John Deere 100 Series’s hydrostatic transmission. It can be caused due to a faulty component or even low fuel in significant cases.
Please don’t be worried because, in this article, I will give you an in-depth review of issues, causes, and their solution to keep you from sitting back while mowing your lawn using a John Deere 100 Series.
The John Deere 100 Series series transmission problems are easy to resolve if you have some basic knowledge and enough experience fixing a mower.
The hydrostatic transmission system’s job is to drive the engine used in the fluid moving through several moldable hoses. With the hydrostatic transmission system, you don’t need to hear and modify the spinning mechanical energy from one to another.
With the help of a proper and healthy hydrostatic transmission system, a John Deere 100 Series can use as a gearbox in a fixed rearrangement of the pump and an engine. Take a quick look at some common John Deere 100 Series transmission problems without wasting another second.
5 John Deere 100 Series Transmission Problems
Transmission Not Engaging Or Will Not Shift Properly.
Oil Level Too High Or Low: The John Deere 100 Series transmission system will fail to engage if the oil level is too high or too low. It is essential to fall the appropriate amount of oil into your John Deere 100 Series hydraulic system that is necessary and according to the user manual. You should measure the oil amount using the dipstick.
Pilot-operated Shift Valves Not Operating Properly: There can be many reasons why your John Deere 100 Series pilot-operated shift valves should be operating better. Therefore, I recommend you call your mechanic and consult before trying to fix anything right.
Pump Output Pressure Low: If you keep the pump output pressure low, a John Deere 100 Series transmission system will not shift even or adequately disengage. It is essential to keep the pump output pressure at an optimal level.
Clutch Piston O-rings Damaged: If the clutch Piston boring is deteriorated or faulty, don’t mind replacing it with the new one or repairing it if needed.
Clutch Discs Worn Or Damaged: Any worn out or damaged clutch discs should be replaced as per suggestion.
Coupling Shafts Or Gear Teeth Damaged. If the gear teeth are damaged, consider replacing the coupling shaft.
Low Or No Pump Pressure
| Problem | Solution |
| Low Oil Level. | Correct the oil level. |
| Transmission filled with incorrect oil. | Use appropriate high end oil that is recommended by the manufacturer or the user manual. |
| Oil is contaminated. | If air, water, or any debris contaminate your fuel tank or the transmission fluid oil, it will have low to no pump pressure at all. So, clean and replace it as needed. |
| Clogged Pump Suction Pipe Screen. | Repair or replace the suction suction pipe as required. |
| Central Shaft Damaged. | If the centres are seems to be faulty and the main culpate of no pump pressure replace it |
| Pump worn or damaged. | Sometimes the problem can occur directly from the damage or worn out pump. Solution is as simple as replacing the entire pump system. |
John Deere 100 Series Does Not Move
A John Deere 100 Series will malfunction and not move if there is any problem with its component. Therefore the first thing you should do is check its hydraulic system and transmission system. Below are a few causes of the Transmission problem in the John Deere 100 Series that will keep it from starting or moving.
- If the control valve supply is a problem, never mind repairing or replacing it.
- Other than this, a damaged connection of the John Deere 100 Series wiring harness can also be the culprit that needs replacement.
- If there is any oxidation in the contacts of the electric cables or the harness wiring, the John Deere 100 Series will not mow.
- Any sudden interruption of the electric cable will also hold a John Deere 100 Series.
- If there is any damage to the solenoid valves or the solenoids themselves, replace them as soon as possible.
- Damaged sensors or short circuits can also be responsible for an underlying John Deere 100 Series transmission problem.
- Depending upon the model, a damaged oil pump or restricted filter also hampers John Deere 100 Series function and makes it not mow.
- A mower will not mow if it has an excessively worn-out clutch assembly.
- If the converter is damaged, replace it.
- If the oil temperature is below zero degrees, warm up John Deere 100 Series, especially in the winter.
John Deere 100 Series With Reduced Power Transmission
| Problem | Solution |
| Incorrect oil temperature. | Restore acceptable temperature values of the oil. |
| Transmission oil overheating. | Transmission oil might be overheating due to lack of oil or excessive oil. Correct the oil level. |
| Incorrect oil level. | Always check the oil level before operating a John Deere 100 Series. Correct or level |
| Incorrect operating pressures. | If the operating pressure is not enough to power the engine, a John Deere 100 Series will not move. Correct operating pressure. |
| 4WD fails to engage. | If this is the case, replace the entire 4wd shaft assembly. |
| Worn-out clutch assembly. | If your John Deere 100 Series clutch assembly is failed or worn out, replace it to solve any underline transmission problem of the John Deere 100 Series. |
| Damaged Converter. | Replacement is needed |
Overheating
- Damaged Cooling System: If the cooling system of your John Deere 100 Series is not working correctly, replace it.
- Parking Brake Activated. Any operator error or your untouch unintentionally activating the parking brake may also stop your John Deere 100 Series from moving.
- Debris: Soil deposit on your John Deere 100 Series Excel wheel herbs that keep your John Deere 100 Series from moving forward or reverse. Clean the axle after every time you operate it.
- Broken Gears Bearings And Shaft: If a Shafy bearing or gear is broken/faulty, replace them as needed. Any of these components may interfere with the transmission system of your John Deere 100 Series if deteriorated.
- Faulty Oil Thermostat: If the oil thermostat is damaged, never mind replacing it with the new one.
- Insufficient Oil Level: Check the oil level before starting your John Deere 100 Series. If it is found to be low, restore the oil level.
- Worn-Out Pump: If your John Deere 100 Series pump is worn out, replace it entirely. If you can do it on your own, then that’s good. Never mind calling your mechanic or authorized service center if you can’t comment.
John Deere 100 Series Transmission Problem By Model Type
S100
- Transmission problems are frequent in this model if there is excessive fuel. Therefore, check the level of oil before starting it.
- While running for about an hour, this particular model may begin to lose its transmission system and components. Never mind looking for any internally worn-out transaxle.
- The s100 is prone to overheating if appropriately used. In case of insufficient oil, overheating me occur also. If the transmission oil is overheating, restore the oil level according to the user manual or manufacturer’s recommendation.
- The s100 model is prone to malfunctioning if removal is under much load.
- Always inspect the drain plug for cleaning damages or wear & tear. If found any, make sure to repair or replace them as needed.
S120
- When you mow your lawn using an s120, its transmission may start slipping as the mower ages. Proper maintenance is essential. Worn-out driving belts and tensioners generally cause this problem.
- The S120 usually lacks the power to ride small hills.
S130
- After a couple of months of using a John Deere 100 Series S130, its pump located in the transaxle may start decaying, making the engine movement end. Taking care of a John Deere 100 Series transaxle is integral to its proper maintenance.
- A John Deere 100 Series S130 is also prone to hydraulic leakage despite a high fluid level. The oil may emit from both edges if the liquid level is excessive. Always trade excessive oil and restore the correct oil level.
S140
- After using the S140 couple of months, you may encounter the engine not starting or not reversing due to an underlying problem. In this case, you should check the pinion gear rack bearings and the driving belts. If there is any damage to those components, replace them with new ones.
- The air filter or the carburetor may develop some issues that can interfere with your s140 model transmission system. Never mind cleaning the air filter carburetor and the battery once in a while as a part of its regular maintenance to prevent any setbacks.
- A John Deere 100 Series s140 is also prone to stop working suddenly. If this is the case, it is advised to check the flux cable for any visible damages or Sparks. If found, replace the inflaming coil and the plug cable.
S160
- A model s160 may instantly go out of work if there is any leakage or problem with the lift arm fitting or gasket.
- The hydraulic reservoir of the s160 gets down, making the steering challenging to turn. If this is the case, take the help of a mechanic or find the root cause to fix the issue.
- A John Deere 100 Series s160 model, is particularly prone to slowing down in the 6-7th month of use. It can happen due to a deteriorated fuel pump or a lack of fuel. Never mind cleaning the fuel pump and trailing the hydraulic dipstick to find out if the fluid has any gurgle in it or not.
- Sometimes the problem could also generate by a suction leak that needs repair.
S170 & S180
During the research, we have yet to find any particular transmission problem worth mentioning here. However, it doesn’t mean the s170 and the s180 model will not develop any future transmission problems. Most of the transmission issues with these models are minor to fix.
FAQ
Why Won’t My Hydrostatic Transmission move?
If your John Deere 100 Series’s hydrostatic transmission is not moving, it can be due to old drive belts, aired fuel lines, lack of fluid, or transmission problems. A worn-out oil fluid will also inhibit John Deere 100 Series hydrostatic transmission movement in most cases.
What Causes Hydrostatic Transmission problems?
There can be many causes of hydrostatic problems in the John Deere 100 Series, but in significant cases, worn-out components or damaged parts are the main culprits. Lack of fuel or old fuel that has degraded may be responsible for the hydrostatic transmission problem.
How Do You Adjust A John Deere Hydrostatic Transmission?
Firstly you need to detach the hydrostatic transmission to restore the fluid. Fortunately, there is no specific procedure to replace the John Deere 100 Series fluid. Make sure your John Deere 100 Series has all the original replacement parts.
Final Thoughts
It is essential to ensure proper maintenance to prevent any John Deere 100 Series transmission problem while operating. It would help if you were attentive and careful about all its components and parts with any machine. Problems are a natural occurrence with mechanical components, but there is always a solution.
Therefore, if you encounter any issue regarding your John Deere 100 Series transmission issue problem, follow this article and instructions from John Deere on hydrostatic transmission problems.
It is essential to be very cautious with your John Deere 100 Series problem and execute the solution time to ensure the smoother and safer performance of your John Deere 100 Series. I tried to give you all the John Deere 100 Series problem information.
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I’m David man behind Lawn Mowerly; I’ve been dealing with lawnmowers and Tractors with my father since I was a kid. I know every make and model and what each one is capable of and love helping people find the perfect lawn mower for their needs.