John Deere D140 is one of its compact series’s most powerful utility tractors. As it comes with expanding shoe brake, manual steering, and other unique but unusual features, It helped win many people’s hearts.
Many people are ready to open their hearts and lawn for John Deere D140s. Experts also appreciate the John Deere D140 for its durability and acceptability. But all John Deere masterpieces also have some dark sides.
A John Deere D140 is no exception. Some common John Deere D140 problems include engine cranking, carburetor issue, steering issue, and transmission issue. Sometimes, a John Deere D140 battery can die very quickly.
Therefore, learning about those everyday issues you will likely encounter while operating a John Deere D140 on your lawn is essential. In this article, I will discuss the most frequently seen and observed John Deere D140 problems and some helpful possible remedies that can solve these fixes.
John Deere D140 Problems
John Deere D140 Transmission Problems
If you ask me which problem in John Deere D140 is the most severe, I will say transmission failure. Transmission is responsible for turning mechanical power into fluid power. And, if anything goes wrong, your John Deere D140 may even stop working.
It is essential to ensure delicate hydrostatic control and convert the Fluid Power into shaft power. It is also necessary to keep your John Deere D140 on proper maintenance as they come with a specific working hours limit.
John Deere D140 comes with torque that can serve you with many working hours but requires adequate maintenance & servicing on time. If the transmission fluid is low or of poor quality, it will cause a heating issue with its system.
Other than this, ensure the transmission system has no signs of wear or tear or any damage. Regular repairing sessions and maintenance can help you solve most of your John Deere D140 transmission issues on time.
If you cannot detect the cause of the Transmission issue, a professional will give you the advantage of being ahead of time. It’s always right to seek an expert opinion on your transmission issue. John Deere has a dedicated team that is ready anytime to help you out with any of their products.
John Deere D140 Steering Problems
Steering wheel free play is excessive.
| Problem | Solution |
| Worn Out Steering column shaft. | Change it. |
| The steering column coupling is worn out. | Replace it. |
| Worn out Power steering control unit. | Replace it entirely. |
| Steering linkage joints. | Replace or repair steering linkage joints |
| The pump is not working. | Install a new hydraulic steering pump. |
| Worn-out Steering linkage joints. | Replace it. |
| Malfunctioning Power steering control unit. | Repair or replace it as required. |
Hard Steering
| Problem | Solution |
| Dirt Steering filter. | Clean it. |
| Air in the hydraulic steering system. | Bleed air |
| Low Steering oil level. | Restore the proper oil level. |
| Damaged the steering column. | Replace it. |
| Worn out the Power steering control unit. | Replace it entirely. |
| Faulty Steering pump. | Install a new steering pump. |
| Improperly Installed steering column. | Reinstall the steering column. |
| Suck the steering pump control valve. | Clean flow control valve. |
| Uneven tire pressure. | Inflate all four properly |
Front wheels wander to the left or right.
| Problem | Solution |
| Malfunctioned Power steering control unit has malfunctioned. | Repair it. |
| Steering cylinder damage. | Replace it |
| Toe-in is not set. | Check toe-in and correct. |
| Worn front wheel bearings. | Replace them. |
| Loose Steering linkage joints open. | Repair steering linkage |
| Incorrectly adjusted front wheel bearings. | Adjust it correctly. |
John Deere D140 Starter Problems
| Problem | Solution |
| The main fuse is faulty. | Install a new fuse. |
| The ignition lock is defective. | Replace switch. |
| It corroded Battery contacts. | Inspect and clean it. |
| Low battery voltage. | Battery charging is required. |
| Damaged Starter. | Install a new one. |
| Wires disconnected | Reconnect them. |
The starter issue is quite familiar with John Deere D140 engines. This usually occurs when there is any failed starter component or overheating. Any build-up on the battery may also cause the starter to fail.
The most common symptom of a John Deere D140 not starting is said to be a hard start or may not be cranking at all. First, check the rocket bracket balls to see if they have nearly come out. Open the hood and inspect that. If extreme tightness bans it, here is what you should do to fix most of these issues.
The Fix:
Firstly, you need to start with the starter solenoid. If it seems well, go with the battery connection. The connection should be tight and clean.
If there is no fault or damage on the safety switch, you must check the belt adjustments to see if those are also adjusted correctly and fit for the push road.
If it had got any bent, replace it. Ensure that the rocker’s support is also in the proper location of the deck. Maybe you need to get it in the correct place.
John Deere D140 Pto Problems
The power take-off function of your John Deere D140 can malfunction for several causes. The users of the John Deere D140 have frequently complained about the PTO not being activated or activating the bottom deck.
The safety switch may have gone faulty. If it has stopped working, you are likely to experience pto problems. If you cannot locate the safety switch, check the handbook or user manual you received with the John Deere D140. Below is what you need to do for the solution.
The Fix:
If the safety switch is the problem, you will need to get it replaced. If the PTO control valve has been improperly adjusted, adjust it correctly according to the user manual. Sometimes PTO is partially working because the control valve is seated improperly.
If the clutch seems worn out, you got the source of the PTO problem. It would help if you immediately replaced any broken clutch pack to solve the issue. If the clutch pack has exploded for some reason, PTO will not get proper flow & pressure.
John Deere D140 Fuel Problems
It will have difficulty starting the engine if you need help with your John Deere D140 fuel system. If there is anything related to the fuel, there can be terms of things responsible for that. But here are a few things to notice.
If you keep your John Deere D140 aside for a whole season, your fuel may have degraded. If there is any fuel sediment sits inside, it will harm your John Deere D140 condition. I recommend you always keep your John Deere D140 tank clean.
Before saving your John Deere D140 aside for a season, it is essential to ensure it has no oil and is properly clean. Using grease older than a month will also harden your John Deere D140 fuel pump and engine.
This could be the real issue if you have left your fuel tank half-filled while it is not in use. Otherwise, you also need to check the fuel viscosity. If you use the proper fuel type that John Deere advises, the John Deere D140’s performance will remain the same.
To prevent any energy element from getting vaporized and the residue stuck inside, I highly recommend you contact your John Deere D140 for servicing on time. It is advised to keep your tank full and doesn’t mix anything with it.
John Deere D140 Engine Problems
Engine Starts Hard Or Will Not Start: If a John Deere D140 engine is not starting, its fuel filter may be clogged. Make sure to get it proper maintenance. If the air is trapped inside your John Deere D140 fuel system, make sure to bleed It.
All these can cause your John Deere D140 engine to start hard. Other than this, look out for any faulty fuel injection Nosal and replace them. If the pump looks in terrible condition, never mind replacing it too. If all these don’t resolve the issue and your John Deere D140 is still not starting, get your unit to an authorized service center.
Engine Stops Running Suddenly: if your John Deere D140 engine stops running suddenly, maybe its injection pump timing is wrong.
It is recommended to set it up as advice. Other than this, if the fuel filter has gone clogged, I will advise you to change it. Lastly, if the filter element or the coolant temperature is deficient, warm up the engine as required before operating it.
Engine Starts But Stalls Suddenly: if your John Deere D140 starts but stalls suddenly, the primary cause can be the clogged fuel filter element.
Make sure to get it proper maintenance or replacement as needed. Any defective fuel injection pump or bag filter should also be replaced on time.
Engine Overheats: A John Deere D140 engine usually overheats when there is insufficient engine oil. Check and consider restoring an appropriate amount of oil using a dipstick.
Other than this, if the radiator cap is leaking or the radiator fins are clogged, you have got the source of the engine overheating. Consider changing the lid and cleaning the radiator or otherwise as required. If the engine coolant is insufficient, add some coolant fluid to it. Lastly, look for any worn-out or loose fan belt that needs replacement.
Engine Loses Power: If the injection nozzles are dirty or faulty, consider cleaning them. It doesn’t resolve the issue and the injection nozzle is in a harmful condition; replace it. Other than this, if there is any dirt in the fuel hoses or line, consider cleaning it.
Servicing the fuel hoses and cables from time to time is essential. Improperly installed head gaskets or a damaged cylinder head gasket can also be the problem. Do address when needed.
Engine Knocks Or Noises: if your John Deere D140 keeps knocking or emitting noises, it may not be warmed up to the required running temperature. Other than this, if the oil level is insufficient, add some.
Sometimes, the wrong setting of the fuel injection pump timing also causes the issue that needs adjustment and nothing else. Lastly, worn-out pistons may also be the culprit. Use the user manual guide to replace it and connect the rod with proper alignment.
Engine Stops While Idling: if this is the case, adjust the speed. If it is low, your John Deere D140 will stop while idling. If there is any excessive valve clearance, it is needed to be readjusted according to the specification and owner manual. And change the firm or repair it if it is found faulty.
Oil Pressure Too Low: A damaged oil pump can also need replacement. Other than this, ensure the crankcase has the proper fuel. Oil filters may also need servicing, which can be the culprit of all pressure being low. Last but not least, your sensor may have gone wrong, and you have been getting a false reading.
John Deere D140 Hydrostatic Transmission Problems
| Problem | Solution |
| Hot or cold hydraulic system. | Keep it within the optimum temperature zone. |
| Old hydraulic fluid. | Flush the old fluid and replace it with a new one less than a month old. |
| Lack of lubrication. | Lubricate regularly. |
| Air in the lines. | Bleed air from the pipes. |
| Worn out belt. | Replace the belt. |
| Leaking Hydraulic fuel. | Clean or replace the filter as needed. |
Final Thoughts
After knowing about this problem with your John Deere D140, you will be able to resolve them quickly. Make sure to keep in mind that frequent maintenance of your John Deere D140 can longer its smooth operations.
If you have owned a John Deere D140, you might know its biggest problem. This article may help you figure out what you should do and how to resolve them. I tried my best to give you all the information about John Deere D140’s problems, and it’s possible.
If you like this article, consider sharing it. Your share will help many people become aware of this problem and perform some basic remedial steps to fix those problems and avoid expensive repair costs. Do check our other article on other mowers. See you in the following article, till then take care and goodbye.
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.