One Possible
problem that apparently is a known problem (according to my dealer) is
that a small percentage of the cruise
modules have a low temperature sensitivity. Of course this would only affect
DK-se models equipped with a hydrostatic transmissions as they only have cruise
modules.
The cruise module
does quite a bit more than its name would suggest in that it would only control
the cruise magnet when you flip the cruise control switch. The module is also part of the safety system
that requires the range selector to be placed in the Neutral position before
the start relay will energize that then allows the starter solenoid to pull in
and engage the starter to crank the engine. This engine start function is
actuated by the cruise module placing a ground thru a diode onto one side of
the start relay, while the key switch when in the start position places 12
volts onto the other side of the relay coil.
My module would
not show a Neutral lamp when placed in neutral when the ambient temperature was
below about 20 degree's F. When the temperature was above approximately 20
degrees F all worked as it should. In
other words the Neutral lamp would illuminate when the range lever was placed
in Neutral, and the engine would only crank when the range selector was in
Neutral. In fact when it was cold none of the range positions (L M or H) would
illuminate on the display unit.
You would think
this might prevent a start as normally if the range selector is not in neutral
the engine will not crank, however my engine would crank with the range
selector in any position when this problem was in effect. It may be possible that some particular
modules might not allow the ground to be extended to the low side of the start
relay to allow cranking. But I don't know this for sure.
In any case
replacement of the module solved this low temperature problem.
While in my case, this temporary failure of the cruise
module did not cause me any great harm, it would perhaps be possible for an in
gear start to occur and if a person had their foot on one of the
speed/direction control pedals then the tractor might move unexpectedly causing
an accident or property damage.
The cruise module is located under the tractors left
floorboard about where you left foot would be as you sit normally in the seat.
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