6 Typical John Deere 4960 Problems With Fixes

Do you have a John Deere 4960 that isn’t working properly? Several problems can be the reasons. Are you looking for a guide on this issue? 

You don’t have to worry about it, we’ll cover everything here. 

John Deere 4960 has some common engine problems, such as not starting or not running properly. Fuel problems may also occur along with engine problems. Poor fuel economy is the most common fuel problem. You may also face throttle problems like hard shifting transmission and steering hard to move.

This isn’t everything you need to know. For a complete guide, you can read through this article.

John Deere 4960 Engine Problems

The John Deere 4960 engine rarely develops serious problems. We’ve suspected a few common issues with the engine, however. This is what we will discuss here.

Problem	Reason	Solution
Engine Not Starting	Low-charged or damaged battery	Jumpstart/ replace the battery
	Defective ignition switch	Replace ignition switch
	Bad timing belt	Replace timing belt
Engine Not Running Properly	Dirty fuel injector	Clean the Fuel Injector

Problem 1: Engine Not Starting

In the John Deere 4960, you’ll find the issue like the engine not working. A variety of factors can cause this issue.  Let’s know the probable reasons behind this issue. 

Reason 1: Low-Charged or Damaged Battery

Your John Deere 4960 engine may not start because of a low-charged or dead battery. When you start your car, your battery generates a voltage by turning chemical energy into electrical energy.

A dead or depleted battery cannot provide the power required to start the engine. As a result, a depleted or dead battery causes the engine not to start. 

Solution: Jumpstart/Replace Battery

If your John Deere 4960  Battery charge gets low, you may need to jumpstart. A jump start is not so difficult. You can perform it by yourself. But you’ll need the support of another person.  

First, you need to arrange a vehicle that has a fully charged battery. The following tools are needed for a jumpstart.

• A vehicle with a fully charged battery
• Jumper cable

 Then the following steps you need to perform:

Step 1: 

Open the battery trunk of both vehicles ( John Deere & the vehicle that has a charged battery)

Step 2:

Attach both batteries by the jumper wire. Ensure that the positive wire is connected to the positive and the negative wire is connected to the negatives. 

Step 3:

After connecting both batteries, start jiggling the ignitor. And you’ll get it fixed.  But if your battery is damaged or totally dead, you may need to replace it. It’ll cost $200 to $400. 

Reason 2: Defective Ignition Key

A defective ignitor could be one of the major reasons behind the engine not starting. Because when you jiggle the ignitor key, it sparks in the spark plug. Sparks make force in the engine, and it gets started.

But a defective ignitor failed to create sparks in the spark plug, and the engine doesn’t start for that.

Solution: Replace Ignition Key and Fix the Wire Connection

To get rid of the ignition switch malfunction, you need to arrange for a new ignition key from the locksmith. After arranging a new key, you need to follow the following steps. 

Step 1:

Remove the ignition panel underneath the steering wheel. Is the ignition tip wire properly connected?

Step 2:

Connect the wire to the ignition in a proper manner. Be careful about the negative and positive wires. 

Step 3:

Jiggle the ignition key to start the engine.

Reason 3: Bad Timing Belt 

Timing belts are connected to pulleys that drive the crankshaft, so a worn belt will affect starting speed.

There is a possibility that the belt will ultimately slide on the camshaft drive, causing the engine cylinder to open and close at the wrong time as a result. 

And it can cause the engine not to start. 

Solution: Replace the Timing Belt 

Timing belt replacement is the solution to a bad belt. However, if some minor problems occur, they can be fixed.

But the replacement or fixing procedure is very critical. That’s why it’s better to contact an expert to fix your John Deere timing belt. 

Problem 2: Engine Not Run Properly

You find your John Deere 4960 engine is not running properly.  There can be several reasons behind this issue. Let’s discuss the possible reasons here. 

Reason 1: Dirty Fuel Injector

One of the main reasons why John Deere 4960 engines don’t run properly is dirty fuel injectors.

The dirty fuel injector prevents fuel from reaching the engine. The engine cannot run properly due to inadequate fuel transmission. 

Solution: Clean the Fuel Injector

The solution to the dirty fuel injector is very simple. There are only a few things you need to do.

• First, remove the fuel injector. Clean all the debris and contamination from the injector. 
• Set the injector as it was. Use contamination-free refined fuel.

John Deere 4960 Fuel Problem

You may encounter some fuel problems in your John Deere 4960. Most of these problems are reported by users. We will discuss those problems as well as possible solutions here.

Problem	Reason	Solution
Poor fuel economy	Wrong fuel grade	Use the Appropriate Grade of Fuel
	Clogged fuel injector	Unclog the fuel injector

Problem 1: Poor Fuel Economy

We’ve noticed some people facing the poor fuel economy issue in their John Deere 4950. The majority of the time, this problem is caused by a mistake. The problem can, however, also be caused by some technical error. 

Here are some reasons why fuel economy is poor.

Reason 1: Wrong Fuel Grade

The wrong fuel grade is the key reason behind poor fuel economy. Fuel efficiency will decrease if you use the wrong fuel grade or gasoline type.

Wrong-graded fuel burns very quickly. Besides poor fuel economy, the wrong fuel grade decreases the engine’s performance. 

Solution: Use Appropriate Grade of Fuel

There is an easy-to-do solution for the wrong fuel grade. The perfect type and grade of fuel for the John Deere 4960 is octane unleaded gasoline, rating 87 to 92.  

Here are the steps to follow to fix the wrong grade of fuel issue. 

• Drain out all the wrong-graded fuel
• Use the suggested grade of the fuel

Reason 2: Clogged Fuel Injector

A clogged fuel injector prevents fuel from being properly transmitted. Consequently, fuel can burn poorly without performing well. The result is a decrease in fuel economy.

Solution: Unclog and Clean the Fuel Injector

Unclogging the fuel injector is not an easy procedure. But it’s possible to do it at home if you have the following tools. 

• An assortment of wrenches 
• An air compressor 
• Kit for cleaning fuel injectors

Now, let’s start the procedure of unclogging: 

Step 1:

Find your fuel injectors first. You might not know where they are if it’s your first time cleaning them. Double-check your tractor manual if you’re uncertain about the layout under the hood.

Step 2:

Remove the fuel injectors from the pump by gently pulling them. Once you’re done cleaning, connect the fuel return line to the fuel pump to return the gas to the tank.

Step 3:

Attach your cleaning kit’s hose and port to your fuel port. By doing so, you will prevent an excessive buildup of pressure.

Step 4:

Use the cleaning solution (typically take 5-10 minutes to complete). Reattach the pressure regulator and fuel pump after you disconnect the cleaning kit. 

John Deere 4960 Throttle Problems

In John Deere 4960, you might encounter some problems with the throttle. Some of the problems we’ve found in this model. Let’s see what they are. 

Problem	Reason	Solution
Transmission slips	Low transmission fluid	Add Transmission Fluid
Hard steering	Low hydraulic oil level in the tank

Problem 1: Transmission Slip

A slippy gear is usually caused by regular wear and tear, causing it not to engage correctly and to slip out of sync. 

However, there is a certain reason behind the John Deere 4960 transmission slips.

Reason: Low Transmission Fluid

One of the most common causes of a slipping transmission is the low transmission fluid level. Transmission fluid helps to operate all the transmission. When the fluid drops too low, transmission slipping is a common scenario.

However, there is a basic procedure to fix this issue. 

Solution: Add Transmission Fluid

You can add transmission fluid by following some easy steps. Let’s go through the steps now: 

Step 1:

Ensure the vehicle is parked and the emergency brake is set. Next, you’ll need to locate the hood. The hood can usually be found where your left knee is when sitting in the driver’s seat.

Step 2:

The transmission dipstick looks similar to the oil dipstick. The handle should be yellow or orange; if you’re unsure, check your owner’s manual. Pull out the transmission dipstick and wipe it clean with a towel. 

Step 3:

After cleaning the dipstick, place it back in its original position and remove it again. By doing this, you will be able to read the fluid clearly.

Make sure the level on the dipstick is within the hash marks. Adding a little at a time will ensure you don’t overfill the transmission fluid. 

Problem 2: Hard Steering 

You may find your steering not moving properly. The usual cause for this issue is the steering lock.

But if your steering is not locked, there could be another reason behind this problem. Let’s have a look at what makes the steering hard to move.

Reason: Low Hydraulic Oil level in the Tank

Low hydraulic oil level usually makes the steering hard to move. Because hydraulic oil basically aids in smoothly moving the steering. For inadequate hydraulic oil levels, the moving part becomes stiff. 

Solution: Clean Out the Old Fluid and Replace

Cleaning out the old fluid and replacing it with new is the only remedy for the hard steering wheel. Power steering pumps generate the necessary pressure to turn the steering wheel smoothly. 

Turning the steering wheel becomes difficult if the pump malfunctions, especially at low speeds. Restoring hydraulic fluid procedure is similar to adding transmission fluid.

FAQs

How Much HP Does a 4960 Have?

The engine on the John Deere 4960 is 200 horsepower. Moreover, the engine of this tractor is capable of 210 horsepower in the PTO. This engine offers a maximum of 15 transmission speeds. Which is capable of mowing a large amount of land very efficiently.

What Year Was the John Deere 4960?

John Deere 4960 is the model of 1994. This was one of the most popular John Deere tractor models. At that time, it was highly equipped, which explains its top-notch performance. The John Deere 4960 is one of the models that rarely gives problems. 

Are John Deere Engines Made in China?

Yes, John Deere’s engine is made in china. John Deere is an agricultural machinery manufacturing company based in America. But they import the engine from China. And after that, they assemble all the parts in their factory in the USA. 

Conclusion

Well, this concludes all the probable John Deere 4960 problems. Almost all the problems are fixable, and we’ve discussed every possible solution to all the problems. 

Hopefully, this article will be handy for you to get an impactful remedy. If you find any steps hard, you may have to contact an automotive expert.

Anyway, thanks for your patience.