Cub Cadet BIG COUNTRY 4X2, Service Manual

4 X 2 Gear Selector

20

4.

GEAR SELECTOR SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

EXPLANATION OF METHODOLOGY:

•

The gear selector system relies on two sub-sys-
tems (electrical and vacuum) to work properly.  If 
either sub-system fails, the entire system will not 
operate correctly.   

•

A complete decision tree for diagnosis would be 
unwieldy because of the number of variables 
involved.

•

The procedure as it is written here covers the 
testing of each component in the system, and 
should be a suitable guide for a competent tech-
nician who is not specifically familiar with the Big 
Country gear selector system.      The process:

          1.  

Basic checks

 to identify obvious problems

              and help define more in-depth problems.

           2.  

Vacuum tests

 to see if the vacuum system   

              is responding to electrical inputs.

           3.  

Electrical tests 

•

As technicians become familiar with this system, 
they will be able to draw on their experience to 
expedite the diagnostic process.  The entire pro-
cess may not be necklaces for every malfunc-
tion.

BASIC CHECKS:

4.1.

Begin by

 test running 

Big Country vehicle to 

confirm the problem.  This may be done with the 
vehicle on jack stands.

4.2.

Safely lift and support the rear of the vehicle on 
jackstands so that the rear wheels are clear of 
the ground.

4.3.

Raise the bed so that the transmission is visible 
and accessible.  Look at the position of the shift 
wedge to confirm that the vehicle is in neutral. 

NOTE: 

The bed may be removed entirely if the 

technician finds it convenient. 

4.4.

Insure that no unsafe conditions will be created 
by running the vehicle and operating the drive 
system.                               See Figure 4.4.

4.5.

Test run the vehicle, checking all modes of trans-
mission operation.

NOTE: 

Perform tests at idle speed (1,250 to 

1,400 RPM).  

4.6.

If the dash panel flashes “self diagnostic” sig-
nals, use the code descriptions in the “Fault 
Codes Defined” section of this manual to help 
identify the problem.

4.7.

If the starter motor will not respond to the key 
switch, check the neutral switch as described in 
the “Gear Selector Electrical Diagnosis” section 
of this manual. 

4.8.

If the transmission fails to shift in response to the 
control button on the dashboard, turn the engine 
off, and move the shift wedge by hand to check 
for mechanical bind.  

NOTE: 

It may be necessary to rotate the driven 

clutch or the wheels slightly to engage forward 
(F) or reverse (R) gear.

NOTE: 

A mechanical bind may indicate an inter-

nal transmission problem, not a gear selector 
problem.

Figure 4.4

Exhaust 
vented

Vehicle safely

Clear work area

supported