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Massey 3635 power shuttle failure

2687 Views 18 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Slippery Slopes, 
S
My '06 MF 3635 won't move. Prior to this event I had an occasional blinking power shuttle warning light and a PSeR code on the dash. The tractor would still operate, and turning is off and restarting resolved the light and code. A month or so ago, the tractor just stopped moving in the field, giving me a solid power shuttle light along with the low transmission oil light - but no code. I restarted and it operated fine for a few minutes when it happened again. I towed it back to the shop where it sits.

Tranny oil and filter changed out late last season and has about 15-20 hours of flawless hay work up until now. I drained the oil and checked the filter. Oil was a little dark, but nothing has settled out of a jar full in two weeks. Must have been that way to start. I refilled with new Shell which meets and exceeds Powertrans 821xl spec. I used the tractor and hydraulics with my splitter for several hours (high pressure pump side), and it worked fine. Oil is full, clean and clear.

I have no idea where to start, electronically-wise. I suck at it more than I dislike it, and service shops are backed up for months, so I'm on my own. I ran through basic ground issues, only to realize later that my trusty old Craftsman Professional multimeter was haywire. I just got a new EEV Brymen 786, and am starting over.

According to the shop manual:
PSeR code means the values for the clutch sensor and clutch safety switch are not congruent.
Solid light and no code means various power shuttle lever failures
Low transmission oil light means just that, but it's full.

I removed the tranny oil pressure sensor, and it's basically a spring device in a plastic housing. How do I test that? Maybe that low oil condition would cause the ECM to disable the tractor movement? Maybe I should just replace it?

The safety switch has 4 terminals, and I can't figure out how to test it with my meter for continuity. The potentiometer on the clutch sensor should show a gradual change in value as it is depressed/released. How do I identify a congruent value with the safety switch?

I have no idea how to test the power shuttle lever and board. That's and expensive part to just replace for no legitimate reason.

Thanks to anyone with info or ideas!
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slowzuki
3635 are a Valtra heritage machine if I recall correctly so this may not be applicable.

PSeR code sounds like you have a problem with the switches on the clutch pedal. Massey has had endless problems with them in the 2000-2015 range.

Often can cheat them into working with a shot of WD40 under the seal of the offending switch. Dust etc causes the plunger inside to hang up.

Very common issue on the MF 5400 series where the bottom of clutch switch or top of clutch switch stick so the potentiometer value of % pedal travel conflicts with the switches absolute pedal position information.

There are I think 3 switches? Two are related to bottom of clutch as its a safety issue to force clutch disengagement. Top switch lets the computer know clutch is commanded to full engagement / warns if operator riding clutch with foot.

I would not tear anything apart until these are checked carefully.
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S
Thanks. I managed to get an error code from the "secret" hidden buttons. Error Code 69, which is forward solenoid valve coil. I swapped the R with the F to see if I get a reverse coil error code.
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S
So I removed, cleaned and swapped the solenoid coils. All error lights disappeared and the tractor operated normally. Uh.....WTF? I flailed a field yesterday. Today when I started it, the light came on again. I restarted it, and it didn't come back during the couple of hours of field work. I hope I'm not in for another surprise!

Still have the same error code when I push and hold the button. I tries to clear it by disconnecting the battery for 20 minutes or so, but that doesn't do it. Any one know how to reset error codes on a Massey?
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S
UPDATE: As I suspected, I was surprised yesterday when the same condition occurred - solid shuttle light and solid tranny pressure light. I was told by a MF tech previously that the tranny pressure error lights up just to get one's attention. I am unable to get the error code via the button by the clutch. It doesn't seem to work this time. However, I suspect there is a ground issue. The solenoids are magnetos, and when I applied power to each one of them, there was no magnetic attraction to a screwdriver. I don't really know where to start to chase down the grounds for that harness. I absolutely suck at electrical stuff. Perhaps they are behind the dash on the cab side of the firewall?
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S
Still haven't found the problem. Anyone .... help? Thanks.
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J
Try emailing Chris. He is a helpful MF mechanic that posts on Ag Talk. [email protected]
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Jerryva said:
Try emailing Chris. He is a helpful MF mechanic that posts on Ag Talk. [email protected]
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Thank you!
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C
Slippery Slopes said:
Thank you!
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Hey, I hope you had luck in repairing your machine. I have a 3645 that is having the exact same issue. Same codes and symptoms, I’ve tried everything I can think of with no luck and there is zero dealer support in my area. Sorry for jumping on your post but I’m desperate lol.
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S
No problem jumping in. I think mine is a ground issue, because I'm losing instrument panel power here and there.
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S
Cdlee1211 said:
Hey, I hope you had luck in repairing your machine. I have a 3645 that is having the exact same issue. Same codes and symptoms, I’ve tried everything I can think of with no luck and there is zero dealer support in my area. Sorry for jumping on your post but I’m desperate lol.
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Have you had any progress with your issue?
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S
I had a local Massey dealer pick up my tractor and take it to their shop. They plugged it in and got a DTC code 78, "Main ring switch error". The footnote in the shop manual says: Main ring: Main passage in power shuttle valve stack, relating to low pressure switch and safety patch solenoid valve. Does anyone knows what this means?

The tech has a work order call into Massey for instruction.
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slowzuki
Generically that would watch for low pressure and stop the transmission from operating with low pressure. (that would burn up the clutch packs). Likely need to T in a gauge and determine the actual pressure, and if thats ok, check the pressure switch and wiring.
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S
slowzuki said:
Generically that would watch for low pressure and stop the transmission from operating with low pressure. (that would burn up the clutch packs). Likely need to T in a gauge and determine the actual pressure, and if thats ok, check the pressure switch and wiring.
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Thanks!
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slowzuki
My Kubota m120 has similar programming - with old filters and cold oil in winter, a low pressure light comes on. It will let you idle around in first gear but if you try to rev it up or shift out of first it flashes and kicks the reverser into neutral. Once warmed up it’s fine. With brand new filters it is not to bad.
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S
This is not an oil or filter problem. And it's an electrical issue with the hydraulics.
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slowzuki
Ok they've had the gauge on it and it's not actually having low pressure dips etc? In a lot of tractors there is a flow divider for the power shuttle circuit to send just a few gpm with a moving part/small passages that can stick/jam as well as filter issues.
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slowzuki said:
Ok they've had the gauge on it and it's not actually having low pressure dips etc? In a lot of tractors there is a flow divider for the power shuttle circuit to send just a few gpm with a moving part/small passages that can stick/jam as well as filter issues.
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I think they just read the DTC code and called Massey. Yes, this has a divider valve which limits the flow to the Power Shuttle circuit to 1.6 ga/min, and the secondary flow goes to the low pressure control valve. That valve operates the 4wd, diff lock, PTO, etc. I may know more about the issue than the Massey tech.....:rolleyes:
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S
I just spoke to the dealership. They found the problem with the low pressure switch, consulted with Agco, and have the parts on order.
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