5 Most Common Problems with John Deere Buck 500
The John Deere Buck 500 is an ATV model from its successful Buck series, and this model is designed to deliver performance that can match every ATV owner’s need.
However, Buck 500 owners also reported common troubles, such as vehicle failing to start, shift lock in gears, idle speed malfunctioning, starter failure, overheating, and fan not turning on.
Now, why do such issues occur with this JD ATV? Continue reading the following to find out all the answers-
Problems and Solutions Briefly:
| Problems | Solutions |
| 1. Vehicle Won’t Start | Replace the solenoid. |
| 2. Shift Tends to Lock in Gears | Tighten the loose clutch cable & cable support bracket/Replace the drive belt, clutch, & transmission oil. |
| 3. Idle Speed Malfunctioning | Set the idle speed to – 1200 rpm + 100 |
| 4. Starter Troubles | Replace the battery, battery cables, terminals, starter & alternator/ Clean the ground connections. |
| 5. Overheats & Fan Won’t Turn | Replace the fuse & relay/ Service the wiring system temperature & radiator sensor. |
5 Common Problems with John Deere Buck 500 and Their Possible Solutions:
Let’s learn more about the possible reasons behind these John Deere Buck 500 issues and find out all the possible fixes-
1. Vehicle Won’t Start
John Deere Buck 500 users often complain that sometimes the ATV won’t start or fails to start with the starting switch.
But according to their experiences, the vehicle immediately begins starting after crossing the solenoid, and they were able to stop it with the startup switch.
This issue mostly occurs when the solenoid turns bad.
The Fix:
If there is no other symptom that you are encountering while trying to start the vehicle, all you have to do is replace the solenoid.
2. Shift Tends to Lock in Gears
Based on several John Deere Buck 500 users’ complaints, they have experienced one common gear shifting trouble.
Users claimed that most of the time JD Buck 500 moves just fine as it is supposed to, but sometimes the shift locks in a certain gear and the vehicle tend to move on its own in the direction of the shift.
Users added that when such issues arise, the vehicle also stalls, and to get it out of this locked or stuck position, they had to use a lot of force like breaking it.
The same users mentioned that other times gear shifting functions just fine, and the ATV operates naturally.
Such commotions can arise due to a defective drive belt or if the clutch is not disengaging properly. Similar issues can occur due to low transmission oil or if the oil is not in good condition.
The Fix:
First, inspect whether the clutch is disengaging and the drive belt is in good condition or not.
Check if the cable or cable support bracket has any loose ends.
Tighten the connection accurately and if the cable looks broken, replace it.
If the drive belt is broken or defective, replace it.
Another thing you should also keep in mind is that if you have not changed the transmission oil for a while or the oil level is not up to the required level, such shifting issues will arise.
So, remember to change the transmission oil if necessary.
3. Idle Speed Malfunctioning
Several Buck 500 users have encountered idle speed malfunctioning issues while using their ATV. This malfunction prevents the gear from shifting smoothly.
Users claimed that sometimes the engine starts stalling at idle immediately after putting the idle speed to the specification. Some even mentioned that it sometimes creeps while they try to shift the gear due to idle speed malfunctioning problem.
The main reason behind such troubles is the incorrect idle speed specification setting.
Remember, if your vehicle’s idle speed is placed too high, the clutch will partially engage and prevent the gear from shifting at low idle. When it is placed too low the engine will stall at low idle.
The Fix:
The only solution to fix this problem is to set the idle speed correctly. For Buck 500 ATV the correct recommended idle speed specification is (- 1200 rpm + 100).
4. Starter Troubles
Another common issue that one might encounter with the JD Buck 500 is the starter malfunctioning or failure.
Users reported that sometimes the power goes to the starter, but still, it fails to spin.
One particular Buck 500 user even claimed that he took off the shield on the side and tested to make sure that power went to the starter stud. Surprisingly, he noticed that it was going and still having the issue.
These troubles might occur when the internal engine battery voltage drop below 8 volts because of loose or corroded battery or battery cable connections.
If the engine somehow turns locked, such commotions can arise too. Similar troubles can arise when there’s oil or fuel presence on the top of the pistons.
If none of the above possible reasons worked for your vehicle, it might be the starter or solenoid that has turned entirely bad.
The Fix:
First, check the internal battery, cable connections, terminals, and voltage.
Service or replace the faulty battery or internal battery elements if necessary.
If the engine is locked up, pull the spark plugs first and check whether you can see fuel or oil presence on top of the pistons.
Now clean the ground connections or use a battery negative jumper cable to the starter housing to see whether the starter works or remains the same.
If the problem remains the same as before, replace the starter and alternator.
5. Overheats & Fan Won’t Turn
Another common complaint is that the vehicle occasionally overheats, and the fan will not turn too.
This type of commotion can occur due to a blown fuse, faulty fan relay, or malfunctioned engine temperature sensor.
If any of the mentioned elements turns bad, the fan will not turn on. Especially if the temperature sensor is faulty, it will not send the correct signal to turn the fan on.
It could be the sensor at the bottom of the radiator which is malfunctioned and causing such a problem.
The Fix:
First, inspect fuses and replace them if necessary.
Next, test the relay and engine temperature sensor using a digital multi-meter.
Replace the relay and check the wiring system.
Jump the wire to the battery and check if the vehicle is running or not.
In case of the temperature or radiator sensor malfunctioning, follow the service manual instructions to fix it.
What Majority of the Users Feel About The John Deere Buck 500?
According to most JD Buck 500 owners, this ATV model is an incredible choice because of its versatility, powerful performance, and user-friendly control over the vehicle.
This model even got an overall 4.5 plus rating on the ATV.com user rating.
However, users also claim that earlier discussed issues can occur sometimes as the vehicle becomes older and go through aggressive use.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which year did John Deere first introduce the Buck 500 model?
It was introduced first in 2004 as the 2005 model.
Is John Deere Buck 500 an all-terrain vehicle?
Yes, it is.
How much does it cost to replace a starter on the John Deere Buck 500?
If you are planning on buying a John Deere starter, it will cost you approx. $600.00 plus.
How much Fuel capacity does a John Deere Buck 500 have?
A Buck 500 has a 5.3 GAL / 20 L fuel capacity.
Final Thoughts
Besides being such an amazing ATV, John Deere Buck 500 also came up with a fair share of troubleshooting issues. But the good news is NHTSA has not reported any major incident or accident against Buck 500 model, and all of the problems mentioned are fixable too.
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