1873.02

John Deere 1873.02 – HCC (Hitch Control Computer / Module) / HCU: Rear Hitch Position Sensor Circuit Voltage Fault / Rear Hitch Position Sensor Out Of Range

Issue description

The control module is detecting a voltage signal from the rear hitch position sensor that is out of the expected operating range (typically reading too low, such as < 0.25 V). When this code is active, the electronic hitch control function is degraded, and the operator may be unable to set the hitch height automatically, though manual override switches might still function.

Applies to these machines

  • 6110M
  • 6120M
  • 6130M
  • 6145M
  • 6155M
  • 6175M
  • 6195M
  • 6110R
  • 6120R
  • 6130R
  • 6145R
  • 6155R
  • 6175R
  • 6195R
  • 6215R
  • 5090M
  • 5100M
  • 5100MH
  • 5100ML
  • 5115M
  • 5065M
  • 5075M
  • 5085M
  • 5115ML
  • 5095M
  • 5095MH
  • 5105M
  • 5015ML
  • 7610
  • 7710
  • 7810
  • 7630
  • 7730
  • 7830
  • 7930
  • 7185J
  • 7195J
  • 7205J
  • 7210J
  • 7225J
  • 8130
  • 8230
  • 8330
  • 8430
  • 8530
  • 8225R through 8370R
  • 9230
  • 9330
  • 9430
  • 9530
  • 9630

Check the cause

  1. Restart the engine to verify if the active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) reappears.

  2. Check the wiring harness and connectors going to the Rear Hitch Position Sensor for signs of physical damage, loose connections, or corrosion.

  3. Measure the sensor's output voltage to ensure it is within the specified range (e.g., Transport Lock should read 0.5-2.0V, and Hitch Down should read 3.0-4.5V).

  4. Unplug the draft sensor (usually located behind the right-hand lift cylinder) to see if the position sensor starts working again; if it does, the fault may actually be a short in the draft sensor circuit.

Repair steps

  1. Relieve Pressure

    Turn off the tractor, lower the hitch completely (if possible), and relieve hydraulic pressure before working near the rockshaft/lift cylinders.

  2. Locate the Sensor

    Find the Rear Hitch Position Sensor, which is typically mounted on the rear rockshaft or near the right-hand lift cylinder.

  3. Repair Wiring

    If the diagnostic checks revealed chafed wires or corroded connector pins, repair the wiring harness and clear the codes.

  4. Replace the Sensor

    If the wiring is intact but the voltage remains out of range, remove the mounting hardware and replace the faulty Rear Hitch Position Sensor.

  5. Calibrate the Hitch

    After replacing the sensor, a hitch calibration must be performed so the HCU/HCC can learn the new sensor's upper and lower voltage limits. This can be done via the tractor's CommandCenter display or by a John Deere dealer using Service ADVISOR.

Parts you might need

(2)
  • Rear Hitch Position Sensor

    AXE14245

    Prominent for 8R series tractors. Exact physical sensor part number will vary based on the specific machine's serial number. Requires recalibration via the HCU upon installation.

  • Rear Hitch Position Sensor

    RE58232

    Prominent for 8R series tractors. Exact physical sensor part number will vary based on the specific machine's serial number. Requires recalibration via the HCU upon installation.

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