John Deere 1873.13 – HCU / HCC: Rear Hitch Calibration Issue

This code indicates that the rear hitch position sensor requires calibration, or that a recent calibration attempt failed or was unsuccessful. When this code is active, the rear hitch control functions will be degraded, and the operator may lose the ability to set specific hitch heights electronically.

• 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
• 7630
• 7730
• 7830
• 7930
• 7185J
• 7195J
• 7205J
• 7210J
• 7225J
• 8130
• 8230
• 8330
• 8430
• 8530
• 7200R–7310R
• 8225R–8370R
• 9360R–9560R
• 9230
• 9330
• 9430
• 9530
• 9630

1. 1

   Restart the tractor engine to see if the active DTC reappears, as communication messages can sometimes glitch.

2. 2

   Visually inspect the rear hitch mechanism for accumulated debris, mud, or physical damage that might restrict its full range of motion during the calibration process.

3. 3

   Inspect the wiring harness and connectors going to the Rear Hitch Position Sensor for loose connections, chafed wires, or moisture intrusion (corrosion).

4. 4

   Perform a Draft Sensor Isolation Test: Unplug the draft sensor (often located behind the right-hand lift cylinder) to see if the position sensor suddenly regains functionality. If it does, the draft sensor is likely shorting the circuit and pulling the voltage down.

1. 1

2. 2

   Attempt Calibration

   Using the tractor's CommandCenter display or a dealer service tool, initiate the Rear Hitch Calibration procedure according to the operator's manual.

3. 3

   Test Sensor Voltage

   If the calibration fails, use a multimeter to test the output voltage of the Rear Hitch Position Sensor to ensure it is within the specified range (typically above 0.25V and below 4.75V).

4. 4

   Replace the Sensor

   If the wiring is intact but the sensor fails the voltage test or refuses to calibrate, the sensor has failed internally and must be replaced.

5. 5

   Recalibrate

   After installing a new Rear Hitch Position Sensor, a mandatory hitch calibration must be performed before the system will operate normally.