John Deere 738.06 – PTQ: Solenoid valve for range change H1 (A-B), too high intensity / Transmission speed solenoid 3 (Y5) short to ground

The controller has detected that the electrical current (amps) drawn by the Y5 transmission speed solenoid (which controls the H1 / A-B range change) is abnormally high. This is typically caused by a short to ground in the wiring harness or an internal short circuit within the solenoid coil itself.

• 6110M
• 6120M
• 6130M
• 6145M
• 6155M
• 6175M
• 6195M
• 210K
• 210L
• 210LE
• 210LJ
• 310J
• 310K
• 310L
• 310SJ
• 310SK
• 310SL
• 315J
• 315SK
• 315SL
• 325J
• 325K
• 325SK
• 410J
• 410K
• 410L
• 6010
• 6110
• 6210
• 6310
• 6410
• 6510
• 6610
• 6810
• 6910

1. 1

   Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the transmission control valve body for rubbed-through insulation, pinched wires, or melted sheathing that could cause a short to ground.

2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector at the Y5 Transmission Speed Solenoid 3 and check the pins for corrosion, moisture, or damage.

3. 3

   Measure resistance across the pins of the Y5 solenoid coil using a multimeter. A healthy coil should measure approximately 10.5 ohms (or 40 ± 5 ohms on older models). A reading of 0 ohms or significantly lower indicates an internal short.

4. 4

   Perform a harness continuity test with the solenoid and the PTQ/TCU disconnected. Test the signal wire for continuity to ground; continuity indicates a shorted harness.

1. 1

   Prepare machine for service

   Park the machine on a level surface, lower all attachments to the ground, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine. Relieve any residual hydraulic pressure.

2. 2

   Locate valve body

   Locate the transmission control valve body (typically mounted on the side or top of the transmission housing).

3. 3

   Clean area

   Clean the area around the solenoids to prevent dirt from entering the transmission valve body.

4. 4

   Disconnect harness

   Tag the wiring connectors (Y1 through Y6, etc.) to ensure they are not mixed up during reassembly, and disconnect the harness from the Y5 solenoid.

5. 5

   Remove solenoid

   Remove the retaining nut/hardware holding the Y5 solenoid coil to the valve cartridge, or remove the entire solenoid valve assembly depending on the specific valve block design.

6. 6

   Install new solenoid

   Install the new solenoid valve (lubricate any O-rings with clean transmission fluid prior to installation).

7. 7

   Secure hardware

   Secure the retaining hardware to the specified torque.

8. 8

   Reconnect harness

   Reconnect the wiring harness to the Y5 solenoid.

9. 9

   Check fluid level

   Check the transmission fluid level and top off if any fluid was lost during the swap.

10. 10

    Test machine

    Turn the key on, clear the PTQ 000738.06 fault code using a diagnostic monitor or service tool, and test the machine in all gears to verify the repair.