Massey Ferguson D159 – Power Control Controller: Neutral switch error in neutral

An implausible electrical signal from the left-hand Power Control lever (X56) or PowerShuttle lever. The system detects that both contacts of the neutral switch are simultaneously open or simultaneously closed while the lever is in the neutral position.

• MF 8650
• MF 8680
• Interim Tier 4 (2012-2015)
• 7615
• 5613
• MF 8480
• MF 8450
• 7616
• 7618
• 5608
• 7619
• 7626
• MF 8660
• 7624
• MF 8690
• 7614
• MF 8470
• 5610
• 7620
• MF 8600
• MF 8460
• MF 8670
• 5612
• 7622
• 5611
• 5609
• 5400 Series
• 6400 Series
• 7600 Series
• 7617
• 8400 Series
• 5700SL Series
• 5710SL
• 5711SL
• 5712SL
• 5713SL

1. 1

   Inspect the wiring harness and connector at the base of the Power Control lever (X56) on the steering column for chafing, pinched wires, or loose pins.

2. 2

   Test the dual contacts of the neutral switch inside the lever using a multimeter. If both show continuity (closed) or both show no continuity (open) at the same time while in neutral, the switch has failed internally.

3. 3

   Check the wiring between the lever and the Power Control Controller for short circuits to ground or open circuits.

4. 4

   Perform a wiggle test on the wiring harness near the steering column while monitoring the dash display to see if the code triggers or clears (for intermittent faults).

1. 1

   Park and prepare tractor

   Park the tractor on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine.

2. 2

   Disconnect battery

   Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts during the repair.

3. 3

   Remove trim panels

   Remove the plastic trim panels/cowling around the steering column to access the base of the left-hand Power Control lever.

4. 4

   Disconnect harness

   Locate the electrical harness connector for the Power Control lever and carefully disconnect it.

5. 5

   Unbolt lever assembly

   Unbolt the mounting hardware securing the Power Control lever assembly to the steering column. (Note: On most modern Massey Ferguson models, the neutral switch is integrated directly into the Power Control lever assembly and cannot be replaced as a standalone microswitch).

6. 6

   Replace lever assembly

   Remove the faulty lever assembly and install the new OEM replacement.

7. 7

   Secure and reconnect

   Secure the mounting bolts and reconnect the electrical harness.

8. 8

   Reinstall trim panels

   Reinstall the steering column trim panels.

9. 9

   Reconnect battery

   Reconnect the negative battery cable.

10. 10

    Clear code and test

    Turn the ignition on, clear the stored D159 fault code using a diagnostic tool (or verify it clears actively), and test the forward, reverse, and neutral functions to ensure the tractor shuttles correctly.