Why a John Deere 260 Skid Steer May Not Crank in Cold Weather

[MikePhua]

When you turn your key on a crisp winter morning, a John Deere 260 skid steer may stubbornly refuse to crank for several minutes. The little light next to the seat‑belt indicator stays on until the engine finally groans into life—but what’s really going on under the hood?
Understanding the Cold‑Start Delay
Some operators have observed that the key must remain in the “on” position for about six or seven minutes before the engine will crank. This extended wait isn't normal starting behavior—it points toward an internal preheating or sensor‑based safety routine. In particular, it may involve the air preheater system or an internal sensor failing to signal readiness properly. If that sensor (or preheater) malfunctions, the machine may delay cranking until it times out—or until the operator gives up and keeps trying. Without an operator’s manual, it’s nearly impossible to know precisely what sequence the machine expects—and manuals can save time, money, and potentially safety!
Possible Causes and Technical Explanations
Several internal systems can impact cold-weather starting:

• Air Preheater or Sensor Malfunction
  A failed preheater or a faulty temperature sensor may prevent adequate warm-up, causing the machine to hesitate before cranking.
  
• Glow Plugs or Diesel Preheat Components
  On diesel engines, glow plugs or similar elements heat the combustion chamber. If they don’t operate correctly, cold starts suffer. While not specifically confirmed for the 260, this is a frequent issue on similar skid steers.
  
• Fuel Delivery and Injection System Issues
  Even when cold, weak or worn injection pumps or clogged filters can hinder startup. Poor fuel pressure or delivery delays can exacerbate cold-crank difficulty.
  
• Battery and Cranking Power
  Cold temperatures drastically reduce battery power. Even if voltage appears adequate, the battery’s cold-cranking amps may be insufficient to engage the starter reliably.
  
• Key Switch or Electrical Contacts
  Loose contacts in the ignition switch or grounding issues—especially in the instrument panel or cab harness—can intermittently delay or prevent cranking. These electrical gremlins can act up at low temperatures.
  

Real‑World Illustrations

• A technician recalls enduring several minutes of furnace‑like humidity after turning the key, only to have the engine grudgingly crank after the over‑heat light flicked off—an uncanny signal that a sensor or preheater had finally “cleared.”
  
• In another case, a cold-climate owner learned the hard way that glow plugs need at least two full cycles to warm thoroughly; three cycles proved optimum—longer than indicated—and waiting became part of the ritual.
  
• One operator bypassed a key-switch contact issue by replacing the switch altogether. Another improved reliability by adding a direct ground wire from the chassis to the instrument panel, reinforcing electrical continuity.
  

Glossary of Key Terms

• Air Preheater: A device that warms intake air to aid diesel starting in cold temperatures.
  
• Glow Plugs: Electrically heated elements inside cylinder heads that help ignite diesel fuel in cold conditions.
  
• Cold‑Cranking Amps (CCA): A battery’s ability to deliver current at low temperatures; cold diminishes performance.
  
• Injector Pump / Injection Pump: Supplies pressurized fuel to injectors; wear or clogging reduces effectiveness.
  
• Ignition Key Switch: Controls electrical current to start systems; poor contacts can delay activation.
  
• Grounding: Ensuring electrical circuits share a common return path; poor grounding can impair function.
  

Steps to Investigate and Resolve the Issue
Start with this diagnostic approach:

• Ensure the battery is healthy and fully charged—verify cold‑cranking amps, not only voltage.
  
• Observe the glow plug or preheat cycle: note how long it runs before light goes out; extend cycle if needed.
  
• Consult (or acquire) the operator’s manual for correct pre‑crank sequence and preheat durations.
  
• Test glow plugs (if accessible) or diesel pre‑heat systems; replace any worn or faulty items.
  
• Inspect ignition switch contacts and key switch assembly; replace if internal looseness is suspected.
  
• Examine instrument‑panel ground paths—reinforce with a solid chasis ground if necessary.
  
• Check for any fault codes or sensors (e.g., temperature or safety interlocks) that must clear before cranking.
  
• If fuel‑system delay is suspected, inspect fuel filters, supply lines, injection pump, and injector condition.
  

A Short Anecdote
In a small logging camp in northern Wisconsin, the old John Deere 260 became notorious at winter's first cold snap. The driver, Greg, would park, then sit sipping coffee while the beast's panel light blinked ominously. He learned to hold the key in “on” for five minutes, just long enough for the panel to go dark—and then it would crank. One year, a mechanic helped him by installing auxiliary glow plug cycling and adding a block heater. Now Greg starts it instantly—even at -30 °F—and calls it “the difference between modern miracles and ancient curses.”