With John Deere’s name behind it, owners of large properties that needed an offroad utility vehicle found themselves drawn to the impressive 825i.
Like all machines though, some owners eventually found themselves having trouble with certain mechanical parts on their gator.
Luckily, the most common problems are easy to fix and can be done
Here Are The Most Common John Deere Gator 825i Problems
Some of the most common John Deere gator 825i problems are related to the engine, the fuel pump malfunctioning, and starting issues.
Some of these problems you can troubleshoot right at home while others may require you to bring them to a John Deere dealer to be serviced.
If you keep up on regular maintenance and service your gator often, you can avoid running into some of these problems and costly repairs.
1. Engine Running Rough
Engines running rough is no strange occurrence when it comes to machines, especially ones that are already getting to be 5-10 years old.
If the engine on your John Deere has recently decided to start acting funny, here are some things you should check out on your gator.
Troubleshooting The Engine Is Running Rough
Common causes that will make your engine run rough are abnormal fuel pressure, a clogged fuel pump, and a dirty or broken filter.
Since the 825i is not considered to be the same as a car in the eyes of the government, OBD 2 ports are not required to be installed.
Instead, you’ll need an expensive proprietary scanner or you’ll have to take it to John Deere themselves to get a reading, or you can use a pressure gauge.
You can check your fuel pressure at home using a pressure gauge or a pressure regulator.
You should also make sure you don’t have a broken air filter and that it is clean. Checking the air filter should be part of your regular maintenance.
2. Fuel Pump Problems
A broken fuel pump is an easy fix and can be done at home if you have the proper tools and an area to work on your gator.
Before ripping out your fuel pump, you should do a few things to make sure you’ve accurately diagnosed the problem as a fuel pump issue.
Troubleshooting Fuel Pressure Problems
Occasionally, you may get a clog in your fuel lines or a faulty fuel pump. Begin by checking for any potential faulty fuel elements.
Ensure that there is no damage to your fuel lines connecting to the fuel pump and that the fuel pump condition is good and functions properly.
If the fuel pump is noisy or the gator is hard to start, you may need to replace the fuel pump.
The fuel pump connection to the wiring harness should also not be damaged or worn. You should also make sure you don’t have a dirty circuit fuse socket.
3. Won’t Start At All
If you’re having starting problems, you’re not alone. Several owners on consumer forums have complained about issues starting their 825i.
If your gator won’t start, it can be caused by anything from bad fuel injectors to broken wires. Here are a few things you should check before calling up a John Deere dealer.
Troubleshooting Starting Problems
Begin by checking the electrical components that help your gator start.
Make sure that you don’t have a torn wiring harness or that rats haven’t eaten through any wires while your gator sat in the off-season.
Ensure that your battery isn’t weak or discharged and that your spark plugs are working.
You should make sure that your fuel isn’t contaminated and that your fuel system is working. Try to use an ethanol-free fuel with your gator 825i.
Your fuel injectors should be properly working as well. If yours aren’t, try using some fuel injector cleaner.
You may have faulty injectors and will need to replace them.
Make sure the timing belt isn’t broken or has jumped time. If it looks damaged, purchase and install a new one.
Lastly, check that the air filter isn’t restricted. Engines need air to work and a clogged air filter can starve the engine.
4. Transmission Shifting Problems
Some owners have reported problems where they find it hard to shift after owning their gator for a while.
You should only try to shift once your John Deere has warmed up and is idling at under 1000 RPMs. You can damage your gator if your try to shift before it’s warmed up.
While it’s not uncommon to have a primary clutch failure, you may not have a completely expensive repair on your hands and might be able to fix it at home.
Troubleshooting Shifting Problems
If you find you’re having trouble shifting, you may need to adjust your shifting linkage.
Sometimes the linkage can get worn or placed out of alignment if you have a tendency to shift without waiting for the gator to warm up.
You should also check the belt and make sure it’s not worn or loose. The belt should not be frayed and taught on the pulleys.
5. 4WD Doesn’t Engage
Some owners have on occasion complained that the 4WD won’t properly engage on their John Deere gator 825i.
If that’s you, there are a few things you can do to check and troubleshoot the 4WD module on your gator.
Troubleshooting 4WD Problems
Like most problems, you should begin by inspecting any wiring or electrical connections that are part of the 4WD system.
Ensure that nothing is damaged, corroded, or loose. You should also take a look at the fuse and make sure it’s not burnt out or broken.
If all your connections and wires are in working order, let the gator idle for 5-10 minutes and try engaging the 4WD again.
If this fails to work, you may need to call a John Deere dealer or repair shop to diagnose and fix your 4WD system.
John Deere Gator 825i Recalls To Know About
On December 21st, 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall on certain models of the John Deere 825.
In certain models, the steering shaft can separate from the steering rack and cause you to lose control of the gator.
While no injuries have been reported in nine cases that resulted in the recall, you can obviously crash and be severely injured or worse when this happens.
You can check the CPSC site here for further information and a list of affected serial numbers.
If your model matches any of the serial numbers, you should stop using the vehicle and contact your local John Deere dealer for repairs or further instructions.
Your John Deere serial number is usually located on the passenger-side frame under the cargo box. If you are unsure of your serial number, call a John Deere dealer for assistance.
Wrap Up
John Deere has a great line of well-received utility vehicles and the 825i is one of them.
Unfortunately, like with all machines, you will have some mechanical or electrical problems at one point or another.
Most of these gators are no longer under warranty, but it doesn’t hurt to call up a John Deere dealer near you and find out if you can still get your problem diagnosed and repaired under warranty.
If your warranty is no longer valid, these repairs can often be done at home with the right tools or by a dealership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
How much horsepower does a John Deere Gator 825i have?
The John Deere Gator 825i has 50 total horsepower thanks to its liquid-cooled inline 3-cylinder engine.
Who makes the John Deere Gator 825i engine?
The 50-horsepower 812cc liquid-cooled inline 3-cylinder engine that powers the John Deere Gator 825i is manufactured by Chery International.
What is the top speed of a John Deere Gator 825i?
The 812cc engine lets the John Deere Gator 825i reach top speeds of 44 miles per hour.
How many miles can a John Deere Gator go?
The John Deere 825i averages about 20 miles per gallon and has a 5.3-gallon fuel tank. You'll be able to go about 105 miles before needing to refuel.
Your actual mileage will vary depending on your speed and weight.
How many miles per gallon does a John Deere Gator get?
The John Deere Gator 825i gets about 17-20 miles per gallon.
You'll get better mileage if you stay at a constant speed instead of stopping and going. You'll also get better mileage if you aren't carrying a lot of weight.
