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JLG 40H 1997 platform controls troubleshooting: PWM or not?

BrownBear

Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2020
Messages
10
Location
Wawa, Ontario
Hi, I just bought a 1997 JLG 40H that operates normally from ground controls, but the engine dies when switched to platform controls. It has spent a lot of time sitting outdoors in extreme weather so I am bracing myself for finding a variety of issues in the controls and boom wiring. The machine is in a remote location so I am trying to make sure I have all the necessary tools when I show up for an extended troubleshooting session.

It looks like that vintage of 40H uses P-Q Controls joysticks. The thing I am unclear on is whether these emit Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals, which would mean if I find an issue with one of those controls I'll want an oscilloscope to examine the output waveform. I have seen conflicting information in the forums about whether this generation of 40H uses PWM in some of the control lines, or some simpler all-on or all-off signaling that I can troubleshoot with just a multimeter. Does someone know for sure?

Related question: I have found PDFs of the general service and parts manuals but apparently there is technical publication supplement (JLG part number 3120351) with detailed information about adjustment and troubleshooting of the P-Q joysticks. Does anyone know if a digital version of this exists?

Thanks! - Tim
 

tractormech

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2015
Messages
349
Location
florida
Make sure the red kill button is pulled out or it will die when you switch it over to platform from ground. Also there should be at least one hot wire going up to the platform to fire up the controls.You need to verify voltage there. All of the controllers won't be bad. See if there's a schematic-that's a big help.You may have broken wires in the wiring loom-I've seen them twist and break from extending and retracting the boom over time. Also a serial number would be helpful.
 
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