MX5400 E-21 error showing in hour meter "CAN Communication Trouble"

[w.reiche]

MX5400 E-21 error showing in hour meter "CAN Communication Trouble"

Manual say to "Contact your KUBOTA dealer".

What does this error mean? Is it okay to run the tractor with this error showing?
How do I fix this error.

It was -18C out yesterday, with about a foot of snow on the ground. Tractor started okay and I used for about an hour. I shut it off and restarted it about two hours later and the E-21 error code started flashing in hour meter. Everything still works okay.

 

[DustyRusty]

Less than one minute using Google.

A "E-21" error code on a Kubota machine typically indicates an issue with the engine coolant temperature sensor, meaning the sensor is not sending accurate readings about the engine's temperature, potentially causing the machine to run too hot or too cold depending on the malfunction.

Key points about the E-21 error code:

• Sensor problem:
  The primary cause is a faulty coolant temperature sensor, which could be damaged, dirty, or improperly connected.
  
  
• Check the sensor:
  To troubleshoot, check the sensor for any visible damage, clean it if necessary, and ensure it is properly plugged into the engine harness.
  
  
• Consult the manual:
  Always refer to your specific Kubota machine's operator manual for the most accurate interpretation of the E-21 code and troubleshooting steps.

What to do if you see the E-21 error code:

• Shut off the engine: Turn off the machine immediately to prevent potential engine damage.
• Check the coolant level: Ensure the coolant level is within the recommended range.
• Inspect the sensor: Visually check the coolant temperature sensor for any damage or loose connections.
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• Contact a Kubota dealer: If the problem persists after checking the sensor, contact a qualified Kubota service technician for further diagnosis and repair.

• How to Reset Kubota Error Codes: Troubleshooting Tips

  Learn how to reset Kubota error codes in a few simple steps. Read about frequent error codes, their meaning, and how to solve them.

  www.wickhamtractor.com
  .

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: "CAN Communication Trouble"
It means that one of the computers can't talk to the other computers. All of them are interconnected with special twisted pair cabling and terminators. For some 'reason' they ain't talking to each other. I don't have Kubota's 'bible' on how CAN works on your machine, the WSM will have a wiring diagram, so you can see how many 'computers' are involved. 'computer' can be the dash, the ECU, some valve, ?? CANbus is very sensitive to physical wiring and connectors. The 'computers' are supposed to run self checks and 'repair' a downed link at regular intervals( that's buried in the CANbus bible.
Since it still runs, the ECU is 'good'. It might just be the 'dash display' isn't 'happy'. Do you still get RPM and other normals on the screen ?
Dang -18C is COLD,so something as silly as cold shrinks plastic, connector backs out a bit, CAN signal is disconnected, error,error ,error....... If you can get to the connector, key off, remove ,reinstall 2-3 times, be sure they 'click -lock'. Hopefully something easy.
Again , don't know your machine and know too much about CAN

 

[w.reiche]

re: "CAN Communication Trouble"
It means that one of the computers can't talk to the other computers. All of them are interconnected with special twisted pair cabling and terminators. For some 'reason' they ain't talking to each other. I don't have Kubota's 'bible' on how CAN works on your machine, the WSM will have a wiring diagram, so you can see how many 'computers' are involved. 'computer' can be the dash, the ECU, some valve, ?? CANbus is very sensitive to physical wiring and connectors. The 'computers' are supposed to run self checks and 'repair' a downed link at regular intervals( that's buried in the CANbus bible.
Since it still runs, the ECU is 'good'. It might just be the 'dash display' isn't 'happy'. Do you still get RPM and other normals on the screen ?
Dang -18C is COLD,so something as silly as cold shrinks plastic, connector backs out a bit, CAN signal is disconnected, error,error ,error....... If you can get to the connector, key off, remove ,reinstall 2-3 times, be sure they 'click -lock'. Hopefully something easy.
Again , don't know your machine and know too much about CAN

Everything on the dash looks good. Tach and all gauges working properly. No warning lights on.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

That's GOOD news, means THAT computer is working. Might ,hopefully, just be a cabling/interconnect issue.
'wiggle the wires' might help ?
The problem for me is that no info is displayed as to the exact cause of the error.

 

[w.reiche]

Less than one minute using Google.

• How to Reset Kubota Error Codes: Troubleshooting Tips

  Learn how to reset Kubota error codes in a few simple steps. Read about frequent error codes, their meaning, and how to solve them.

  www.wickhamtractor.com
  .

I appreciate that information. I spent a half hour googling around " MX5400 E-21 error showing in hour meter "CAN Communication Trouble" . All I find is CAN bus error and most of it related to LX3300 models. Googled again today - the info you gave doesn't show up in the first 5 pages and by then the links returned are way off topic.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yeah, I've probably got 30-35,000 pages of CANbus on the 'engineering PC'. It's overly complicated,trying to 'do all for everyone'. it 'might' magically clear up after 3-5 long runs , similar to car ECU relearning stuff after battery has been replaced. I don't know as I didn't write the code.
The good news is your tractor is running fine ?

 

[w.reiche]

yeah, I've probably got 30-35,000 pages of CANbus on the 'engineering PC'. It's overly complicated,trying to 'do all for everyone'. it 'might' magically clear up after 3-5 long runs , similar to car ECU relearning stuff after battery has been replaced. I don't know as I didn't write the code.
The good news is your tractor is running fine ?

Yes - runs okay and all gauges look normal. No warning lights.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

good, sounds like you dodged the bullet !

 

[DustyRusty]

But is it possible to reset Kubota error codes without professional help? While it may be possible, it’s always best to consult and let a professional reset the error codes. Our years of experience showed asking for professional assistance prevented future errors from occurring. But if you still want to do it on your own, you can follow the steps outlined below, once you’ve located the diagnostic connector.

• Press the two regeneration buttons next to the steering wheel and turn the key on, all at the same time. The letter A, which is part of the “Target Mode”, should then appear on your dash.
• Press the inhibit button to cycle through the “Target Mode” and go to B (error information clear mode).
• Hold the same button for a couple of seconds until you see the word PUSH on your dash.
• Push and hold the button until the dash displays OFF.
• Turn the key off and back on. The codes should be gone after this step.