1460 Auto Header Height Control (820 head)

I"ve never used the auto header feature on this machine before (electric over hydraulic) so I"m not sure how to calibrate or operate the auto header but I have a feeling something isn"t working properly...

When I turn the auto header switch on and attempt to lower the header, it will go down, but as soon as I let off of the down switch, it will rise up until it rises to the fully raised position. If it is in its assent and I tap the header raise switch up, it will stop. And if I press up again, it will go up until I let off the switch and then fix at that position. I have two switches--height and sensitivity-- and I can"t seem to figure out how these are suppose to work.

I tried setting my header (20" 820) down on a block of wood and then turning the auto header switch to on and seeing if it would raise to level, and it did nothing. I have put the header all the way down on manual, turned auto header on and proceeded to drive forward over uneven ground and I"m about 90% sure nothing is happening.

I adjusted the springs on my 820 to factory and this made no difference.

Any ideas?

Thanks

The cable from the bottom of the header to the switch on the back of the header is backwards.

I can't remmeber which way it is suppose to be but I bet the arm is 180 degrees off on the switch.

Just grab the cable and switch arm and turn it to the opposite side that it is on now and give it a try.

Gary

If it's not been updated I think the original control on these didn't have the cable, but had a solid rod that went from the pads direct to the potentiometer. All the rods across the back were connected to the one rod that actuated the potentiometer so the first pad that felt ground pressure would actuate. Your potentimeter could indeed be turned around backwards as he said, but unless you've just replaced it I doubt anyone else successfully used it that way. Could also be that the height and sensitivity are both at max and as soon as it senses the ground it automatically drives it up all the way. Start with your sensitivity knob turned fully counter-clockwise and your height just short of that. You should be able to hold the switch down, let it hit the ground, and let off and only come up a minimal amount. Make sure your auto-height switch is on. If it still comes up, try the same with the sensitivity and height adjusted the extreme other way. Could be they are wired backwards but also not real likely. My reel speed rocker switch was wired backwards when I got my last combine, about drove me nuts. If either of these adjustments don't make a change, I'd be suspect of either the potentiometer being backwards or being bad.

One pin on the connector at the feederhouse is a ground, (I don't remember which) check and make sure you have a good ground at that pin could also be an issue. My 1660 and 1020 was pushing down when you tried to run the auto header and the ground was the issue. Another possible check is to rotate the potientiometer (pot.) with the combine running and the auto header on and lift switch clicked down. There is a rubber piece that holds the body of the pot. that could possibly have fell off or something and not be allowing the rod to turn the pot. shaft instead of the whole thing. IIRC the clock position of the pot. should be (looking at the left end of the head) about 4 or 5 o'clock.

Height sensing bar under header may be frozen in place if header was stored locked up or sitting on ground. Cable may be frozen or stiff. Potentiometer may be off 180 degrees. Pins may need to be pushed in on plug that hooks to combine. Wire may be broken