Kubota B3350 wont start.... AGAIN

[KubotaGuy810]

So my dad was driving through the trails on the property when he stopped and shut the tractor off to cut up a tree that was across the trail. HE got back on the tractor and went to turn the key and the ignition switch fell into the dash. I went out and was able to take the dash off and put the ignition switch back in and screw the cap on that sandwiches it together on the dash. Now the tractor wont start. When I turn the key, all the lights come on the dash, the fuel pump kicks on. When I turn the key all the way to start, it doesn't do anything. No clicks from the solenoid, nothing. I checked the connection on the back of the ignition switch, and it is secure. I tried to cross the solenoid on the starter and the start spins freely but doesn't come out to engage with the flex plate. While looking at it... There is a black remote wire that is plugged in the starter, a positive cable that bolts on the starter, and another wire that goes from inside the starter to a terminal on the solenoid. There is also a white wire that comes off of the terminal on the solenoid, but it goes to a white plug that wasn't plugged in to anything. I cannot find any spot that this connects to. Is it just an extra plug for something this model doesn't have? I took the starter off an I am taking it to get tested. We are also charging the battery and I took the ignition switch off to try and check it as well. I've about had it with this tractor!!!!

 

[JWR]

You took the starter off because the 'ignition' switch went through the dash? I think you probably need to call a mechanic.

 

[oldnslo]

Do you have a voltmeter or test light for 12 VDC circuits? If yes I would suggest checking for power to the starter solenoid when you turn the key. If no power there you need to start tracing the start circuit to what connection is not being made. Not familiar with your tractor but are all of the safety switches being made? If driving down trails through the woods could a stick possibly have snagged a wire under the tractor?

 

[thclimer]

I'd be checking all the fuses also as maybe when the switch was loose something shorted out.

 

[KubotaGuy810]

You took the starter off because the 'ignition' switch went through the dash? I think you probably need to call a mechanic.

I am a certified mechanic.

 

[KubotaGuy810]

Starter tested good.( for those doubting what im doing) I did not have a voltmeter in the woods or test light. So I took everything I could home with me where my tools were. Again, starter tested good, I also used voltmeter to check the ignition switch. The switch worked in every position. Im going back out this week to check the remote wire at the starter with a test light. I too am wondering if a safety switch is stuck or bad. Some of these are in pretty easy spots for mud, sticks etc to hit them.

 

[JWR]

I am a certified mechanic.

So why did you take off the starter given the rest of the description you gave us?

 

[KubotaGuy810]

So why did you take off the starter given the rest of the description you gave us?

You realize things can happen at the same time... It is possible for the ignition to fall through... and the starter just happen to fail around the same time. Likely? No, but possible. I am canceling everything out. And If you don't like it. I don't know what to tell you.

 

[JWR]

That's fine with me. Just trying to follow your logic.

 

[KubotaGuy810]

The other reason I took it off is because I was out in the middle of the woods with limited tools ( no test light or multimeter) and no cell service. I didn't want to make multiple trips. So everything it " could be" that I could remove easily, I just took with me to test at home

 

[nyone]

I would check the safety switches.

 

[JWR]

I would check the safety switches.

Agree. In that chain of several safety connections one of them may well be preventing the signal getting to the solenoid.

 

[KubotaGuy810]

So I checked all the fuses and all fuses are good. I tested the ignition switch with a multimeter and it was good. I have power at the starter, but when the ignition switch is turned to start, I still dont have power to the remote wire on the solenoid. I checked the seat safety switch and it is not broken, I check the neutral safety switch and it was not broken or jammed. I could not locate a PTO safety switch. Just a reminder I am in the middle of the woods with sticker bushes and crap up to my waist. So some of this is hard to do out here.

 

[JWR]

My understanding is (and I know it is this way on the smaller BX Kubotas as well as a some John Deeres and others) there is a series sequence of 'safety' switches between the "ignition" switch and the solenoid primary/trigger. Not sure how many on a given model. Getting continuity sequentially through all of those safety switches is required to trigger the solenoid. Given your circumstance in the remote bushes trying to solve such problems, I suggest this: 1) Locate the signal (12v) that you get from the 'ignition' switch only when you turn the key past the spring loaded position intended for Start. 2) Run a temporary wire from there to the solenoid trigger wire, thus bypassing all of the safeties. You might want to include a switch in that temporary wire to enable/disable the bypass. That should get you by until you have the tractor in the shop where you can get to the bottom of all the various interlock safeties, etc.

 

[Fastball714]

I have a B3300 and I'll show you where my PTO safety switch is located.This is left side, if you're sitting on tractor.View attachment IMG_5540.jpeg

 

[JWR]

I have a B3300 and I'll show you where my PTO safety switch is located.This is left side, if you're sitting on tractor.View attachment 3712321

Good but aren't there several more safety interlocks besides PTO?

 

[Fastball714]

Yes JWR there are several. His post said he could not locate the PTO safety switch. That's why I posted.
He said he already checked the neutral and seat safety switches.

 

[KWentling]

Turn the switch to on, with the tractor in neutral jump the solenoid (the spade terminal) to the battery post on the starter. That should get the tractor started and get it to a place where you can work on it. Probably a safety switch but with the switch falling out it may be related to that.

 

[KubotaGuy810]

I have a B3300 and I'll show you where my PTO safety switch is located.This is left side, if you're sitting on tractor.View attachment 3712321

Don't know how I missed this lol

 

[KubotaGuy810]

My understanding is (and I know it is this way on the smaller BX Kubotas as well as a some John Deeres and others) there is a series sequence of 'safety' switches between the "ignition" switch and the solenoid primary/trigger. Not sure how many on a given model. Getting continuity sequentially through all of those safety switches is required to trigger the solenoid. Given your circumstance in the remote bushes trying to solve such problems, I suggest this: 1) Locate the signal (12v) that you get from the 'ignition' switch only when you turn the key past the spring loaded position intended for Start. 2) Run a temporary wire from there to the solenoid trigger wire, thus bypassing all of the safeties. You might want to include a switch in that temporary wire to enable/disable the bypass. That should get you by until you have the tractor in the shop where you can get to the bottom of all the various interlock safeties, etc.

Yea i think this is my only option. Once I get it back to the house I can dive into it more