2014 Kioti DK50se starter solenoid

[liberty2701]

Hello,
I have had my tractor since new and have about 800 hrs. Not one problem until now. Occasionally the starter solenoid will not engage. I verified that it is getting power when this happens, so it is the solenoid. I am having trouble locating just a solenoid. Any suggestions? Has anyone else had a problem with their solenoid?

 

[IndyJay]

Check your connections. A volt meter will often read full voltage across a dirty or corroded connection, but may not allow the required current across the connection.

 

[liberty2701]

Check your connections. I volt meter will often read full voltage across a dirty or corroded connection, but may not allow the required current across the connection.

All the connections appear corrosion free from the battery to the starter. Tractor is also parked indoors. Could a starter relay allow less than full voltage to the solenoid at different times?

 

[IndyJay]

All the connections appear corrosion free from the battery to the starter. Tractor is also parked indoors. Could a starter relay allow less than full voltage to the solenoid at different times?

A flaky relay can allow sporadic starting issues like you described as well. Just to note, I had similar case with my old Massey. All connections "looked" good so I bought a new starter (couldn't find just a solenoid). Still had same issue, so I actually disconnected the the battery cables at both ends and cleaned them up anyhow. Problem solved. So I would suggest that you double check both ends of the cables, also you might try swapping out relays with one that looks the same and try that first.

Others on site have mentioned ignition switch problems on the DKs as well so you might try some contact cleaner in the switch before springing for a new starter. Good luck!

 

[liberty2701]

A flaky relay can allow sporadic starting issues like you described as well. Just to note, I had similar case with my old Massey. All connections "looked" good so I bought a new starter (couldn't find just a solenoid). Still had same issue, so I actually disconnected the the battery cables at both ends and cleaned them up anyhow. Problem solved. So I would suggest that you double check both ends of the cables, also you might try swapping out relays with one that looks the same and try that first.

Others on site have mentioned ignition switch problems on the DKs as well so you might try some contact cleaner in the switch before springing for a new starter. Good luck!

I just went to start the tractor and it did it again. I swapped the plugs on the starter relay and its started instantly. Not sure if it was coincidence or causation being the problem is intermittent anyway.

 

[murphy1244]

Well if it started right up you didn't break it right. Take it to the farthest corner of your property and it will hopefully break down the right way.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Wasn't there also something about the cable corroding from the inside causing starting issues? Seem to remember it being a thing here, but can't remember the models and years affected.

 

[liberty2701]

Well, so much for that. It wouldn't start again. It's not the relay. The battery cables are clean. The solenoid is getting 12.6 v when turning the key to start. If I jump across the solenoid it starts right up. That tells me the solenoid is bad. Any more thoughts?

 

[liberty2701]

I ordered one of these. It looks exactly like the one on the starter. We will see if it works. New Starter Solenoid For Mitsubishi 12V 16497 | eBay

 

[Robin Veerman]

Was there no solenoid available specifically for your model of tractor, or did you do a cross-reference to decide on this one? Or maybe it’s just a WAG?

 

[liberty2701]

Was there no solenoid available specifically for your model of tractor, or did you do a cross-reference to decide on this one? Or maybe it’s just a WAG?

I couldn't locate one. This is a best guess.

 

[Robin Veerman]

Let us know how it works out.

 

[SwingOak]

I thought I had the same problem with mine when I tested voltage. Got full voltage to the starter when I turned the key. So I have a Snap-On pushbutton starter switch, it has heavy cables with alligator clips on the ends. You hook one end up the battery, and the other to the solenoid, put the key in the run position and push the button. It's great for checking starter issues. Well, here I thought it was the starter solenoid, and it's turned out to be the relay after all. I hit the button and it cranks right over.

When you look at the firewall from the front of the tractor, there are three relays on the left side above the gas tank. The starter relay is the one on the left. The one in the middle is the glow plug relay, and the one on the right is the stop relay. I picked up replacements for all three from the dealer, they are pretty cheap, but usually I just tap on the relays when I have an issue and it fires right up.

The one time it didn't, it turned out one of the main fuses was blown for some reason, they are electrical taped to the wiring harness by the starter.

 

[IndyIan]

Wasn't there also something about the cable corroding from the inside causing starting issues? Seem to remember it being a thing here, but can't remember the models and years affected.

Mine had that issue, the positive lead on the battery looked "good enough", cleaned the battery post, and lead. It would click the solenoid, but as soon as the starter kicked in the solenoid would disengage due to low voltage I guess....
I cut back the insulation on the positive lead and the wire was terrible where it went into the lead. So I cut the wire back to decent copper and put a new lead on, and it works fine for a few years now.