BX no start issue

[Code54]

2013 BX25D - 209 hrs, runs perfect normally.

The other night I drove a mile or so down the road and cut an elderly neighbors yard as I normally do, got done and talked with him for a few minutes and started the tractor and drove home without a hint of an issue. I parked the BX in an enclosed bldg and went on my way. Last night I went over to get the BX out and put the rototiller on and turned the key - no start, no crank. I can hear a clink and then (I presume) the fuel pump kicking in. When the key is shut off I get that loud clank it always does (guessing a relay maybe) All light are on and even checked the head lights - nice and bright, appears full power. I sort of think it maybe a safety switch somewhere as it sounds like everything is kicking in but just no cranking.

Things I done so far:
Checked the fuel (no idea why, but what the check)
Moved PTO back and forth several times and tried to crank machine several times
Moved HST back and forth several times and tried to crank machine several times
Moved High low selector to all positions several times back and forth several times and tried to crank machine several times - just in case
Tried to crank with brake on and off.
Lifted the seat and check seat switches, cleaned them, worked the buttons by hand several times and tried to crank machine several times
Cleaned HST switch and worked the button by hand several times and tried to crank machine several times
Cleaned PTO switch and worked the buttons by hand several times and tried to crank machine several times
Checked the fuse panel and EACH fuse under the black grill near the radiator
Checked and cleaned 50 amp plastic fuse on the right side of the machine
Towed the machine to my shop and figured I would turn the key and see what happened - same as before, all lights on, hear the fuel pump kick in and nothing more.

So now I am thinking a switch may have failed but am unsure how to check them. I am GUESSING that I need to do a continuity check or something?? What result am I looking for and what is the best way to check this?

Am I missing something (really hope some one will say "Hey Dummy - you forgot XXXXXX" and that is it and it starts. I also have fear that a wire broke or a mouse or something got into something and ate a harness. I looked quickly but it was getting dark and didn't notice anything. In some ways I am hoping I am overthinking this and just having a brain fart and forgetting something stupid (sort of the can't see the mistake that is right in front of you idea.)
THANKS in advance.

 

[Henro]

The following thread addresses the dreaded click, click problem that seems to be common to the BX tractors.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...405-bx2200-intermittant-ignition-failure.html

This may be your issue. I suffered with it for a couple years before installing the fix, a relay wired into the circuit between the safety contacts and the starter solenoid.

There are other threads that address this same issue. I believe the solution was originally posted by Kubmech years ago.

Sounds like this could be your issue. My BX has started perfectly without fail since I made the modification.

Hope this helps!

Bill

 

[ultrarunner]

It has to be a safety interlock... if battery and starter are good.

I've had a few issues from debris building up to the point where switches were damaged or brackets bent... slogging through mud.

 

[Code54]

Thanks Guys - I like the idea of getting the new relay, even if it is not the problem it would be great "insurance."

I keeping thinking a safety switch - I was thinking of bypassing each one if I can figure it out how to do it until I find the problem (or lack of)

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

Did you try depressing the PTO switch while cranking? Maybe by putting something between the lever and the switch?

When this happened to my '24 it was the switch not quite making contact with the lever. The switch can be repositioned - and that fixed the issue.

Don't know if the '24 and '25 are the same. Just sayin'

Z.

 

[AStanton]

I had a similar situation on my BX-25. It would run fine, then I would shut it off and it wouldn't start. A mechanic at the Kubota dealer adjusted one of the seat safety switches with a screw driver. It has been working fine ever since.

 

[wjmst]

Something similar just happened to me recently, the battery was bad. Got a new one at walmart for $50 and all is well now.

 

[radioman]

for me -- if my bx wont start - i have to pull back on the pto lever and hold it till it starts. it needs adjusting. again. if you can hear clicking of fuel pump - you know your key works fine. on the BX's it almost always one of the safety switches i know you checked your safety switches - but a strong possibility is one of them is not fully depressed due to adjustment.
try this -- lift the seat so it up in the air ready to turn around in bh mode. if it starts - you know one of 2 seat switches is causing the issue. if not. check the left side where pto lever is and check to see if switch can be adjusted to be even closer. if this doesnt work - check the hst switch under the tractor. one time i had a stick in there and it looked centered but the stick was preventing me to start it. get your small spring clamp and clamp it shut or use something to hold it closed.

if the safety switches test doesnt work - i would say possible ground or starting wire is the issue to the starter - but these things are so reliable i wouldnt touch it. i would just short the two posts the starting post and power post on starter just to see if the starter kicked in. if it does you know its not your starter -- it your wiring somewhere for safety switches.

 

[Code54]

Update -
Cleaned each switch - nothing jammed in it. Pushed them in all the way (other than HST) still no start
Worked the HST switch and cleaned it, tried it in every possible direction and spot - nothing.
Tried a different ground to the starter - nope (bummer)
The only thing I have not done is by pass the switches as I am not sure how to do this (or test the switch)
I also did not switch the relay out as I am not sure where it is and I can't seem to find the referenced one locally (have to order it)
Any other thoughts are appreciated - Thanks for the help so far!

 

[Code54]

Another update - was looking at the PTO switch
There is two YELLOW wires on the left that have power , two black (think with a strip) on the right that do not have power. When the switch is push NOTHING changes - same ones have power other still does not? Can someone tell me if this supposed to be this way? I just used a 12v test light as you can leave the switch hooked up and touch the wires in the harness. Seems logical that something should change when the switch is pushed in? Can someone check theres and let me know if this happens on a working switch (would really appreciate it) Only other thought is when the switch is pushed it makes the ground on the black wires maybe???
Did a little test on my MX5100 - if I don't push the clutch (thus having a safety switch stopping the tractor from starting) it is exactly the same as the BX so again makes me think safety switch but hey, I have been wrong before......