CK30HST Starting dash lights flicker

[Notlaker]

Hi All,

Every time it is cold outside I have the same issue with starting. I have had the switch replaced already. When I turn the key on, all the panel lights go on and off and a clicking sound occurs (relay?). After a few seconds of this it stops and the glow plug light stays lit and I can start.
My Ck30 is a 2012 purchased in May 2012.
Any ideas and comments would be appreciated.

 

[mrutkaus]

Sounds like a bad connection problem somewhere, if battery is full and charged ok. Take off cables and clean battery contacts is the first thing, then check battery ground strap connection and so on.

Mike

 

[Notlaker]

You would think a bad battery connection would affect only high current demand like cranking. However, once it stops flickering it cranks no problem. Also, if I stop and restart there is no issue. Only happens when sitting for awhile and cold outside (below 40F).

 

[94BULLITT]

You would think a bad battery connection would affect only high current demand like cranking. However, once it stops flickering it cranks no problem. Also, if I stop and restart there is no issue. Only happens when sitting for awhile and cold outside (below 40F).

No, you should check and clean your cables.

 

[Notlaker]

I had checked when I first had this problem. Will go over everything again. Intermittent problems are such a pita!

 

[94BULLITT]

Is the battery fully charged?

 

[Notlaker]

Yes it is. I just have to wait with the key on and the flickering and clicking stops after a few seconds and then everything is normal. Cranking is then strong and fast.

 

[murphy1244]

Check grounds.

 

[Coyote machine]

Check ground starting at frame and negative battery cable. Wiggle the cable and see if there is any symptom difference noted. Make sure the battery clamp connections cannot move by grabbing the cable and trying to move the connection on the batteries post.
Check all connections at the firewall too make sure none are loose, and all the relay plugs are pushed into the relays completely.
Is it stored outside? Do you have the ignition switch cover that helps keep rain/water/moisture out of the ig switch?
Assume nothing- check everything. How long has this problem existed? How long ago did you replace the switch?

 

[jimmyj]

I have the exact same issue each year. I have to take the negative battery cable off, clean the contacts and put it back on with some of that electro-whatsits-called grease stuff and the problem goes away. Happens every single year once it gets cold. There must be deposits building up on the battery terminal or inside the negative cable.

I think I will replace the negative cable once it warms up, I had a positive cable on my old Allis Chalmers once that looked mint but NO current could get through it. Bizarre but it happens.

Good luck

 

[Notlaker]

I'll give it a try as soon as I get to my tractor's den.
It's really a mess out there right now after the several feet of snow we got last Friday.
To make matters worse, it started raining on Monday and started a quick melt.

 

[jimmyj]

I'll give it a try as soon as I get to my tractor's den.
It's really a mess out there right now after the several feet of snow we got last Friday.
To make matters worse, it started raining on Monday and started a quick melt.

We are having the same messy weather here. Snow, melt rain, freezing rain, warm, melt, cold, freeze up, repeat! LOL

 

[MotorSeven]

I had checked when I first had this problem. Will go over everything again. Intermittent problems are such a pita!

A visual check won't help, you have to remove the cables and clean both terminal and post. These tractors hate even a slightly dirty battery connection.

 

[DK35vince]

A visual check won't help, you have to remove the cables and clean both terminal and post. These tractors hate even a slightly dirty battery connection.

Correct.
He also needs to remove the ground cable were it bolts to the frame and clean the connections.

 

[Notlaker]

Just wanted to say that I am not ignoring all your fine advice, I just have not had the chance to do all the suggested checks. Will try this weekend.
While I check the connections, what product (available in Canada) does anyone recomment to use to keep the connections clean and corrosion free?
I keep my Kioti in an unheated covered separate storage area along with all the implements.

 

[Coyote machine]

Dielectric grease, available in any auto store, or battery terminal spray; spray it on after through cleaning with emery cloth or sandpaper.

 

[Notlaker]

Been over 4 months since I followed the advice given and after tightening the ground connection, have never had the problem again. Many thanks to all!

 

[Coyote machine]

Great news! You're welcome, too.