DK40SE having problems starting

[boomer613]

Need help diagnosing my problem. This is my first tractor and I am not very mechanical but would like to fix this myself before driving to the dealership. I still have 4 months before my warrantee runs out so I should be able to pick up the part free of charge.

When I turn over my ignition key, I can see all my lights on my dashboard light up. I can also here it clicking. Sometimes it will turn over and start but most of the time it just clicks until I turn the key over again or move the forward/neutral/reverse lever. It seems like when I jiggle this lever, i can get it to turn over and crank most of the time. I called my dealer and he thinks it is the ignition switch. If so, he said it was pretty easy to change and I can just get the switch from him and do it myself. This would save me the hassle from borrowing a trailer and driving 50 miles each way. Any suggestions?

 

[murphy1244]

Change the switch, it is a very easy job.

 

[boomer613]

Just wanted to make sure before I drive to pick it up. I am guessing you feel the switch is the problem. Would hate to make multiple trips. Thanks for your advice.

 

[murphy1244]

Just wanted to make sure before I drive to pick it up. I am guessing you feel the switch is the problem. Would hate to make multiple trips. Thanks for your advice.

The Kioti switches have been a problem for a while. The new switch closes when you pull out the key. You might try spraying some Fluid Film down the key slot then turn the key a few times.

 

[boomer613]

I have yet to put it under a roof so it has been sitting under the rain. This might have contributed to the problem. Just curious why moving the forward/neutral/reverse lever helped it turn over? But then again it might have been my imagination as I was holding onto the key at the same time.

 

[murphy1244]

I have yet to put it under a roof so it has been sitting under the rain. This might have contributed to the problem. Just curious why moving the forward/neutral/reverse lever helped it turn over? But then again it might have been my imagination as I was holding onto the key at the same time.

It might mean something, but there are known switch problems. Spray your switch and try again.

 

[k0ua]

Let me ask you did the Nuetral light appear in the instrument panel? If so then the range potentiometer should be working. Attached to your range lever is a small 2000 ohm Potentiometer that has 5 volts from the cruise module on its high side, and ground on the other. The center wiper goes back to the cruise module and it reads the voltage going thru the pot. and decides what "gear" you are in, including Nuetral. But if the Nuetral light did appear, it should be OK. This all assumes your tractor is a Hydrostatic transmission. If it is the shuttle/gear model. then forget the above.. But the keyswitch has had problems in the past. And I highly recommend spraying with Fluid Film or even wd40 if that is what you have. Some users have dissembled the keyswitch to clean the contacts and re-lubed them and solved their problems. I just sprayed mine. Here is a thread with pictures about disassemble of the clamshell housing. and while you are in there, lube the throttle too.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...286824-kioti-dk-throttle-lubrication-pix.html

 

[boomer613]

Thanks guys for your suggestions. I looked at James' 2 photos. I can see where you lube the parts but does it have a picture of the ignition switch? My dealer is going to send me an ignition switch in the mail tomorrow. I should have it by Tuesday. As for fluid film, I went to Autozone today and nobody knew what fluid film was. Is there another name for it? Sorry, I was never very mechanical.

 

[murphy1244]

Thanks guys for your suggestions. I looked at James' 2 photos. I can see where you lube the parts but does it have a picture of the ignition switch? My dealer is going to send me an ignition switch in the mail tomorrow. I should have it by Tuesday. As for fluid film, I went to Autozone today and nobody knew what fluid film was. Is there another name for it? Sorry, I was never very mechanical.

Try NAPA

 

[k0ua]

Thanks guys for your suggestions. I looked at James' 2 photos. I can see where you lube the parts but does it have a picture of the ignition switch? My dealer is going to send me an ignition switch in the mail tomorrow. I should have it by Tuesday. As for fluid film, I went to Autozone today and nobody knew what fluid film was. Is there another name for it? Sorry, I was never very mechanical.

Well I don't know what to say: one picture had the ignition switch in plain view in the foreground, and the other had the molex plug that will come on the ignition switch.

If you cannot find Fluid Film locally you can use WD40, in the switch, or LPS. or this Blaster product.

Blaster Chemical/All purpose lubricant (PB-50) | Lubricant/Grease | AutoZone.com

Fluid Film Rust Protection

FLUID FILM products - Grainger Industrial Supply

Amazon.com: fluid film

Amazon.com: lps 2 lubricant

 

[boomer613]

Sorry I just did not know what an ignition switch looked like. I guess it is simple as unpluging the molex plug and replacing it? Also to get the steering column off, is it just 6 screws? Should have the part in the mail by Tuesday. I will stop by NAPA this weekend fluid film. Thanks again

 

[MotorSeven]

Boomer, is this a HST?

My thread is below here about my neutral safety switch(Potentiometer). After replacing the switch @ $123 I would by pass it if it goes again....the thing is not really needed in my opinion.

If it is your ignition, it's an easy fix....so keep us posted.

 

[k0ua]

Sorry I just did not know what an ignition switch looked like. I guess it is simple as unpluging the molex plug and replacing it? Also to get the steering column off, is it just 6 screws? Should have the part in the mail by Tuesday. I will stop by NAPA this weekend fluid film. Thanks again

I cannot remember the exact number of the 10mm headed screws. But I do remember I used my little Rockwell thrill drill on impact to remove them as they top ones were rusted on the end due to the holes in the top half of the clamshell housing collects water and dirt to help rust the ends of the screws. I would suggest squirting some WD40 in those holes now and let it set for a day or 2 to help loosen it up. Yes unplug Molex, and there will be some sort of retainer clip on the back side of the switch to get it out of the housing. Take care and don't forget the plastic moulded in retainer clips that hold the clamshell pieces togethr after the screws are removed. You push in to disengage them. If you don't feel confident doing this, perhaps you could enlist the aid of a friend that has some experience in working with automotive type repairs?

 

[boomer613]

Hi MotorSeven, it is Shuttle shift so I guess I don't have to worry about the safety neutral switch.

Hi James, thanks for the input. I am going to try and take the cover off this weekend. Should have the part by Tuesday or Wednesday. By the way, this is my second time I have had a starting problem. The first time the dealer fixed it. He said he had to replace a relay switch but thought it was an ignition switch this time around. I am getting kind of frustrated as my tractor only has 85 hours on it. Overall though, I am still happy with the Kioti and think it well built - it is just too bad that Kioti cannot work through these minor starting problems.

 

[MotorSeven]

Not defending Kioti, but defending all tractors and even all travel trailers/campers....get it under a roof. It's not just the rain/snow that beats them up, but the sun sure can mess with plastics/wiring/rubber/etc. Mine lives under a shed, and the ignition is still original....the potentiometer made it almost 6 years though but it never did read the correct gear or Neutral from day one. I didn't think it was a big deal, bt it might have been an indication it was defective from the get go.

 

[boomer613]

Not defending Kioti, but defending all tractors and even all travel trailers/campers....get it under a roof. It's not just the rain/snow that beats them up, but the sun sure can mess with plastics/wiring/rubber/etc. Mine lives under a shed, and the ignition is still original....the potentiometer made it almost 6 years though but it never did read the correct gear or Neutral from day one. I didn't think it was a big deal, bt it might have been an indication it was defective from the get go.

I agree, I need to put it under a roof, just haven't had the time to build a shed as I was still building the house. In my opinion even with the harsh elements, I never would have imagined I would have two starting problems within 18 months. With that said, I don't regret buying a Kioti over the other popular brands. I still think it is the best value for the money.

 

[murphy1244]

Kioti does have a Ignition Switch weather Plug for their key switch.

 

[k0ua]

Not defending Kioti, but defending all tractors and even all travel trailers/campers....get it under a roof. It's not just the rain/snow that beats them up, but the sun sure can mess with plastics/wiring/rubber/etc. Mine lives under a shed, and the ignition is still original....the potentiometer made it almost 6 years though but it never did read the correct gear or Neutral from day one. I didn't think it was a big deal, bt it might have been an indication it was defective from the get go.

Does it read correctly now?

 

[ritcheyvs]

Hi MotorSeven, it is Shuttle shift so I guess I don't have to worry about the safety neutral switch...

If a gear model (and some CK hydro models), there is also a clutch safety switch which can fail or get out of adjustment. This switch will not allow the the starter to crank unless the clutch pedal is in the clutch-fully-disengaged position.

 

[Coyote machine]

I agree, I need to put it under a roof, just haven't had the time to build a shed as I was still building the house. In my opinion even with the harsh elements, I never would have imagined I would have two starting problems within 18 months. With that said, I don't regret buying a Kioti over the other popular brands. I still think it is the best value for the money.

Get and install the ignition switch cover too. Your issues are minor, and as stated get it under cover. Two minor issues on your tractor amount to nothing overall. If you had real problems with any tractor brand you'd know it. Your house has nothing to do with protecting an expensive piece of equipment from harsh elements. Kick your own butt, not the tractor's.:confused3::confused2: