L4330 hst starting problem

enumclaw · Dec 3, 2006

Hello,
Haven't seen this problem listed and the Kubota dealer is closed today so.....Went out to start my L4330 but it wouldn't start. The procedure is to turn the key on, depress the clutch and turn the key to start. The Intellipanel displayed "hst" and "neutral". This has happened before so I rocked the speed control pedal fore and aft letting it return to the neutral position and turned the key to start but just got the same message. One time, I had this problem and the Kubota mechanic had me examine the linkage under the floorboard for an obstruction and sure enough there was a small branch caught up in the linkage but not this time. A couple of other times when starting, the hst message was displayed and then there was a chattering relay sound and it started. Anyone know if there is an easy to replace relay that has failed or is there a hard to replace neutral safety switch buried deep inside the transmission?

Thanks for you help

Airmale · Dec 3, 2006

pto off?

enumclaw · Dec 3, 2006

Yes. I checked that. I have had my backhoe on for the last couple months so haven't used the pto. When I put the pto switch to the on position, "pto" was displayed on the panel. The display cycles between "hst" and "neutral" when I turn the key to start. I also cycled the gear shift through L,M,H several times, no go, tried applying a little forward pressure to the speed control pedal as I turned the key, no go, then a little backward pressure, still no go.

Thanks for your interest.

JoeL4330 · Dec 4, 2006

Manual describes:

"HST Pedal Neutral Switch : This switch is mounted on the HST pedal link, and is turned on when the HST pedal is in the neutral position. It serves as a safety switch when the engine is started."

"The main switch transmits a main switch "ON" signal and an "ST" signal at the time of engine start to the electronic instrument panel. When each lever switch and the associated are in the neutral position, the computer in the electronic instrument panel detects the signals and determines whether the engine can be started safely."

As you already know, "If neither of the levers or pedals are in neutral positions when the main switch is turned to the "START" position, the engine cannot be started. The electronic instrument panel displays a message for the operator to correct the situation by placing the appropriate lever or pedal in the neutral position." In your case: "When the HST pedal is not set at a Neutral position, [the panel shows "HST" and "NEUTRAL"] "release the HST pedal to set the Neutral Position."

Attached is a pic of the location, and of the type