My DK50SE HST wont Start

Brokenbone · Sep 25, 2014

Hello Everyone, I'm a first time poster,with a first time tractor problem. My DK50SE HST with 97 hours wont crank.It will turn over but not start. I replaced the relay and selinoid still nothing.If I take the selinoid out it will start and run put it back in while running and it quits.It's a must that I use this tractor now .So I have to take the selinoid off, turn on the key,push in rod on selinoid,put it back on,start tractor and run untill I'm done .If I turn the tractor off I will have to do all this again. Can anyone help? Thank you.

tman1020 · Sep 25, 2014

I was just thinking could be the seat safety? Or maybe some type of safety for clutch or hydrostat pedal to neutral? Not real familiar with what your tractor has but that's kind of what it sounds like to me.

ritcheyvs · Sep 25, 2014

Hey Bone,

I think you are telling us that (1) the starter cranks fine but (2) the engine will not start unless you remove the start solenoid. Also, (3) you can remove the start solenoid, turn the key switch to on, push the solenoid rod into the solenoid and that rod will stay retracted until you turn the switch off. BUT (4) the solenoid will not retract on its own.

This solenoid has two coils: a high current "pull" coil that gets a short 12 volt pulse to retract the stop solenoid rod and a low current "hold" coil that is powered whenever the switch is ON to keep the solenoid retracted. There is something wrong with the "pull" circuit.

First check the 25 amp engine stop fuse. The 15 amp display unit fuse should be OK because you reported no display problems but check it if any displays are wonky.

Then check the pull coil relay; swap it with a known good relay if you have one (several folks reported these are available from any auto parts store).

Look for any obvious wiring damage. If that hasn't solved your problem it gets more expensive. I'd check the stop solenoid next by jumpering 12v from the battery to the pull coil connector. That should produce a distinct click. If no click try the other solenoid terminal (in case you got the terminals backwards). If still no click, you need a new solenoid (about $100).

If the solenoid and everything else tests good you probably need a new display unit (about $200).

If the solenoid is bad you may be able to revive it for a time by tapping on it but a bad solenoid needs to be replaced or removed (cap the hole and use the manual shutoff).

If the display unit is the problem, you might jury-rig a push button from the 12v to the solenoid pull coil wire (and push it while the key is on before starting) until you get it fixed right.

Other owners have reported several bad relays and one bad display unit so those are both possibilities. I don't recall any confirmed stop solenoid failures on TBN.

tman1020 · Sep 25, 2014

Also I think that there is a pto safety that can prevent start. Please post what u find if u get it worked out.

ritcheyvs · Sep 25, 2014

tman1020 said:
I was just thinking could be the seat safety? Or maybe some type of safety for clutch or hydrostat pedal to neutral? Not real familiar with what your tractor has but that's kind of what it sounds like to me.

I think the neutral and PTO safeties will prevent the starter from cranking but I don't think they effect the stop solenoid. I don't think Kiotis have a seat switch but maybe newer ones do.

Coyote machine · Sep 25, 2014

You have a warranty, yes? If so, contact your selling dealer and have them fix it.
There's no seat safety. There is a range selector microswitch which locks out starting if in any gear, not in neutral. Sometimes the range lever gets out of adjustment and this can be checked by slightly moving the lever while trying to start the engine. When a neutral position is reached the engine should crank.

You mention the solenoid; are you referring to the fuel stop solenoid? (not the starter solenoid, correct?).

ritcheyvs · Sep 25, 2014

Coyote machine said:
You have a warranty, yes? If so, contact your selling dealer and have them fix it.
...

97 hours! Duh! How did I miss that little detail?

Coyote machine · Sep 25, 2014

ritcheyvs said:
97 hours! Duh! How did I miss that little detail?

Old you must be getting, eyes you must be checking! :confused2::laughing:

milkman636 · Sep 26, 2014

I think ritchevys has it right. I had to replace the engine stop solenoid on my white version of a DK (Bobcat) at about 100 hours too. Mine sporadically popped the first fuse that ritcheyvs referred to a couple of times and would not fire up like you describe. That rod is what seats the rack in the injector pump and stops the fuel flow when you turn the key off. When the fuse blew I wouldn't hear the loud snap sound when I turned the key on. The engine stop solenoid was a dealer stock item and ran about $85 IIRC. Changing it cleared my problems up.

I also seem to remember that the manual has a specific resistance for the pull coil on that solenoid. Measured at the solenoid with the wires disconnected I think it is 0.3 ohms for the pull coil to ground. If your fuses are good you should be able to measure battery voltage on two of the terminals on the wiring harness with the key on.