B2320 won't start and won't charge.

[jhogan2424]

I am looking for a little guidance on a problem with my B2320. The tractor is a 2010 model with only 79 hours. It has never been abused in any way, has always been stored indoors, and still appears absolutely new. After mowing the tractor was shut down as normal. A couple hours later when I attempted to start it, it would not crank. When the key is turned to the run position, the lights and dash all come on as usual but when the key is turned a little further to the start position the starter simply doesn't turn. It makes no noise or clicks, it is just silent. The first thing I checked was the PTO lever but no problem there. When engaging and disengaging the PTO you can hear a "click" as if a relay is functioning so I have ruled that out. I checked all of the seat switches with a test light and still found no problems. I also checked the fuses, again no problems. I was able to start the tractor by jumping the starter so the starter is also fine. I found a small box underneath the dash that appears to be some type of "brain" that has several wires coming in and out. I took the cover off and there is a circuit board that appears to be fine, no burnt or dark areas. I removed the key switch and tested all of the workings and the wire that triggers the starter does produce power when the key is turned. On top of the starting problem, it is no longer charging the battery. When I remove the battery cable with the engine running, it immidietley dies. There is no doubt that these two problems are related but I just don't see how. I have pretty much ruled out ALL of the safety switches as I have tested each one individually and all tested OK. I can not find a single thing wrong with this tractor and just don't know where to look next. I was hoping you guys might be able to throw some ideas out there. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jason
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[tractchores]

Have you checked the hst pedal to make sure it is not out of center (reverse or forward)? They are very sensitive on the tractors and get gummed up. Try wiggling it back and forth as you turn tne key...

There are zerks under the floor panel to grease the linkages, which will help with the sticking.

 

[jhogan2424]

Yes Sir I have eliminated the pedal as a possibility. The switch checked out fine and I also bypassed it with a jumper wire to make sure. Thanks for the tip though.

 

[tractchores]

strange problem... I know that if the battery is low you get similar symptoms to what you're describing (no sound, dash lights work). It takes a good amount of battery power to turn over these engines. Not sure about the charging issue, though the alternators on these are barely sufficient, so even running worklights can cause the battery to not charge enough... though that doesn't explain the dying issue when a cable is removed.

 

[number two]

Very interesting problem!Our B Series tractors use a shutdown solenoid to stop the engine when the key is turned off.Power is applied to the shutdown solenoid and a timer shuts off leaving the engine ready to start.
The brain box would be the OPC Operator Presence Control system which you've hopefully elimated with your testing.
Since the tractor dies with the battery cable removed,it would suspect a wiring problem allowing the shutdown solenoid to activate the shutdown with battery voltage from somewhere.
Please post back.Hope this helps.

 

[ericher69]

My guess is the rectifier is faulty

http://tracpartz.nl/en/electrics/404-rectifier-regulator-kubota.html

I have had this happen on an old wheelhorse that I had in the past.

Start by charging and load testing the battery.

As for the engine dying when the cable is removed... This also leads me to rectifier as I have run down the battery on my b2920; fueled up and would not start. A diesel should run once running even if the battery is dead (although not recommended as batt smooths things out)

Hope this helps

 

[ericher69]

Any updates?

Don't mind trying to help but a response one way or another is appreciated

 

[jhogan2424]

Been working all week and haven't gotten a chance to put some of these suggestions to the test. i am hoping to get a littke time this weekend. i do appreciate the help fellas.

 

[johnhenry222]

I had same problem with my B 2320, and the problem was fixed with a new battery. Hope this helps...

 

[jhogan2424]

After eliminating the possibility of the safety switches, battery, alternator, and just about everyu other part on the tractor being bad I went ahead and ordered the OPC box from Messicks. I was told that this box's main purpose is to be sort of a junction box where all of the safety switches "meet up" and that the charging system also passes through this box. I am working on the assumption that this box is the only part on the tractor that could affect both the starter and charging system. I should have it in a few days and it will be a simple "unplug the old, and plug in the new." I will let everyone know how it turns out. Thanks, Jason

 

[jhogan2424]

So I received the new module this afternoon. Done a quick change-out and I still have a tractor that won't start. Anyone have any other ideas? I am getting very frustrated. The reason I spent $12,000 on a new model Kubota is because I was tired of having to work on the old tractors I had previously. Starting to wish I had kept my 30 year old Ford tractor that I sold for $2500. That old tractor was rough, ugly, and uncomfortable but at least it would start.

 

[tractchores]

If you can it may be time to either get a mobile tech to come out or to take it into the dealer. It sounds like an obscure electrical problem and they may have better luck diagnosing. At a minimum you might call them and ask, maybe they've seen it before or know what the symptoms mean.

I can only imagine how frustraing it must be!

 

[sailorman]

After eliminating the possibility of the safety switches, battery, alternator, and just about everyu other part on the tractor being bad I went ahead and ordered the OPC box from Messicks.

I may have missed this in previous posts, but how did you eliminate the battery as not bad ? I had the same problem on my B2320 and my simplistic tester showed a charged battery . Upon takin ' it to a auto parts store for testing on a sophisticated machine the battery showed as bad . New battery and no problems since . Been a year now .

 

[jhogan2424]

Because I can use a jumper switch between the battery and starter solenoid and the tractor starts as it should. It just won't start with the key.

 

[timswi]

Possible bad ignition switch?

 

[sailorman]

Because I can use a jumper switch between the battery and starter solenoid and the tractor starts as it should. It just won't start with the key.

K, sounds right to me . There was one other thing that happened to me although it is a long shot . I had a problem with the key housing that caused the tractor not to start , The housing was rotating ever so slightly . I tighten the key housing with the bezzle ( ?) and all was good . Beyond that , I got nothin ' else other than key switch is bad .

 

[kakabeka]

My 2620 had a similar problem and it was the "key stop" fuse.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I once had a no start problem on my newish 2620. Working in the woods do some light clearing. A wire near the starter came off. I dont recall if it shutdown or I tutnrd it off. I was lucky to see the wire hanging down. I reconnected it and everything was fine.

I wouldnt replace parts without knowing they are bad.

Why not take it do the dealer?

 

[jhogan2424]

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I checked key stop fuse, key switch housing, and actual key switch. Everything tested good. The reason I haven't taken it to the dealer is because my local dealer is well known to give the cold shoulder to anyone that bought their machine elsewhere. I did call them shortly after this problem started and they couldn't even tell me when they could look at it. They said to drop it off and they would get to it sometime in the next few weeks. I will take it to them as a last resort and I'm almost to that point.

 

[94BULLITT]

It would be nice if you could get a wire diagram.