CK20s Turn the Key and Nothing

[dengar256]

So I ran into my first real problem. I have a new CK20s (50 hours) and when I went to work with it today it would not start. When I turn the key nothing happens no glow plug, no click no nothing. I checked the battery and it is fully charged, even tried to boost it just to make sure. The last could of times I used it I had to turn the key a few times before it would turn on. I remember seeing a problem like this here a few weeks back but cannot find it. Any clues?

 

[jlsanborn]

I've heard folks on here talk of glitchy ingntion switches. Some squirt contact cleaner in the slot, others WD40, then put some grease on the key and jam it in there. I think someone on here even took theirs apart for a cleaning and re-lube. Does your ignition feel / sound normal? I don't have a schematic, but you should see voltage on at least one terminal at the ignition switch.

 

[dengar256]

It Seems / feels fine just no power. I wanted to get some ideas here before I get more aggressive and start taking things apart. It did freeze on me the other day and used a little lock deicer.

 

[dengar256]

It is cold up here about -4 F. Could one of the switches / relays be frozen? My tractor is under a roof but some snow does get into the shelter.

 

[IslandTractor]

Sounds like an ignition switch issue. Should be under warranty. Check with your dealer.

 

[TBDonnelly]

Clean the battery cables at both ends. Give a good wire brushing to the ground wire at the frame.

Don

 

[wallace]

After you clean the battery ends both sides, battery and frame.
If it doesn't start then you can jump the starter and see if you can get it to turn over..That will help tell if your key switch is bad.
If you don't know how to "jump a starter" DO NOT DO IT.
If you do know how, make sure the machine is in neutral!

 

[Gittyup]

I've found that there is a sweet spot on my ignition switch. If I turn it too hard, it won't start. If I hold it just right, it starts. Have come to know exactly where this is. When you turn the key you should hear a relay click. If not, then switch isn't making contact (or relay is bad). No click, no turn over, no start, when it's the switch. A little cleaning and dielectric grease or fluid film helps a lot.

 

[Craig Clayton]

Did the key switch work properly before it froze and you used lock deicer on it.?
Did the lock deicer have any fancy lube in it ?
You could try switch contact cleaner sprayed in the switch because there may still be water in the back of the switch( you may have to spray in lots )
Craig Clayton

 

[Hoosier Hay Man]

I had a car starter get snow in it evidently and melted then froze it up. When I took the starter off thinking it was the problem, I noticed a little ice droplets in the nose of the starter. I warmed it up and and jumped it to test it and it worked. It also wouldn't click or nothing. It was amazing that little bit of ice could freeze up the starter. Snow can get in about anywhere.

 

[MikeD74T]

Had a similar problem with my DK45S. Start the tractor, run for a while, go to restart -nothing. After cleaning & tightening the OEM positive battery clamp several times I cut it off & put on a bolt on clamp. No problem since. The OEM clamp would stretch & loosen. MikeD74t

 

[MichiganIron]

If you have no power, check the terminals and ground at the chassis. After that, be sure to check the slow blow fuse, wrapped in a yellow fuse case by the starter.

 

[MikeD74T]

Another thought, did you bump your pto switch to on ???? MikeD74T

 

[Canada_CT230]

Check the micro switch on the travel pedal on the underside of the machine. Snow/water can make it stick and not allow anything to function.

 

[IslandTractor]

Another thought, did you bump your pto switch to on ???? MikeD74T

I believe the CK20 still has a PTO lever for a mechanical linkage rather than an electrohydraulic switch (as the new DK series has). It would take more than a bump to get it out of position but it would indeed prevent a start if the lever was left in the PTO on position when last run.

 

[dengar256]

Thanks everyone, I think I found the problem. After staring at it for 30 minutes looking / following all the wires I could find I started looking at the fuse box. I was looking for a label for a fuse that could be the problem. I saw one that was labeled "engine stop" and 3 letters that I can't remember. It was a 25 amp fuse I think. Any ways I took it out and it look OK so I put it back and made sure it was well seated. Got back in the seat and it came to life. I am going to keep an eye on it just to make sure everything is OK and might give my dealer a call just in case.

Thanks again everyone.
Chris

 

[joe48]

My CK20 also had ignition switch problems the first winter, the switch would get snow in it while plowing then freeze, which eventually corroded it and it failed, even after use WD40 to displace water and lube it.
Had to replace switch finally, this time I use white spray grease in it and regrease it before winter evry year, been five years now no more problems. (except replace that flimsy plastic switch cover twice now)