Electrical, Lights on without being turned on

[megawatt]

My BX2230 has been "missing" as if a seat safety switch is randomly stopping the engine. It usually happens after running for about an hour. Sometimes sooner. Now to add to it the amber lights have come on and cannot be turned off. SWITCHES ARE NOT TURNED ON. I opened it up to see if the 20 amp fuse blew. THIS KEEPS THE ENGINE FROM SHUTTING OFF BY KEY on my tractor. What turns on the amber post lights without turning on switches? Any help will be much appreciated. I don't want to have to load up and take to dealer yet. Thanks, Dave.

 

[Truro411]

I suspect you have a short somewhere in your wiring harness. Check inside your dash or similar tight areas for a mouse nest. They chew off insulation on wires.

In the mean time disconnect your battery as this could easily lead to a fire. Your safest bet is a proper service call.

 

[madmax12]

I'm not sure how you would do an effective search for it, but I think there was another bx doing almost the same thing within the last few months. If u could find that thread, or if that OP sees yours, that may help.

 

[LD1]

Could be the switch isnt working, or could be that the relay is sticking if it has a relay.

Try looking in the fuse box and see if it has a relay for them lights. If it does, pull it out and see if the lights go out. If they do, grab another relay (probabally one in your car/truck will work for testing) and see if a new relay makes the lights work like they should again.

Also could be a short in the wiring somewhere.

But this is about all the help we can give without some further trouble-shooting with a DVOM and possible a wiring diagram (which isnt avaliable anywhere I can find online for free)

 

[megawatt]

Thank You for your input so fast! Truro411, madmax12, and LD1. I have not been able to find any shorts by visual. I was suspect of the starter switch since it shares part of the lighting circuits. I cleaned off the back of it where wires enter but they seem to be sealed. That makes me think no dirt accumulation is causing it. No mouse nests, (my tractor lives in my garage without them). Fuseblock has no relay, just fuses, except for the timing relay. I figured a relay could be a relay, but don't see any on my schematic wiring diagram. Just the timer relay that stops the engine. I am thinking starter switch.

 

[tcartwri]

Corrosion inside the fuse block, or inside the instrument cluster. Inspect the seams on both, looking for evidence of water or rusty/green discharge. A damaged ignition switch will also cause all kinds of crazy electrical gremlins.

 

[megawatt]

Tim, Thanks for the idea. Haven't found any evidence, externally of corrosion or problems on your mentioned items. As far as I can see no moisture makes it into my electrical system under the instrument console. I am about ready to replace the starter switch. It is the only point common to the lights that stay on. As for the cutting in and out, many other readers have had the same problem. It sounds to me that the safety switch is a very poor setup.

 

[LD1]

Any chance you could scan or take a clear high-resolution pic of the wiring schematic and post it??

Wiring diagrams are very hard to fin online.

 

[megawatt]

I don't think my old camera is up to it. I will give it a shot. By the way. After reading posts this morning I went back out into the heat and examined some more. I sharpened my blades greased the tractor and deck and reinstalled it. I started the tractor and it now stops again without any more work on the wiring. I am really convinced it is in the start switch. It is the only place that is common to the lights that are staying on.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

If the BX2230 has original switches, chances are that their is water and other debries in the switch shortong it out. Kubota has newer switches available that are more resistant to moisture intrusion.

David Kb7uns