ignition switch issues

[bvanek]

Hello,

I read some past threads about Kioti ignition switch issues.

I have a 2012 build Kioti DK40 SE. After owning for about a year I have recently encountered ignition switch issues in which sometimes it doesn't start or doesn't turn on the dash indicators lights or both. Continuing to reengage the switch and maybe holding pressure on the key will sometimes get me a start but it seems to be regressing to not working at all.
Called the dealer and they said this was an ongoing problem with Kioti ignition switches and it is under warranty and will be replaced. But he also told me some history about this problem. Kioti has been aware of this issue for quite some time. They first went to a modified ignition with better protection from the elements....this did not cure the issue. They then went to new ignition switch manufacturer and this also did not cure the problem? They are currently back to the old ignition switches (probably cheaper for them) and now they change out the switches and hope for the best? This leaves me with a bad feeling. Although Kioti is trying to cure the issue, they seem to not have found a solution.

Corrosion/moisture seems to be the consensus, but my tractor has never been left out in the rain. It is kept in a carport type enclosure with one open side. I live in the NW about 50 miles from the coast ...we get our share of rain and humidity but it has been unusually dry this year. However we have also had fog or low clouds and the cold air condenses on the tractor metal and it's essentially wet from this on certain days. Guess this may be my issue, but I don't plan on taking the old one apart because I have to return it for warranty.
I have not picked up the new ignition switch yet (the dealer is 30 miles away) Has anyone else had issues with this and is there a solution (or possibly a related issue) that I am not aware of? Also if anyone has replaced this before, is it difficult?

thanks

 

[k0ua]

I had problems with mine about 150 hours and a year and a half ago, I sprayed it twice with Fluid Film, and have never had any more issues with it. Just sprayed it in the key slot, and run the key and a bunch of times and operated the switch, and did it again about a week later for good measure.

 

[deerseeker001]

Welcome from Wisconsin

 

[ritcheyvs]

I have a 2006 DK45S (not SE). My switch got wonky a couple years back. I disassembled, cleaned, and lubed the switch and had no problems since. The switch is very simple; it's a copper disk with raised areas that touch stationary contacts as the disk rotates. My switch was fouled, mostly by dirt. Reassembly can be tricky and there are springs that can get lost, easily. Your switch may be different. The switch on my tractor is below the instrument panel so removal and replacement is very easy.

Supplemental: If you decide to disassemble this switch, do it in a place where spring-loaded parts won't get lost (like inside a big zip-lock bag) and take photos along the way. As I recall. it was possible to reassemble 180 degrees off (or was it 120 degrees?) so taking a couple digital photos would have saved me a second reassembly.

 

[MotorSeven]

Yes, clean it. Even under warranty it can be a hassle to haul your tractor in. Mine is not under warranty, so I asked the other day at my dealer(even though mine is not giving me any problems yet)......brace yourself....the switch is $90.

 

[Dingo Man]

I just replaced my ignition tonight. Three screws, separate the steering column cover, unplug old, plug in new, and place cover back. Pretty easy it took me about 10min in single digit temps so I was happy. I was experiencing degrading starting issues as well. My dealer sent me what they called an updated switch. The switch is different and feels and looks better made than the stock switch. I will try it in the morning after it sits all night at below zero temps. Hopefully this fixes the problem.

 

[PILOON]

Koua uses fluid film and I have used WD40 to also get good results.

Dismantling my switch proved easy and what I discovered was dry caked lubricant that prevented contacts from occurring.
The WD40 softened the lube and switch has worked ever since.

I since now WD40 all my locks, cars, house and padlocks.
The WD also prevents water penetration. (WD=water displacement)

 

[bvanek]

thanks everyone for your input.
As soon as this weather breaks (snow, wind, and bitterly cold) I'll head out across the river to the dealer in Washington to get the part. I'm glad I have a smaller (Cub Cadet) tractor so I can get my road plowed. The Kioti will not start at all now. Except for this issue it has been a very good tractor for the money.
Dingo; let me know about your new ignition switch . I will compare my old one as well and see if it is any different. Seems to me that Kioti would have made some sort of progress with this issue. Also thanks for the reassurance that this may not be hard to replace. It looked rather easy but sometimes you get surprises. I think I will try the lubrication on the new switch as some have suggested.

The following is me venting;
This is an ignition switch...this is not new technology? it makes no sense to have continued issues with this? Many times they "broker" items like these and get supplied by the lowest bidder. Doesn't seem reasonable to compromise an otherwise great tractor with a cheap ignition system.
I would also add that these tractors sit out in the weather at most dealerships for months. 85% of them are sold without canopies. So they have to know that these components will be subject to some extremes. It's a tractor!
.......My Kioti was actually a 2013 model not a 2012 like I thought...but it still had the "tier four" pollution on it. I don't know when they were going to change to the full blown pollution standard, but I do know it added a lot more electronics/electrical components and an extra $18000.00 to the price tag. Maybe they are putting in better switches?
(Now I'm just ranting....but I feel better)

thanks for the info guys....would be nice to keep this thread going as it seems to be a common issue.

 

[k0ua]

Koua uses fluid film and I have used WD40 to also get good results.

Dismantling my switch proved easy and what I discovered was dry caked lubricant that prevented contacts from occurring.
The WD40 softened the lube and switch has worked ever since.

I since now WD40 all my locks, cars, house and padlocks.
The WD also prevents water penetration. (WD=water displacement)

There you go.:thumbsup:

 

[rimshot]

I have 1250 hours and seven years of use on my ignition switch and not had a problem. I guess I am lucky.

rim