ignition switch issues

[k0ua]

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

rim

Or the grease did not dry out for some reason in your switch!

On a large run of Nortel PBX's about 15 years ago, the grease dried out on the main power supply on/off switch. PBX's are not turned on and off a lot, in fact they usually run 24/7/365. But if you did turn the PBX off for some reason, and it did need to be turned off occasionally for maintenance, they would never come on again, as the dried grease would not allow the contacts to make again. This of course was a disaster that usually occurred late at night in a "maintenance window".

 

[bvanek]

thanks guys.
The wd-40 worked . (it is all I had on Hand) just sprayed it in the key slot for now. may have to take apart as suggested (but at least I can get it started right now.) Maybe it was the cold weather causing the grease to cake/harden as several guys suggested.

me happy now

 

[Dingo Man]

If your still under warranty I would still have your dealer send you the new switch. It won't hurt to have it.

 

[bvanek]

Yes, Dingo, I think that getting the new switch is a good idea. I still have to hold the key with pressure to get contact to start. My dealer has already told me that he has them in stock, they are aware of the problem, and it's under warranty.

 

[Deekes]

I guess a service bulletin would be completely out of the question. They would rather have a disgruntled owner over something so trivial. Stand by your product man. Some people earn their living and can't have down time over a 90 dollar part. I know in the big scheme of things, a cheaper part can mean a thousand bucks cheaper at the dealer when buying a tractor but let people know so their not stuck out in a customer's snowbank.

 

[PILOON]

My guess would be 'pride (or false pride)' in that our product is perfect or just can't be so.
The other possibility is that if they admit a problem out come the lawyers and up go the costs.

I guess a service bulletin would be completely out of the question. They would rather have a disgruntled owner over something so trivial. Stand by your product man. Some people earn their living and can't have down time over a 90 dollar part. I know in the big scheme of things, a cheaper part can mean a thousand bucks cheaper at the dealer when buying a tractor but let people know so their not stuck out in a customer's snowbank.

 

[hwkmn05]

Incredible that works. I was ready to change it out on my DK45hst, and gave that a shot with Nut blaster. It didnt work right away, but left it over night and bingo, turns over
every time now. It was in and out this past year.

 

[bvanek]

update; I continued using both WD and Fluid Film but still had some part-time issues, during the wet season. (tractor under cover) The dealer mailed me a new switch (no charge) as they have agreed, along with Kioti that there is a problem here. When the weather got drier the issue went away and I have yet to install the new switch. We will see what happens as the season gets damper.....will be adding the lubricants to protect from the moisture, but I do have the replacement switch to fall back on.

The dealer has shown me a changed out switch showing some very minor corrosion on the contact points. Odd that such minor corrosion could cause complete failure? The dealer said that the replacement switches have not had any issues, so they must have done something to improve the product. I would think that Kioti has a game plan to correct this issue? These things happen quite frequently now-days because part manufacturing is generally "farmed out" to the lowest bidder (world wide). Thus quality control and using the consumer to test your product allows avenues for failure.

That said, My Kioti tractor has otherwise been near perfect for the two years I have had it. (knock on wood)...... and kioti has the best warranty in the business.

 

[Coyote machine]

Kioti has a plastic cover to keep moisture out of the switch, that is supposed to be on every tractor sold. It can be bought for chump change from any Kioti dealer. It won't fix a bad switch, but could keep one from going bad. It has a little plastic lead so it stays with the switch when the key is in the ignition, then you cap the switch after use, and brush your tooth before bed too!

 

[Kioti Lee]

I have had trouble with the switches on my tractor also. 2 light/turn signal switches and just got my fourth ignition switch.. Cost me $100.00 for switch and a nice weather weekend. It is enough to make me sorry that I bought this tractor (venting, friend had to go get his Kubota so we could move logs. He took get joy in turning it on and off.) I coated the last switch with liquid electrical tape and I always cover switch. My storage conditions are similar to bvanek's. Probably get parts from same dealer. I like the tractor (now that 4 wheel drive issue resolved) but could not recommend it. Pretty silly for Kioti not to deal with the issue.