Kubota BX Electrical Starting/Stopping Problem, Help?

[Bassicfun]

Strange issue I have run into a couple times on this tractor. 3x that I can recall since having it 3 months or so, and 50+ hours on it.

I will start it, do whatever task it is, put it back in garage, shut it off, just to have the key in the 'off' position... engine still running... I can pull the key out... still running... put the key back in... still running... turn the key back to the running position... still running... Only way I have been able to get the tractor to shut off in this situation, is to ever-so-quickly tap the key into start position for a split second, let it come back to normal run position, then shut it down (and has worked thus far)

I have the WSM for the BX2660, but I'm wondering if anyone here has had a similar situation, or know of what in-particular should be checked. Thanks.

Seperate Problem: (I believe)
Also have a problem with the kill switch not letting me out of the seat w/o cutting off... I have ensured all connections/plugs are solidly connected. Even w/o PTO engaged, or tractor in motion, I cannot stand up w/o tractor shutting down.. Thoughts?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I believe the kill switch is supposed to cut off when you get out of the seat. Mine does that even though I can start it without being on it.

 

[Bassicfun]

Well I'd like to solve the bigger "It won't shut off!" problem.

 

[radioman]

Well, you might have a wireing issue to your shutoff soleniod. Next time you findyou can't turn off your BX, Try engaging your PTO and then get off the seat or get off the seat and then step on the HST pedal. If it doesnt shutoff, you know your soleniod is bad or wiring to soleniod is loose/bad. If it does shutdown like it supposed to getting off the seat with PTO engaged or stepping on HST, then you might have a defective keyed switch. If that is the case, call your dealer and see what he says.

 

[jcaron2]

Well I'd like to solve the bigger "It won't shut off!" problem.

Your tractor is designed with a key-stop solenoid which cuts off fuel to the engine when you turn off the key or if you trigger one of the safety switches (like leaving the seat while the PTO is engaged). When working properly, turning the key to the off position should temporarily engage the solenoid, cutting off fuel and thereby stopping the engine. About 15 seconds after shutting it down you should hear the solenoid click back to the position where it allows fuel to flow.

In your case, it would appear that this solenoid is not working properly. It could be a problem with the solenoid itself, or the timer relay that controls it. Given that you also have a safety switch issue (unless that's how your tractor is SUPPOSED to work; I don't know), it seems more likely that it's an issue with the relay or a loose connection in that circuitry.

If you have a voltmeter, you should check the voltage on the solenoid. I'm pretty sure (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) that it should have 0 volts across it during normal operation with the engine running. When you shut the key off, the voltage should jump to 12V and remain there for about 15 seconds, then return to 0V. If that voltage is correct, but the engine still won't shut off, it's got to be a problem with the solenoid or the grounding thereof.

Of course, if you can't get off the seat to check the voltage, it might be hard to troubleshoot this. lol.

I think the WSM should show a schematic of the system. Good luck. Either way, it should be under warranty.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I believe the kill switch is supposed to cut off when you get out of the seat. Mine does that even though I can start it without being on it.

Wrong. I tried mine today and it will start not in seat, it will start in seat and it will keep running when I get out of seat. Guess it stops when I get out of seat with mower engaged. Sorry for the wrong first post.

 

[MacTractor]

My BX25 will start just fine without anyone on the seat as long as the PTO is not engaged. I can leave the seat obviously as well.

Is your PTO engaged when you are trying to start it off the seat?

 

[rdsaustintx]

Either way, it should be under warranty.

Been scratchin my head for a day on this, then I read that.

jcaron is right, probably something hinky around your solenoid delay. No fun to troubleshoot and parts ain't free.

This thing is under warranty? Get thee to thy dealer.

 

[Tim12659]

Most likely something in the switch...not making good contact and moving it back and forth it is probably finally making contact...in any event I would take it BACK to the dealer where you bought it and let them take care of it as it should be under warranty! GOOD LUCK! T12659

 

[Bassicfun]

Problem is (my fault I know) the dealer is a good 1.5hrs away that I bought it from, and the expense to tow it there and back, vs. just buying a part or two... I am mechanically inclined, that is no issue, it is the time/cost issue that stinks.

 

[radioman]

have you made any headway with the troubleshooting yet ?

 

[RTJ49]

Hi Bassicfun,
My BX 25 had a similar problem. With less than 5 hours, it would not stop engine when I turned the key to the off position. After talks with Messick's they sent me a new solenoid. Easy fix, all is well. When you turn the key to off, watch the solenoid, see how far the shaft travels. It needs to move over a half inch, maybe as much as three quater of an inch. Mine would move less than a quarter inch. If you need to shut the engine down, turn key to off, and manually move the lever the solnoid is attached to. It shuts the fuel off.
Engine shuts off.

Raymond Jordan
BX 25

 

[PILOON]

A solinoid is easy enough to check.
Basically and electro magnet, so add power and you will hear/feel a click or clunk as it pulls in.
Disconnect the leads, and connect 12 volts on the solinoid and you will hear or feel a clunk. If then it is OK.
One side will be to ground and perhaps the ground is bad.

If you do a battery test on the solinoid, disconnect both leads as you don't know which is pos and which is ground before you apply external 12 volts (just to be safe).

The key switch is where the power will come from. Key on will send power to the solenoid and open it for fuel passage, therefore the solenoid will have to be a NC (normally closed solenoid).

Good luck, hope I helped a bit.

Couild be that the ignition switch is not functioning OK (contacts bad or crudded up).
One 'shotgun cure' is to spray some WD40 into the key slot and this will wash/clean any crud and even soften up any grease that they use inside of the switch body making for a smoother better contacting ignition switch.

Actually (not running) when you turn the key to 'run' you should actually hear the fuel solinoid make a 'clunk' as it opens the fuel shut off.

 

[rdsaustintx]

The key switch is where the power will come from. Key on will send power to the solenoid and open it for fuel passage, therefore the solenoid will have to be a NC (normally closed solenoid).

Bassackwards. The solenoid is normally open. It actuates to shut the fuel off.

None of the replies would explain the safety switch problem.

Take it to the dealer.

 

[Bassicfun]

Radioman- Lots of time at work, haven't done much in the way of the tractor.

RTJ49- Thanks for the shared experience, I'll keep the post updated with what we find to be the issue.

Piloon- Thanks for the reply and information. The dealer is shipping me a new switch, which I'll replace, and if it isn't that, the solenoid is next on the list of parts to ship me. That saves them the labor, and me the time/travel... And I feel confident when I do the work knowing it is done properly.

rdsaustintx- I agree, no one can explain the safety switch problem, but I'll get this fixed first, then I'll review the entire 'safety' system schematic and check all connections, before blaming a switch or relay.

 

[rdsaustintx]

I agree, no one can explain the safety switch problem, but I'll get this fixed first, then...

Assuming the two are unrelated. Since both problems are within the shutoff system and it's a new tractor, not sure about that.

Please keep us posted. I am curious, have read plenty about the shutoff, the delay timer and the switches, but your symptoms are unique.

 

[ibnxe]

Seperate Problem: (I believe)
Also have a problem with the kill switch not letting me out of the seat w/o cutting off... I have ensured all connections/plugs are solidly connected. Even w/o PTO engaged, or tractor in motion, I cannot stand up w/o tractor shutting down.. Thoughts?

With the tractor in motion, getting off the seat will shut the engine down. When stationary, you should be able to get off the seat and the engine sould continue to run. The HST pedal has a switch, that as soon as it is moved off the neutural position, and the driver is out of position, the engine dies.

With the PTO engaged, the same thing happens... move off the seat and the engine dies. On my BX23, I can run the PTO by releasing the seat, as if to rotate it, and the engine continues to run without driver. I do this when using my chipper.

 

[allenjack]

No problem starting my L4400 with 55 hours. The engine shuts off sometimes when I get out of the seat to run the log splitter. The parking brake is on, PTO off, and not in gear when this occurs. I can get back in the seat and start it again and it might continue to run when I get off again. Sometimes it may be three or four times before it continues to run when I get out of the seat. I have asked the dealer to get back to me, but I have not heard yet.
..