Looking for general info on Bendix, starter, switch, solenoid.

[bsekf]

This is on a K-Mule that has given no problems. Have put a new battery in it. Turn ignition key and nothing happens, no click or light dimming, nothing! Jump across the solenoid and the starter motor runs but does not engage the engine. Looks as if we have a ignition switch problem and a Bendix problem. Why the sudden problem? What say you?

Thanks

 

[kenmbz]

Maybe starter switch has more than one connection to starter and solenoid?
I like to fix the known problems first, looks like switch , but have you checked grounds to make sure juice is getting through?

 

[Roadworthy]

Clean battery terminals and connectors on cables. Replace cables and tighten securely. If you can move them they're not secure. Follow ground wire to frame. Clean and tighten. Charge the battery and try it again. This may not fix your problem but it's always a good starting point.

 

[tomplum]

Is your terminal orientation correct? If the poles are reversed, as a starter is DC it will run backwards- but of course the gear can't travel and engage.

 

[Zebrafive]

More info on your K Mule. Year and model please. I had a 1996 2510, bought new. Up graded in 2020 and gave it to my daughter. Several batteries, but original starter.

 

[bsekf]

2019 Mule SX XC

We are starting at the top and have a new ignition switch ordered. Stay tuned.

Bill

 

[bsekf]

New switch didn't help, so we have a new solenoid ordered.

 

[Zebrafive]

New switch didn't help, so we have a new solenoid ordered.

It may be the solenoid. That type starter uses a lever from the solenoid to the "bendix"/one way clutch. If not the solenoid, maybe, lever system is stuck/jambed?

 

[bsekf]

Zebrafive, Thank you! You can jump the solenoid and it turns but doesn't engage the motor. With the key ignition switch it does nothing, no click or anything. If this doesn't work, it looks like a new starter.

 

[Zebrafive]

It could be the "Bendix" The internal one-way clutch may be bad, so shaft spins, but does not spin the gear.

 

[bsekf]

Installed new solenoid and still nothing. DIL appeared with her tool kit, butter knife and baby vice grips. Convinced us to wiggle all the wires and the damn thing starts! Put everything back together and the damn thing won't start. Wiggled all the wires and the damn thing starts! So, we have a broken wire or a poor connection. Going to start by checking all the spade connections and then the wiring for continuity. There are only about 30 of them in a place you can't get to! Damn thing!

Thanks for the help, as usual we over thought everything.

 

[Zebrafive]

Installed new solenoid and still nothing. DIL appeared with her tool kit, butter knife and baby vice grips. Convinced us to wiggle all the wires and the damn thing starts! Put everything back together and the damn thing won't start. Wiggled all the wires and the damn thing starts! So, we have a broken wire or a poor connection. Going to start by checking all the spade connections and then the wiring for continuity. There are only about 30 of them in a place you can't get to! Damn thing!

Thanks for the help, as usual we over thought everything.

A love/hate problem. You love the problem might be solved but hate having to find the problem wire.
I would start (LOL) at the solenoid battery positive wire. Since you said you could "jump" the solenoid, and it spun, but did not engage, I am GUESSING low voltage in the battery cable to the starter. Check cable/connections both ends.
Next, I would check the battery negative cable/connections both ends.
Sometimes there will be corrosion under the insulation, near the terminal. Usually the positive, battery end. So, if I were to just replace a cable it would be the battery positive.
Good Luck