Washed BX...Now starter doesn't work...Ideas?

[patj]

Washed BX...Now starter doesn\'t work...Ideas?

Hi all,

I washed my BX last night after doing some brush cutting. Since it was messier than usual (brush cutting by the pond always is), I had to give her a thorough cleaning to remove all the mud and grass. After I was done, I went to start her up again, and the starter didn't work. All of the lights, guages, glow plugs and fuel pump work, but it's as though the starter isn't hooked up. I checked the neutral safety switch, as I had tilted the seat forward to clean that area, and all was in order. I left her outside (gasp!) to dry overnight, but the results were the same this morning. If this is something simple that anyone has experienced and fixed before, I'd sure like to hear about it and save myself a trip to the dealer. Thanks,

-Pat

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: Washed BX...Now starter doesn\'t work...Ideas?

PTO engaged? Beware of the obvious, it always gets me.

 

[patj]

Re: Washed BX...Now starter doesn\'t work...Ideas?

Nope! PTO wasn't engaged, Machine was in neutral. All obvious have been checked.

 

[rlw]

Re: Washed BX...Now starter doesn\'t work...Ideas?

Looked at the electrical schematic for the starting system. Since you say that everything else comes on when turning the key, the only thing that prevents current from getting to the starter is two safety switches. One is associated with the PTO and other neutral. Perhaps these switches are malfunctioning or something actually shorted in the starter. Did you try to engage/disengage the PTO and move the range control in and out of neutral to make sure the switches weren't stuck?

 

[Wood_Butcher_Dav]

Re: Washed BX...Now starter doesn\'t work...Ideas?

Mine had similar problem and it ended up being the neutral safety switch. I unplugged the 2-wire connector and just shorted them with some buss wire till replacement switch came into the dealer. I just changed the switch out myself when I did the 50-hour service. I did have to take the wheel off for better access to the switch.

Dave

 

[patj]

Re: Washed BX...Now starter doesn\'t work...Ideas?

I will check both switches tonight and let you all know the results tomorrow.

Thanks,

-Pat

 

[Trev]

Re: Washed BX...Now starter doesn\'t work...Ideas?

This sounds suspiciously like what happened to me one day. I got up off the seat, and the engine died instantly. Wouldn't even crank after that. I had to have the dealer take her in and replace a faulty relay of some kind. It was a hardware failure (sorry, computer geek talk) and it was covered under warranty. It had to do with the starter safety interlock system.. I'd have to really do some digging to find you the exact name they gave me.. and it's a different brand anyway. I suggest having the dealer take a peek. Good luck!

 

[mbsil]

Re: Washed BX...Now starter doesn\'t work...Ideas?

It could be water in a switch or relay.

Did you hand wash it or did you use a pressure sprayer or pressure nozzle on a water hose?

Pressurized water has a way of making its way inside electrical components.

 

[Frosty]

Re: Washed BX...Now starter doesn\'t work...Ideas?

Might want to supply 12V direct to the starter and see if it engages. That would eliminate any problem with the starter itself. Be darn sure its in neutral, the brake is set and your foot isn't in the path of a tire! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[powershop]

Re: Washed BX...Now starter doesn\'t work...Ideas?

Washed my BX2200 and the turn signals came on for no reason for the next two days. Switches must not be water tight?