BX23D with Starter Relay No Crank Issues

rgarraton

New member

Equipment
BX23D
May 5, 2025
1
0
1
Upper Marlboro, MD
I have been going crazy this past week trying to figure out what's going on with my 2005 BX23D. I had no start issues a few years back and installed a starter relay, which solved my problems. But they've since returned. Just prior to going out this time, I had to press my pedal (forward and reverse) to get it to crank over. I stepped off of the tractor and it shut off. I have not been able to get it going since. I've replaced the seat safety switch, which was broken, but bypassed. I know it cranks because I can crank the starter directly or by passing the neutral safety switch. By the way, when I bypass the neutral safety switch, the tractor starts the moment I turn the key to warm the glow plug. While it runs, the engine revs high and the starter solenoid is still engaged on the flywheel. I installed a new neutral safety switch, and it still didn't crank. I replaced the 12 year old battery, and nothing. I checked the fuses, and nothing was blown. All other safety switches are engaged or otherwise working. What am I missing? Thank you in advance for your help.
 

PoTreeBoy

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L35 Ford 3930
Mar 24, 2020
3,078
1,687
113
WestTn/NoMs
I have been going crazy this past week trying to figure out what's going on with my 2005 BX23D. I had no start issues a few years back and installed a starter relay, which solved my problems. But they've since returned. Just prior to going out this time, I had to press my pedal (forward and reverse) to get it to crank over. I stepped off of the tractor and it shut off. I have not been able to get it going since. I've replaced the seat safety switch, which was broken, but bypassed. I know it cranks because I can crank the starter directly or by passing the neutral safety switch. By the way, when I bypass the neutral safety switch, the tractor starts the moment I turn the key to warm the glow plug. While it runs, the engine revs high and the starter solenoid is still engaged on the flywheel. I installed a new neutral safety switch, and it still didn't crank. I replaced the 12 year old battery, and nothing. I checked the fuses, and nothing was blown. All other safety switches are engaged or otherwise working. What am I missing? Thank you in advance for your help.
Sounds like multiple problems
* Having to move the pedal to start sounds like the linkage needs lubricating, adjusting, or a bad switch
* Starting in the preheat position sounds like a bad key switch
* Shutting off when you dismount sounds like a neutral switch bad or maladjusted.
* Shutting off when you dismount sounds like the seat switch is functional, but you say it is bypassed?

I don't have access to the WSM for your model, do you? I understand some models have a diode. If yours has one, I'd check it.