Engine won’t turn over

[sswope]

I have a Kubota L2500 and just replaced the battery. The lights come on but the engine won’t crank. I suspect it might be either the neutral safety switch or the PTO safety switch. Does anyone have advice or a YouTube video on how to replace those? Is there a simple way to test them to see if they are both shot or just one (or neither). If they are both good, what else could cause the engine to not turn over?

 

[GeoHorn]

Turn your headlights on….and try to start the engine (turn it over with the starter) and see if your headlights “dim” or not when the key is turned to “start”. This will confirm that the switches are working (closed and passing current to the starter) ….and send suspicions toward the starter and it’s relay. (not an all-encompassing test…but one where we can begin the troubleshooting)

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Going to need more information.
What have you tried?

 

[BruceP]

I troubleshoot starting problems several times a week on all mannor of equipment. (mowers, woodchippers, go-carts, minibikes....etc) All starter circuits are pretty much the same and should take no more than 20 minutes to find the issue. (even without schematic diagram)


Use a VOLTMETER connected as follows:

• BLACK lead clipped to BATTERY MINUS
• RED lead clipped to LARGE connection on starter

Expect to see BATTERY VOLTAGE at all times on that large wire coming into starter. (This is to verify the starter is receiving power)

Then, move the RED voltmeter lead to the small connector on the starter.
That small wire into the starter should receive +12v (battery voltage) only when key is in "start" position.

If you do NOT see +12 on the small connector with key in 'start' position, the problem is likely one of the safety switches.

The easiest way to test the safety switches is to unplug connector, jumper the 2 wires together and RE-try starting. Do this, one safety-switch at a time until you locate the one which does allow cranking engine.
You found the problem.

If they are both good, what else could cause the engine to not turn over?

I would think a FUSE.... but it is assumed you checked all the fuses already.
Also, I have seen the keyswitch itself become 'flakey' (make poor connection) Usually, bathing it with WD40 and working the switch 20-30 times will fix that right up.

 

[DavidHuyck]

I have a Kubota L2500 and just replaced the battery. The lights come on but the engine won’t crank. I suspect it might be either the neutral safety switch or the PTO safety switch. Does anyone have advice or a YouTube video on how to replace those? Is there a simple way to test them to see if they are both shot or just one (or neither). If they are both good, what else could cause the engine to not turn over?

I solved the cranking problem with my Kubota l3200 tractor. Nothing I did it would just click and never turn over while cranking it. Come to find out the clutch sensor connection can come loose. If you push the connection with your thumb while simultaneously cranking it cranks right up. Hope this helps someone. I will replace connection soon.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I solved the cranking problem with my Kubota l3200 tractor. Nothing I did it would just click and never turn over while cranking it. Come to find out the clutch sensor connection can come loose. If you push the connection with your thumb while simultaneously cranking it cranks right up. Hope this helps someone. I will replace connection soon.

I really hope he's gotten it running 3 years later.