B3200 starting problem

[only1chief]

I have a Kubota B3200, perfect for my use. I use it occasionally for lifting, transporting and mild grading.
Suddenly it wouldn't start, acted like a low battery. "click, click, click" starter solenoid.
I connected jumper cables to my pickup, still "click, click, click". Cable to starter read 12.5 volts.
Wire from key switch to starter solenoid reads about 3 ~ 4 volts when turning key to start.
Jumper wire from battery cable at the starter to the tab the switch wire connects to and the starter works fine
and engine starts right up. So, either the switch is bad or a rat ate the wire.
I know what to do, I don't know how to go about it.
How do I remove the plastic schroud (cover) that the switch is mounted to and the steering wheel shaft goes
through? Looks like it also contains the instrument cluster.
Yes, I know I could run an external wire and switch (button), but I like the conveniece of the std. switch.
My parts manual doesn't show me any of that area.

 

[GeoHorn]

There may be a relay between the key-switch and the starter solenoid that has failed or has bad contacts. I don’t have a B3200…but this is what I discovered on my M4700 with similar symptoms.

I wrote about it w/pics here: https://www.orangetractortalks.com/...no-starter-rotation-thread.51331/#post-463302

 

[Roadworthy]

Try removing the cables from the battery. Clean cable ends and battery terminals. Inspect cable ends for corrosion damage to cable itself. Reinstall and tighten thoroughly. Follow cable to frame ground. Clean and tighten. If voltage is still low when starter is engaged charge battery and have load tested. Knowing you have a good power supply is a good starting point for troubleshooting.

 

[Henro]

If you are putting 12 Volts on the wire that leaves the ignition switch, and goes to the starter solenoid, and the tractor starts, it sure sounds like the switch is the problem.

WHERE EXACTLY are you applying the 12 volts to get the tractor started?

 

[only1chief]

If you are putting 12 Volts on the wire that leaves the ignition switch, and goes to the starter solenoid, and the tractor starts, it sure sounds like the switch is the problem.

WHERE EXACTLY are you applying the 12 volts to get the tractor started?

 

[only1chief]

from bat. cable connected to start solenoid to the spade next to it on the soleniod.
After heating glow plugs engine cranks and starts right up.

 

[only1chief]

There may be a relay between the key-switch and the starter solenoid that has failed or has bad contacts. I don’t have a B3200…but this is what I discovered on my M4700 with similar symptoms.

I wrote about it w/pics here: https://www.orangetractortalks.com/...no-starter-rotation-thread.51331/#post-463302

Thank You. I will check into the relay, if I can find it. Wish I had a wiring diagram

 

[only1chief]

Thank You. I will check into the relay, if I can find it. Wish I had a wiring diagram

 

[Dave_eng]

This illustration from the parts site will show you where I think this starter relay is located.

Dave

 

[Henro]

from bat. cable connected to start solenoid to the spade next to it on the soleniod.
After heating glow plugs engine cranks and starts right up.

It sounds like you have then bypassed any safety interlocks that may exist by doing this. As suggested, there also may be a relay in the circuit.

Chances are if there is a relay involved it is likely activated by voltage that comes from the ignition switch, and passes through safety interlocks, such as on a clutch pedal or HST directional pedal, etc. So the issue could be the relay OR a switch feeding it.

It would be nice to have a circuit diagram, but you don’t…you could try to trace the wire from the smaller connection you refer to as a spade and see where it goes. Might be difficult though if it goes into a wiring harness.

 

[Dave_eng]

It sounds like you have then bypassed any safety interlocks that may exist by doing this. As suggested, there also may be a relay in the circuit.

Chances are if there is a relay involved it is likely activated by voltage that comes from the ignition switch, and passes through safety interlocks, such as on a clutch pedal or HST directional pedal, etc. So the issue could be the relay OR a switch feeding it.

It would be nice to have a circuit diagram, but you don’t…you could try to trace the wire from the smaller connection you refer to as a spade and see where it goes. Might be difficult though if it goes into a wiring harness.

Henro
Do you think the OPC controller could be involved in this low voltage?
On many models of Kubota's the safety switches pass thru the OPC which then controls various systems such as the engine stop relay and the start circuit.
Dave

 

[Henro]

Henro
Do you think the OPC controller could be involved in this low voltage?
On many models of Kubota's the safety switches pass thru the OPC which then controls various systems such as the engine stop relay and the start circuit.
Dave

I guess I need to get new glasses...I thought the OP's tractor was a B8200...quite older than a B3200 and pre OPC use. Sometimes I read a 3 as an 8, at least in this case...yes, it MUST be my glasses! LOL.

An OPC module could certainly be the issue. Like a relay it would be between the safety switches and the starter solenoid.

 

[Dave_eng]

Thank You. I will check into the relay, if I can find it. Wish I had a wiring diagram

Here is the starting circuit wiring schematic

There is a lot of material to study. As you go thru it ask questions.
Dave

 

[johnjk]

Back up a bit. Have you verified the safety switch? If you are only getting 3-4 volts to that starter solenoid you have a voltage drop and it is most likely due to the seat safety switch. As a test build a jumper and bypass the seat safety switch. See if the tractor starts. If it does, replace the switch.

 

[Fastball714]

I have a B3300 and the HST pedal switch will get stuck and need a little cleaning and WD40. It will not turn engine over, but there is a single click when key is turned on, fuel solenoid. Try to move pedal back forth while looking at switch underneath tractor.