BX1500 won’t start

Robobike

New member

Equipment
BX1500
Apr 21, 2026
3
1
3
New England
Last week I went to start the 2004 BX1500 and it cranked as normal and started to fire up and then just quit. I tried again, turned the key and the normal fuel pump clicking happened, but when is got to the glow plug position the glow light did not illuminate and the other lights seemed to dim. I turned the key back to the off position and a very staring buzzing came from a relay under the dash and continued for about 5 seconds then stopped.

I had the battery thermals cleaned and the battery load tested and it’s fine. I ran a jump wire from the battery positive to the spade connection on the starter solenoid and got no reaction from the starter. I also tested for voltage on the spade wire while sitting on the seat and turning the key and only saw a voltage of about 1.5V.

I suspect there is a battery connection issue but not sure where to start looking. I’m somewhat new to Kubota.

Thanks, Rob
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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Jun 9, 2013
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Sandpoint, ID
Start by removing and cleaning the Negative connection at the tractor side of the cable.
 
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armylifer

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Lifetime Member

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BX1860, FEL, RCK54P MMM, BB1548 Box Scraper, Quick Hitch, Piranha Bar, BX6315
Mar 26, 2013
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Thurston County, WA
How did you load test the battery? It really sounds like the battery is bad. How old is the battery? Did you try jump starting it? If it starts by jump starting it, the battery is the problem.
 

Robobike

New member

Equipment
BX1500
Apr 21, 2026
3
1
3
New England
Thanks. I did clean the terminals when I pulled battery for testing. Load test was done at my local parts store. I will try to jump it tomorrow. Rob
 

Mark_BX25D

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Bx25D
Jul 19, 2020
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Virginia
Cables can also be bad. After you clean the negative connection, do a load test of your own. Put a meter on the starter and see what your voltage looks like when you try to crank it. You might need a helper to turn the key while you watch your meter. Let us know what you find out.
 

armylifer

Well-known member
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Equipment
BX1860, FEL, RCK54P MMM, BB1548 Box Scraper, Quick Hitch, Piranha Bar, BX6315
Mar 26, 2013
2,284
1,047
113
Thurston County, WA
Battery is a 2013 but has been on a tender most of its life. I will also clean the negative battery cable at the tractor.
You state that the battery is a 2013. That battery has lived its full life. I don't care what a load test at a parts store shows. I am certain that you will find that the battery is done.