BX23 intermittent problem with starting

[Acavet]

I have a BX23 with about 1100 hours on it. For the past few months I have been having intermittent trouble starting it. When I turn the key on I get the clicking sound of the fuel pump running but the starter doesn’t turn over. At first I thought it was the starter that went bad so I replaced it. I also put in a new battery and replaced both the positive/negative battery cables. I’ve checked all the fuses. One time it will start and give me no trouble for several hours. Then I will put it away and a few days later nothing again. The next day I’ll go out and it starts right up.

yes I have it in neutral.

Any idea what the issue could be it always seems to not start on days I really need it?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

quik test. Put a 12V light on the blk/wht wire at the starter and ground. It should turn on when 'key turned to start'. if not......then....

If ( IF ) the wiring is similar to the BX23S, there's a 'starter relay' that sends the 'start signal' to the starter solenoid on the starter. There's 4 relays 'under the dash' ,all the same model, about $22 CDN. The one for the starter control will have a blk/wht wire going to the starter.

My BX23S has 1400 hrs, never had the 'no start' issue EXCEPT when the connector at the starter fell off !!Once clipped back on and tierapped into place ,it's been 100%.

 

[Mountainman]

You likely have a bad safety switch somewhere. Seat, pto, etc. When this happens try moving around in the seat, move pto lever, make sure hydro pedal s centered etc

 

[RCW]

You likely have a bad safety switch somewhere. Seat, pto, etc. When this happens try moving around in the seat, move pto lever, make sure hydro pedal s centered etc

@Mountainman offers great/super advice.

Betting a safety switch too.

The electrical circuits on your tractor are pretty simple. I'm an electrical idiot myself.

A simple test light and cheapie multimeter might have saved a lot of good parts from being replaced. Can get both the test light and meter for $30-40 now.

Trust me, not being critical. My electrical expertise is limited at best. I'm learning here on OTT, and now have a test light and DVOM (actually a couple DVOM...).

Can take the switches out of the tractor and test them to ensure they're making proper open/close operation by continuity check.

A test light could have checked to see if you were getting power to the starter before replacing it.

Again, I'm learning too. Best of luck.

 

[StephenR]

I would recommend cleaning all of the battery cable connections on both ends and the area they are connected to. It is amazing how just a small amount of corrosion will impede the amperage going through the wire.

I use a wire brush on my drill for this and it really helps keep the starter turn the engine.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

You can get the WSM for free from www.kubotabooks.com... the wiring diagram shows 3 switches... PTO, gear select and HST peddle. ANY of them will prevent starting.
NO seat switch !!!

 

[85Hokie]

I have a BX1850 that can be a sumbeach to crank - I have come to find that the PTO safety is the culprit.

I know this because when I get the dead stick - no start. I take the PTO lever and place it forward and then let it snap back - starts perfectly after that.

And before you ask ............why have I not fixed it? Always in a hurry to cut grass and maybe too damn lazy to do it!!!!

 

[Tractor Gal]

My 2004 BX23D liked to challenge me to start, too. The glow plug light would come on, I could hear the fuel pump, and it would sound like it was cooperating but when the key would turn to start...NADA.

I, too, purchased a starter but didn't install. That delay was because sometimes the little thing would start and sometimes not, I began to figure it wasn't the starter. I'm glad to have the spare starter anyway, just in case. After all, after 20 years, things go bad!

Solution? I found that the speed choice selector (turtle or rabbit) was not fully into neutral. There was quite a bit of debris wedged at the point where the selector entered into the transmission housing. It is hard to see but you can follow the linkage. I cleaned all that out and it has been good to go. It would've been an easier clean if I had taken the right side rear tire off, but I opted to get a long handled screwdriver and an air hose to do the deed.

Now, when the tractor is put away, I make sure the selector easily slides into turtle and rabbit before turning the engine off.

Give it a try. And, I hope that's your problem since it's an easy fix.

Tractor Gal

 

[TV Kubota BX 23]

Hello, I had the same issue with my 2005 BX23D. I put a starter relay on (very easy to do) and have not had another no start condition to date. This is a $20 part that is easily installed. My understanding is with the older tractors the wiring starts to break down and you don’t get the full energy to the starter thru the wiring when you turn the key. I tried everything from a new starter, key switch, both battery cables, three safety switches and a new battery with no success. Ordered the new HD Switch Starter relay kit from Amazon and it works like a charm. Search “No Crank BX 23D” on this forum and you will see my write up.

 

[Tractor Gal]

Hello, I had the same issue with my 2005 BX23D. I put a starter relay on (very easy to do) and have not had another no start condition to date. This is a $20 part that is easily installed. My understanding is with the older tractors the wiring starts to break down and you don’t get the full energy to the starter thru the wiring when you turn the key. I tried everything from a new starter, key switch, both battery cables, three safety switches and a new battery with no success. Ordered the new HD Switch Starter relay kit from Amazon and it works like a charm. Search “No Crank BX 23D” on this forum and you will see my write up.

Good info, TV Kubota BX 23. I had considered one of these earlier but when cleaning the speed selector helped, I lost interest. Perhaps I should reconsider?

Your purchase was from Amazon. Is this ebay listing for the same one? Free shipping helps as I am not a prime member. Of course, the listing says for JD. I don't want to insult my little Kubota. Thanks for the tip.

Tractor Gal

HD Switch AM107421 Starter Improvement Relay Kit w/LED

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yikes....

https://www.amazon.ca/John-Deere-Starter-Relay-AM107421/dp/B07DF5JVDW

$67 Canucks for a relay !!!

I can get one, no LED for $10 at Princess Auto, when on sale....
or get them from TEMU for $2 a piece.... no led but will work.

 

[TV Kubota BX 23]

Good info, TV Kubota BX 23. I had considered one of these earlier but when cleaning the speed selector helped, I lost interest. Perhaps I should reconsider?

Your purchase was from Amazon. Is this ebay listing for the same one? Free shipping helps as I am not a prime member. Of course, the listing says for JD. I don't want to insult my little Kubota. Thanks for the tip.

Tractor Gal

HD Switch AM107421 Starter Improvement Relay Kit w/LED

That’s it, Amazon has it now for $24,99. Waterproof and LED light. Very easy to install. Let us know if this resolves your Issue please. Thanks

 

[whitetiger]

This one is a far more economical deal.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3345293932...uid=CLxG5eptTXG&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[GreensvilleJay]

for giggles looked on Amazon...

https://www.amazon.ca/Relay-Waterproof-Socket-Automotive-4pinAutomotive/dp/B0BCKLNG6R/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2TXC8NEBSFFIY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2LyHr0iYLErzfl3ozUp1HGuyp7aGyWxaVWCwgUzaRiGIA7NJXYYMW0XTCgOWAW_KutjSAx9ywUJvKal7oIllJSC_dQaZkST1rV-h8jhQajrslAwPv-GR32VXJjBNnpiNMrKYuTIqVOv-hRLiRRJcSdOSWkMC9xtKH1HfWF2o_60kukogny4Usl8bX2ymjymlRr2Vk1aQLlPy7MITL5FUHZmfa6ltGviux5WKCXIiywIag2YL5g8rNCa5uyqLZQCVFxeOxkd8NqHsa6RSi2r-l_3SrnJItxueweSU8bNjAOE.vw5BHTsFWJsZItUbr4jEBeRMvABdUX1Iqxl-G99HgPg&dib_tag=se&keywords=light%2Brelay&qid=1733660688&sprefix=light%2Brelay%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-2&th=1

BTW that's $5 CDN ,so what, $3.50 US$ ?