BX23s Not Starting

[David C]

My Kubota BX23s randomly didn’t start. The entire dash stopped lighting up except for the flow plug light when the ignition is turned to start. The hours no longer light up and none of the lights work.

We opened the fuse box and saw that the fuses were heavily corroded and broken off inside of the panel. We replaced the wiring harness but it still doesn’t start or light up.

Next to the fuse box there looks like two separate relays. What are those relays and do either of them control the starting of the Kubota or the lights?

 

[David C]

I thought I should also add that before we replaced the wiring harness the electrical charge light (battery light) did not come on at all. It still does not come on after replacing the wiring harness and battery.

 

[jaxs]

Welcome David. Yours is one of if not the most common problem folks come here with. There are server al common causes for what you are experiencing. Do you own a multimeter? Are you familiar with using it?.
If not you should buy one and let this be your first lesson. Do you have a workshop manual for your tractor? If not and you plan to diy repair and maintanance get one,it will answer these question of what this or that box is/does. Since you are near saltwater this will be an ongoing problem but there are proactive measures that minimize it. Get a good electrical contact cleaner and protectant and start right here while resolving this issue. Caig Deoxit products are the finest I've found,they work.

Start = run. Crank= turns over. Which and what is yours doing/not doing? With that understood,someone here can get you on the way to solving it. Meanwhile use the search feature to find an abundance of reading here on OTT.

 

[David C]

Welcome David. Yours is one of if not the most common problem folks come here with. There are server al common causes for what you are experiencing. Do you own a multimeter? Are you familiar with using it?.
If not you should buy one and let this be your first lesson. Do you have a workshop manual for your tractor? If not and you plan to diy repair and maintanance get one,it will answer these question of what this or that box is/does. Since you are near saltwater this will be an ongoing problem but there are proactive measures that minimize it. Get a good electrical contact cleaner and protectant and start right here while resolving this issue. Caig Deoxit products are the finest I've found,they work.

Start = run. Crank= turns over. Which and what is yours doing/not doing? With that understood,someone here can get you on the way to solving it. Meanwhile use the search feature to find an abundance of reading here on OTT.

Thank you for responding Jax’s. When I turn the key to on nothing on the dash lights up. When I turn it to the glow plug preheat the glow plug light comes on. When I turn it to crank nothing happens.
When I try to just turn the lights on nothing comes on. I checked the main fuse and it looks good. It came with the new wiring harness that we installed.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

step #1. go to the 'electrical wiring subforum' and get White Tiger's GREAT wiring diagram from post #13 !!

step #2, check the black ground for the dash/inst/meter panel as well as it's 5 amp fuse called 'meter'.
without power and ground, the 'meter' won't light up except 'glow' as it has it's own fuse.

step #3 ,report back what you find.....

 

[WaltfromNC]

I'm new here but own a 2003 BX2200 (original owner). Over the years have pretty much re-wired the entire tractor (Lights anyone?). Almost every single time I have had this problem, it boils down to the main positive side wire, from the battery to the starter. As the saying goes, "colder weather brings out the bad" with batteries. Assuming yours is ok, I've had the wire itself go bad. Yep. Getting too "thin" at the terminal or starter, or the terminal connectors. Even worn/frayed wire further down the line. Sounds simple but like that movie "Sling blade", I have found that with these tractors, it usually is something simple with the electric. Have never really had a relay go bad in 20 years and 1600 hours. Not saying it does not happen, just double check the easy stuff first. Ignition switch is another part that can wear out and is an easy replacement. I bought this part after a lot of reading a couple years ago and it seems to help. Not sure if it actually does or not, but it's an HD Switch - Starter Relay Kit Replacement for John Deere that several Kubota guys use and swear by. It's an easy install as well and does not cost a lot. (eBay).
Just trying to help and hope you get her going.

 

[jaxs]

Welcome Walt and on your first post with information not only one with a problem can use but every owner should take notice of.

 

[Henro]

Thank you for responding Jax’s. When I turn the key to on nothing on the dash lights up. When I turn it to the glow plug preheat the glow plug light comes on. When I turn it to crank nothing happens.
When I try to just turn the lights on nothing comes on. I checked the main fuse and it looks good. It came with the new wiring harness that we installed.

Are you able to take voltage measurements and understand what they might tell you? This is an important question and not meant to be smarta$$ed in any way.

Do you have a volt meter?

IF not, perhaps it would be a good idea, at minimum to check and clean up the ends of both cables leading away from the battery to wherever they go. OR even to replace them.

Nothing happening when you try to start the tractor often indicates a problem with the safety circuit. But that usually starts first with a clicking sound that is intermittent, easy to remember if it happens.

Bottom line this is a problem that you can solve. BUT it will take some effort on your part if you do not understand electrical theory well....

At least you are not asking why your tractor will not start after tipping it on its side, and trying to start it after you put it back on four wheels! Chin UP!