Intermittent starting traced to switch.

[RDinNHandAZ]

When I bought my BX1870 early in the summer the battery posts were corroded badly but the battery was only 2 years old. When you tried to start the tractor after the preheater wait, it would begin to turn over then just stop turning. The dash lights stayed on but the only way to start it was to turn the key off and try again. Sometimes it took 2 or 3 tries but it always finally ran. I cleaned up the battery terminals thinking that was the problem and had the battery load tested and it passed. I began to think that when winter came I better track this down now.
After a while I resolved it might be in the switch. I unpluged it and unscrewed the ring holding it in and removed it. My meter showed more resistance than 0Ohms and when the key was turned hard clockwise contact was lost on one terminal. It has tabs on both sides that hold it together and I immediately broke one trying to get it open. Once opened it up this is what I saw.

I attempted to clean the contacts and realized it was going to require sanding all the contacts. My dealer said a new one was $68 and in stock so I bit the bullet. They are $36 on Amazon and look identical but I wanted to use the tractor, and keep the dealer in business.
Amazon
Long story to say my tractor is starting properly now, and having it fixed the same day was worth the $32 extra.

 

[Pawnee]

Well done trying to save it.
Smart idea buying a new one.

 

[DustyRusty]

Did the new switch from the dealer come with 2 keys?

 

[RDinNHandAZ]

No keys with the dealer’s switch, two from Amazon if you order from them. In fairness I must say just after I bought the tractor I went in to get some filters, an extra key, and hydro oil. The parts guy tossed in two keys no charge back then.