It was working just fine...

[SalCerda]

My Kioti LB1914 was working just fine a week ago. When I came back to mow, I heard a clicking sound. The hazard flashers were on! Don't know HOW that could have happened unless the switch caught on my pants when I got off last time or maybe some kids were playing around.

Anyway, the tractor would not start. Duh. I charged the battery and it still would not start. The dashboard lights do not light up. The fuses in the box in the operator area all are good. The fusible link (near the starter) tests OK.

I removed the screws from the dash looking for relays/switches/ etc and found a pile of feathers and hair which looked like a really nice nest. I removed that but did not notice any chewed wires. Still, it was working OK a week ago and the flashers were flashing before I charged it. Can anyone point me to a test procedure to help trace this?
Thanks,
Sal

[Ken N Tx]

:Welcome1: SalCerda..

Stick around someone will be able to help..

Is this gas or diesel??

[slipshod]

Sal,
One time I had problems getting a machine to start and was starting to panic! I then realized that it was in gear. Look for the simple answers first and good luck!

[SalCerda]

This is a diesel model.
I checked to be sure the tractor was not in gear. The clutch does not have to be depressed to power the dashboard, but it does to kick on the starter.
I thought about jumping across the starter solenoid to start it, but remember reading a caution in the owner's manual about damage to your system if you run it without the ignition turned on. (Though they did not say what or how that would damage the system).

[KitchenerBrian]

SalCerda
You must make sure you have the wheels are blocked and the transmission in neutral. (Then double check again for safety.)
You can turn then the key to on and if you have the dash lights show then jump the stater connections.
You should be very careful, as this is how people get run over by their own tractors!

[SalCerda]

The problem turned out to be a simple one, but not at all simple to find.
I did lot's of troubleshooting, tried to jump across the starter etc. I bought a new battery too. Still no luck.

After checking the voltage drop across the starter, I could see that it dropped from 12 volts down to 3 when I pulled out the hazard light switch. When I read the voltage AT THE BATTERY TERMINALS, the voltage did not drop. I conclude there was a bad ground. I found it under the washer of the bolt connecting the negative battery lead to the chassis. Simple fix, hard to find.

Thanks.