I have a 2004 BX23 with 2,600 hours that has sat for a while, but has been called back in to service for the past few weeks while we prepare for winter. Unfortunately, it's been acting up electrically. Initially the issue started as a no crank no start. I replaced the battery, but the issue persisted. I then found I wasn't getting 12 volts to the starter solenoid; about 10.9v. The positive lead to the glow plugs was corroded and causing some extra resistance. That solved the issue for about a week. I began warming the glow plugs, and then disconnecting the power lead to keep the voltage steady. Once again, that worked for a only a few starts. Importantly, the battery has stayed strong and held a charge well, and the alternator is functional. Battery voltage has been consistently 12.9-13.1v. With the key turned to the run position, I am seeing 12.8v at the starter. When keyed to start with the glow plugs disconnected, 10.8-11.1v. I got fed up and began connecting my 12v 10 amp battery charger directly to the starter. Worked great for a few starts and now its worse. With the charger disconnected and healthy voltage to the battery leads, the tractor does not show any signs of life regardless of the key position. With the charger hooked to the starter, the tractor goes lights up with a turn of the key but will not spin the starter. Once you turn the key to "Off", there's a loud buzzing sound that comes from beneath the instrument cluster for 5-7 seconds. I have exhausted my red neck knowledge of tractors and electricity. Obviously something is a miss and getting worse. I cannot start the tractor at all anymore. What should my next move be? Has anyone experienced something like this before? Any and all input is greatly appreciated. Thanks all!
Weird BX23 Electrical Issues
- Thread starter jswan8514
- Start date
JimDeL
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX2380; R4 tires; 54" MMM; FEL w Pirahna bar; Ballast Box; BXpanded skid plate.
Sounds like a bad ground. Corrosion on/under the battery cable to chassis ground.
Russell King
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
You need to look at both battery cables and their ends for corrosion and broken wires.
I assume that you will end up finding some bad cables or connections so you could just put new cables on the battery.
I assume that you will end up finding some bad cables or connections so you could just put new cables on the battery.
I, too have a 2004 BX23D and have been very pleased with it. The hard-to-start bug hit my little machine and it was annoying. Eventually, it would start. From what you have said, the trouble you have had was greater than mine. Cleaning all cables and ground points would be the first step. But, since you had a voltage drop, you may want to look into the install of a starter relay. After I installed this, I have had no problems whatsoever. The little thing starts easily whenever asked.
Here's info if you want to pursue. Item is for John Deere...don't tell your machine. Starter Relay For John Deere AM107421
Here's an ebay link, but there are plenty more listings:
Hope you get it figured out.
TG
Here's info if you want to pursue. Item is for John Deere...don't tell your machine. Starter Relay For John Deere AM107421
Here's an ebay link, but there are plenty more listings:
Starter Relay For John Deere AM107421 316 318 160 165 180 420 GX70 GX75 GX95 New | eBay
Starter Relay Repairs Kit For John Deere 316 318 160 165 180 GX75 SRX95 AM107421. F930, GX70, GX75, GX95, XRX75, SRX95, SX75, SX85. Starter Relay Kit for 130, 160, 1654, 170, 175, 180, 185, 316, 318, 420, F910.
www.ebay.com
Hope you get it figured out.
TG
Odd, funny that they say won't work for B&S engines as I did the same trick 2 decades ago on a B&S powered rider....
BTW if the Vdrop at starter is on the power cable, this 'trick' will NOT work.
BTW if the Vdrop at starter is on the power cable, this 'trick' will NOT work.