Bobcat S185 Starting problems

[jasonstalker]

Having issues with an 04-05ish Bobcat S185 skid steer. While using it one day, I had turned it off to use the phone. When I went to start it back up a few minutes later, nothing. It has a keypad style start (keyless). When you press the run/enter button, the screen turns on. I can enter the code and then when I press "start", there is a click in the engine compartment but that is it. The starter does not turn over at all. But, we are able to get the machine to start when we cross over the starter. We have tried a few different things trying to figure out what the problem is. We cleaned up the battery cables and battery terminals. We replaced the ground battery cable. Replaced the starter. Replaced the keypad. From what I have read it is likely the fuel pump clicking when I press the starter button. Any ideas on what it could be? I planned on checking the connections on the fuel solenoid tomorrow. I cant imagine it would be the fuel solenoid having problems though if I can start it by crossing over the starter. Or am I wrong on that? Thanks for anyone's input in advance.

 

[OldMachinist]

Do you get any service codes when you press and hold the lights button?

 

[jasonstalker]

Do you get any service codes when you press and hold the lights button?

Nope it comes up with "none" when I hold down the lights button.

 

[OldMachinist]

Nope it comes up with "none" when I hold down the lights button.

Then the fuel solenoid is very likely good or it would have thrown a code.
Between your legs when sitting in the cab there's a fuse/relay box. Take the cover off, switch one of the lights relays with the starter relay and see what happens.

 

[jasonstalker]

Then the fuel solenoid is very likely good or it would have thrown a code.
Between your legs when sitting in the cab there's a fuse/relay box. Take the cover off, switch one of the lights relays with the starter relay and see what happens.

Tried it. Still no luck.

 

[OldMachinist]

Tried it. Still no luck.

You'll need to start checking for corroded connections. I'd start by pulling the fuse/relay box and checking the backside for corrosion. Next look at the connections to the left and right instrument panels. Then there are the connections to the controller behind the left side kick panel.

 

[jasonstalker]

You'll need to start checking for corroded connections. I'd start by pulling the fuse/relay box and checking the backside for corrosion. Next look at the connections to the left and right instrument panels. Then there are the connections to the controller behind the left side kick panel.

Well I think we may have found the issue. Didn't necessarily find corrosion but when we pulled out the fuse/relay box, we wiggled some wires and made sure they were secure. Tried starting it again and it worked! So it must be one of the wires either had a bad connection or the wire itself has a short in it. Thanks much for the help!

 

[OldMachinist]

Well I think we may have found the issue. Didn't necessarily find corrosion but when we pulled out the fuse/relay box, we wiggled some wires and made sure they were secure. Tried starting it again and it worked! So it must be one of the wires either had a bad connection or the wire itself has a short in it. Thanks much for the help!

Yep, that's why I said start with the fuse/relay box. It gets the most exposure to the weather and tends to be the first place wiring corrosion starts.