LX 885 Safety Switch Malfunction

[Ruhl49]

While grooming a jump last Sunday (I own a motocross facility), the motor suddenly died as if it ran out of fuel. After doing some troubleshooting, I was able to narrow it down to an electrical issue. When in run ("normal") mode, the skid will start and immediately shut-off; however, I can switch to "service" mode and the skid runs fine. In fact, it will operate normally with the exception of the bucket/boom which is locked. Of course, this is normal when the machine is in the service mode. Here's where it gets interesting: With the skid is normal mode, I put the key in the ignition while in the seat. As usual, both the red seat belt light and yellow parking light are both illuminated. I'll fasten the seat belt and the red light will turn off...but the parking light is still on. When I try to start the motor, it will fire up for a fraction of second, but immediately die. If I switch to service mode, it starts fine and I can move the skid, but (as intended by design) the bucket/boom will not function. I've read some of the other posts, but still wondering if this is a safety switch in the seat system - or could it have something to do with parking brake safety switch (which I never use)? Any advice or help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Mike10]

Replace the start interlock relay located in the engine compartment fuse panel. The relay is the largest relay in the panel and has six terminals. The fuse panel is on the left side of the engine next to the firewall.

 

[Ruhl49]

Replace the start interlock relay located in the engine compartment fuse panel. The relay is the largest relay in the panel and has six terminals. The fuse panel is on the left side of the engine next to the firewall.

Thanks for the advice Mike10! I'll let you know how everything goes. Again, I really appreciate the help!!

 

[Ruhl49]

Replace the start interlock relay located in the engine compartment fuse panel. The relay is the largest relay in the panel and has six terminals. The fuse panel is on the left side of the engine next to the firewall.

I replaced the start interlock relay (with the OEM part from New Holland), but this did not resolve the problem. I've also used a jumper wire to bypass the seat belt switch and the two seat plunger switches, but this also did not correct the issue. Any other suggestions?

 

[Mike10]

I replaced the start interlock relay (with the OEM part from New Holland), but this did not resolve the problem. I've also used a jumper wire to bypass the seat belt switch and the two seat plunger switches, but this also did not correct the issue. Any other suggestions?

After the key is released, power is sent to a terminal on the start interlock relay. Also on this terminal is another wire that goes directly to the fuel shut off solenoid. At this point the start interlock if it is not shorted does not play a role. Just looking at the wiring diagrams you would not think the start interlock relay could casue a problem, but as posted several times on this forum and my own personal experience this relay will cause the syptoms you are experiencing.

Now, since you replaced the start interlock relay with a new one with out correcting the problem, we need to look at the other components involved to keep the engine running. Power leaves the instrument panel pin 5 goes to the service run switch, but again it just makes contact with another wire on the same terminal, and then to the start interlock relay terminal and then to the fuel shut off solenoid.

On the face of your instrument panel there are lines. They will either be gold in color or silver in color. If your lines are silver in color, I would suspect a possible problem with the instrument panel. The easiest way to check if the instrument panel is the cause is to install a known working panel. This panel can come from any LX or LS, except the very last LS's. Just plug it into your connectors and see if it works.

You might just unplug the connectors on the back of the instrument panel and reattach them to see if you have a bad connection. Also look at the pins in the connectors to make sure none are broken. You might want to check the continuity of the wire from pin 5 to the service run switch. This is the only section of wire which is not used when you are in the service position. In the run position you should have continuity between pin 5 and the fuel shut off solenoid.

The seat switch and seat belt should not have any thing to do with the engine dying.

 

[Ruhl49]

After the key is released, power is sent to a terminal on the start interlock relay. Also on this terminal is another wire that goes directly to the fuel shut off solenoid. At this point the start interlock if it is not shorted does not play a role. Just looking at the wiring diagrams you would not think the start interlock relay could casue a problem, but as posted several times on this forum and my own personal experience this relay will cause the syptoms you are experiencing.

Now, since you replaced the start interlock relay with a new one with out correcting the problem, we need to look at the other components involved to keep the engine running. Power leaves the instrument panel pin 5 goes to the service run switch, but again it just makes contact with another wire on the same terminal, and then to the start interlock relay terminal and then to the fuel shut off solenoid.

On the face of your instrument panel there are lines. They will either be gold in color or silver in color. If your lines are silver in color, I would suspect a possible problem with the instrument panel. The easiest way to check if the instrument panel is the cause is to install a known working panel. This panel can come from any LX or LS, except the very last LS's. Just plug it into your connectors and see if it works.

You might just unplug the connectors on the back of the instrument panel and reattach them to see if you have a bad connection. Also look at the pins in the connectors to make sure none are broken. You might want to check the continuity of the wire from pin 5 to the service run switch. This is the only section of wire which is not used when you are in the service position. In the run position you should have continuity between pin 5 and the fuel shut off solenoid.

The seat switch and seat belt should not have any thing to do with the engine dying.

Once again, thanks for the advice. I'll focus my attention on the instrument panel and see if that's the problem. If not, I'll trace the wire for continuity. I'll let you know...