5 hours ago
The Bobcat 873 skid steer loader, a part of Bobcat's renowned series of compact equipment, is known for its reliability and efficiency in a variety of construction, agricultural, and industrial tasks. However, like any complex piece of machinery, it can occasionally face mechanical issues. One of the more common problems with the Bobcat 873, or similar models, is the inability to start. If your 2003 Bobcat 873 won’t start, the issue could be related to several different components of the system. Here’s a detailed guide to help you troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem.
Key Areas to Check When Your Bobcat 873 Won’t Start
There are a number of systems that could cause a starting failure on the Bobcat 873. Some of the most common reasons include problems with the electrical system, fuel delivery, or ignition components. Here’s how to systematically approach the issue.
1. Battery and Electrical System
A faulty or dead battery is a common culprit when a skid steer fails to start. The Bobcat 873’s electrical system relies heavily on the battery to provide power to the ignition system and to engage the starter motor. Here are some things to check:
If the battery is in good condition, the next place to check is the starter motor and solenoid. The starter motor is responsible for physically turning the engine over when you try to start the machine. A malfunction in this component can prevent the engine from cranking.
If the starter motor engages and the battery is working, but the machine still won’t start, the issue may lie in the fuel system. Fuel delivery problems can arise from clogged filters, faulty pumps, or issues with the fuel injectors. Here's what to check:
If the electrical and fuel systems are functioning properly, the next area to check is the ignition system. A malfunctioning ignition system can prevent the engine from starting, even if all other components are working correctly.
Skid steers like the Bobcat 873 are equipped with a variety of safety and interlock systems to prevent operation when certain conditions are not met. These systems may include:
If none of the above checks resolve the issue, it may be time to look at the machine’s onboard diagnostics. The Bobcat 873 is equipped with an electronic control unit (ECU) that can store error codes when a malfunction occurs. A diagnostic scan can reveal whether the ECU has logged any error codes, which can point to the specific component that is failing.
Lastly, if the starter motor engages and fuel is flowing properly but the engine is still not starting, the issue could be related to engine compression. Low compression in one or more cylinders can prevent the engine from starting.
Troubleshooting a starting issue on a 2003 Bobcat 873 can be a process of elimination. By systematically checking the electrical system, starter motor, fuel delivery system, ignition components, safety interlocks, and the engine’s compression, you can identify the root cause of the problem. If the issue persists after these checks, consulting a professional mechanic or a Bobcat service technician may be necessary for further diagnosis. Keeping your machine well-maintained through regular inspections and servicing can also prevent future starting issues and extend the life of your equipment.
Key Areas to Check When Your Bobcat 873 Won’t Start
There are a number of systems that could cause a starting failure on the Bobcat 873. Some of the most common reasons include problems with the electrical system, fuel delivery, or ignition components. Here’s how to systematically approach the issue.
1. Battery and Electrical System
A faulty or dead battery is a common culprit when a skid steer fails to start. The Bobcat 873’s electrical system relies heavily on the battery to provide power to the ignition system and to engage the starter motor. Here are some things to check:
- Battery Voltage: Use a voltmeter to check the battery voltage. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. Anything below 12 volts may indicate a weak or failing battery.
- Battery Terminals: Check the battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections. Even a small amount of corrosion can cause starting problems.
- Fuses and Relays: Inspect the fuses and relays in the electrical panel. A blown fuse or faulty relay can prevent the skid steer from starting.
If the battery is in good condition, the next place to check is the starter motor and solenoid. The starter motor is responsible for physically turning the engine over when you try to start the machine. A malfunction in this component can prevent the engine from cranking.
- Starter Motor: Check for any signs of wear or damage. A clicking sound when attempting to start the vehicle is often a sign that the starter solenoid is not engaging the motor properly.
- Solenoid: The solenoid controls the flow of current to the starter motor. If the solenoid is faulty, the starter motor won’t receive the power it needs to start the engine.
If the starter motor engages and the battery is working, but the machine still won’t start, the issue may lie in the fuel system. Fuel delivery problems can arise from clogged filters, faulty pumps, or issues with the fuel injectors. Here's what to check:
- Fuel Pump: Ensure that the fuel pump is working properly. A malfunctioning pump can prevent the engine from receiving the fuel it needs to start.
- Fuel Filters: Check the fuel filters for blockages. Over time, dirt and debris can clog the filters, preventing fuel from reaching the engine.
- Fuel Lines: Inspect the fuel lines for cracks or leaks. A leak in the fuel line can cause the engine to starve for fuel, preventing it from starting.
If the electrical and fuel systems are functioning properly, the next area to check is the ignition system. A malfunctioning ignition system can prevent the engine from starting, even if all other components are working correctly.
- Ignition Switch: Check the ignition switch to ensure it is engaging correctly. A faulty ignition switch can prevent the starter from receiving power.
- Glow Plugs: If your Bobcat 873 uses glow plugs (especially in colder weather), ensure that they are working properly. Glow plugs heat the combustion chamber to ensure a smooth start in colder temperatures.
- Spark Plugs: Check the spark plugs for wear or fouling. Worn-out or dirty spark plugs can prevent the engine from firing properly.
Skid steers like the Bobcat 873 are equipped with a variety of safety and interlock systems to prevent operation when certain conditions are not met. These systems may include:
- Seat Switch: The seat switch ensures that the operator is seated before the machine starts. If the seat switch is malfunctioning, it may prevent the engine from starting.
- Hydraulic System: Some models include a hydraulic interlock that prevents the engine from starting if the hydraulic controls are not in the proper position.
- Parking Brake: Ensure the parking brake is fully engaged. Some skid steers will not start unless the parking brake is set.
If none of the above checks resolve the issue, it may be time to look at the machine’s onboard diagnostics. The Bobcat 873 is equipped with an electronic control unit (ECU) that can store error codes when a malfunction occurs. A diagnostic scan can reveal whether the ECU has logged any error codes, which can point to the specific component that is failing.
- Diagnostic Tool: Using a Bobcat-specific diagnostic tool or a compatible OBDII scanner can help you access the ECU’s error codes and assist in pinpointing the exact problem.
Lastly, if the starter motor engages and fuel is flowing properly but the engine is still not starting, the issue could be related to engine compression. Low compression in one or more cylinders can prevent the engine from starting.
- Compression Test: Perform a compression test to check the health of the engine’s cylinders. If the compression is low, it may indicate a more serious mechanical issue, such as worn-out piston rings or a blown head gasket.
- Check for Any Recall or Service Bulletins: Sometimes, specific issues are recognized by the manufacturer, and there may be service bulletins or recalls related to your Bobcat 873. Checking with your local dealer can help identify known issues with the machine.
- Cold Weather: If you are attempting to start the machine in cold weather, make sure the engine is properly warmed up. Cold temperatures can cause thickening of the fuel or oil, making it harder for the engine to turn over.
Troubleshooting a starting issue on a 2003 Bobcat 873 can be a process of elimination. By systematically checking the electrical system, starter motor, fuel delivery system, ignition components, safety interlocks, and the engine’s compression, you can identify the root cause of the problem. If the issue persists after these checks, consulting a professional mechanic or a Bobcat service technician may be necessary for further diagnosis. Keeping your machine well-maintained through regular inspections and servicing can also prevent future starting issues and extend the life of your equipment.
