I have a very old 3CX which will not start.There is power up at the ignition switch,battery is new.
Gear box in NEUTRAL,so it should start.Could the SAFETY Switch itself be faulty.When I say does not start I mean starter motor not engaging.I can start if I short out the starter and solenoid.I may add the starter was replaced this year.!!! HELP.

tomontara@hotmail.com., October 2008

i have a safety switch that disconnects the power from battery to engine. it is connected to the negative terminal of the battery. it is attached to the battery by 30cm wire leading from the neg terminal to the switch located on the top right side of engine if looking from the front bucket. i also found that if you knock the the forward or reverse switch when mounting the cab and it engages then then the starter does not work till you put back in neutral. jcb 3cx 80s model.

ALAN, July 2012

I have the same problem. There is a switch on the clutch pedal which operates a relay switch for the starter motor solenoid. If either fail you can not start using the ignition key. I think however that there is a Second/third on the forward/reverse selector or at least power to this circuit may also be require.

I am lacking power to the clutch pedal circuit and also the forwar/reverse selector. By pypassing the clutch switch and manual bypassing the relay switch I can start the engine using the ignition key. However I can not select forward/reverse.

I will let you know how I get on as I feel we may have the same fault although I am perhaps one step infront or behind.

malcolm, October 2008

Is your 3CX the early one with manual gear selector? Check around the Forward -N - Reverse selector lever and its linkage to the gearbox.
Also, check that the ingnition switch is supplying power to the solenoid when turned to the start position.
It is also possible that the starter solenoid is faulty. Take a jumper lead from the battery to the solenoid pull in terminal and see if it pulls in. This will bypass any safety switches so be carefull!

Mr. Toad, October 2008

As they need to be in neutral it could be the sensor on the gearbox (wherever that is) I wasn't aware of another saftey switch - but then I have only just got one and most of its electrics are ripped out!

Ed, October 2008