Hello Pressure_guy, I am not completely familiar with the system on this welder, but, I can make a few simple suggestions. There is most likely a switch on the control panel to select from the high idle/idle feature on the machine, make sure that this switch is working properly. With the machine off use a continuity tester to check to be sure that the switch is functioning correctly, it is likely a 3-pole switch that either energizes the exciter unit to keep the idle kicked up or else disengages it and allows the exciter to sense the arc strike and then engage the exciter unit. In most cases the 3-pole switch will have 3 single poles or possibly 3 sets of poles, attach the lead from the continuity tester to the center pole(s) and then check for continuity to the other pole(s) to either side of center, you should have continuity to one of these other pole(s) but not both or neither. Then flip the switch the other way and retest, if you had continuity to one pole the first time you checked, you should now have continuity to the other pole with this test. If this test doesn't check out properly it is likely that the switch needs to be replaced. Also look for faulty wiring with breaks or bad connections, many times the weather and other elements can cause loose connections or corrosion that won't allow electrical items to function correctly. This doesn't necessarily sound like a major problem with your machine, however, it will require some tracking down to come up with the fix. Good luck and regards, aevald

I bought a sa 200 with the same problem.  Tried all kinds of stuff including a new circuit board, but turned out that the base lost ground.  I ran a jumper from the alternator to the base frame and everything started working.....The control panel is attached to the base.