Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere Lawn Tractor doesnt start, john deere lawn tractor, john deere lawn

Question
This question pertains to a John Deere Lawn Tractor LX176. I had starting problems the other day (made only a click sound), which I solved by tightening the loose positive battery cable on the battery post. I used the tractor just fine, parked it, but, to my dismay, it didn't make a sound at all when I tried to start it again today. At first, I didn't even get a yellow battery indicator light. I checked battery voltage, which seems fine at 12 volts. I then cleaned battery terminals and made sure the connections are tight. Still, no sound. I then wiggled the battery around a bit and, surprise, I got the yellow battery light to come on. But, still no sound when I turned the key. I then engaged the head light switch, but no head lights came on. At that moment, though, the yellow light sometimes disappeared, at other times it dimmed. The same happens when I turn the key, that is, the yellow light either disappears for good or it dims. Then I have to open the hood, wiggle the battery two or three times, close the hood and the yellow battery light will come on again when I turn the key. Still, though, there's no sound from the starter.
I'm not a naturally born mechanic. In fact, I couldn't even find a fuse to be checked. Any ideas what I should check next? Any help is very much appreciated.  Thanks!

Answer
Hello Bernd:

>>Sorry for the Delay. I have been Unable to Answer Questions Due to Health Issues. Thanks for Understanding.
>>Have you Cleaned the Battery Terminals?
>>Have you Checked the Starter Solenoid?
>>The Following is an Instruction File I Made for Checking/Testing the Starter and Solenoid.
>>**(with the Spark Plug/s Removed) To Check the Solenoid and Starter, Once you are Sure the Battery is Fully Charged/New, then Use your Jumper Cable Set and Attach the Positive Lead Onto the Positive Post of the Battery (make sure the Battery is Fully Charged or is a New Battery).
>>Now Firmly Touch the Large Post on the Starter.
>>If the Starter Does Not Turn and you can turn the Engine by Hand, then the Starter is Bad.
>>If the Starter Turns the Engine Properly, Then Check the Solenoid. Firmly Touch the Small Post at the Base of the Solenoid that has the Ign Wire Attached to it.
If the Solenoid Does Not Click, then a Safety Switch is Preventing the Starter System from Operating and the Safety Switch must be Replaced to Correct this Problem.
>>If The Starter Does Not Turn and the Solenoid Clicks, Then the Solenoid is Bad.**
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers LX176 and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. *You can Drag the View Windows for Better Viewing.*
>>The Following is an Instruction File for the Safety Switch System. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>The Color Code of the Wires May be Different than those I Use as a Reference in the Instruction File.
>>**PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SAFETY SWITCHES IS JUST THAT!!! FOR CHECKING ONLY.
>>I NEVER Suggest a Mower be Operated with a Safety Device or Switch Disconnected or Bypassed.
>>**Now. On Some Model Mowers you can Simply Unplug the Safety Switch from the Harness. On Other Models you have to Place a Jumper Wire Between the Harness Terminals (on the 4 Post Switch (Clutch/Brake) Jumper from Same Color Wire (Example: White to White) First and then Check for Fire, Now Include the Black to Black Wires if No Fire. Check the Clutch/Brake and the Blade/PTO Safety Switches First.  Then Check the Oil Guard Switch (if Applicable). Check the Seat Safety Last. Usually the Seat Safety is Not in the System for Starting the Engine. Just to Ensure Someone is in the Seat when Engaging the Transaxle and/or Blades. Use a Paper Clip or a Short Wire to Make a Jumper.**  
>>Use a Multi-meter and Check the Continuity of the Switch. The Meter should Show when the Contacts are Closed and Open. The Meter will Swing All the Way Over when the Switch Contacts are Closed and Swing Back to the Rest Point when the Switch Contacts are Open.
>>Note:  Most Headlights on these Unit Require the Engine to be Running for them to Work.
>>If you Hit a Snag, have More Questions or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Received Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John