QuestionQUESTION: Craftsman Model 917.276081
Wires from the electric clutch were damaged by a belt failure. After splicing in pieces of new wire, the PTO switch would no longer engage the clutch. I wired around the old PTO switch with a simple push/pull switch, and the clutch works just fine (but without safety features). However, I just read a 2008 post from John Bridgers regarding a diode at the 2-wire connector between the PTO switch and the clutch, which can fail and cause the switch/clutch not to work. I located a diode running from the red wire on the switch side of the connector to the black wire (inside the connector). Simply removing that diode did not solve the problem with the original PTO switch. Question: do I need to bypass that connector where the diode is located entirely with new wire (or a new connector)? Or is my problem really in the PTO switch? Thank you.
ANSWER: Hello Chuck:
>>To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action?sid=PSHx20080114x00001 and Enter the Model Numbers 917.276081 and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists.
>>Usually when the Belt Damages the Wiring to the PTO, there is a Surge and the Surge Damages the PTO Switch.
>>The Diode will Not effect the PTO Switch Except when it goes Bad and then the PTO Switch will Not Operate as Designed until the Diode (usually comes with the PTO Clutch and on some model units may come with the Harness) or PTO Clutch is Replaced.
>>From your Description it Sounds like the PTO Switch is Bad or the Seat Safety is Not Operating as Designed.
>>Is the Diode Good?
>>Are you Sure the Seat Safety Switch is Operating Correctly?
>>The Seat Safety will Prevent the PTO Switch from Powering the PTO Clutch.
>>The Following is the Instruction File for Checking the Seat Safety Switch.
>>***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. **Make Sure the Switch has a Good Connection. 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 Jumper from Same Color Wire to Same Color Wire). The Seat Safety is Showing No One is Seating in the Seat when the Clutch or Blades are Engaged.**
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you John. I've checked out the seat safety switch -- it seems to work fine. I did tested the diode -- on the resistance test, it has about 60 ohms in one direction and 90 in the other; on the diode test, it has about 0.025 volts in one direction and 0.06 in the other. I'm not sure, but I believe this means the diode is shorted. If that is correct, does it mean that the PTO switch may work if the diode connection is bypassed? And I assume that a bypass requires more than just removing the diode -- and I'd appreciate advice on that. Many thanks -- best wishes for the season. Chuck
AnswerHello Again Chuck:
>>If the Diode is Bad, then Remove it and take it with you to Radio Shack and Purchase a Replacement.
>>Usually if the Diode is Bad, the Toggle Switch you Installed would Not Work.
>>I Suggest you Replace the PTO Switch First.
>>It's been a Few Years since I have Tested the Diodes, but I Think your Reading Suggest the Diode is Good.
>>I will Test a Diode on 1 of the Units in the Shop on Monday (the shop is closed for the Holidays) and make Sure.
>>As Always, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and 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
