QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1984 craftsman riding mower that will start when i jump the solenoid with a screw driver but will not start with a key (have new ignition switch and solenoid. The lights will only work when they are hot wired will you tell me what i am doing wrong and what needs to be done
ANSWER: What do you mean by "hot wired"? I will need the Craftsman model number found the Craftsman sticker. The sticker is about the size of a business card and usually located under the rear seat or fenders. The model number format will be xxx.xxxxxx or xxx-xxxxx.
Do you have a multimeter to check for DC volts? If you have one small post on the solenoid this small post should recieve 12 vDC when the key is in the start position. Of course, the mower clutch, seat, and blades need to be in the correct start position for the 12 vDC to reach the solenoid. If one of the safety switches is defective or not makeing a good connection the 12vDC is probalby grounded and not reaching the solenoid. If you have 2 small posts on the solenoid then one post is usually ground and the other post should receive the 12vDC.
Let me know the model number so I can look up your mower.
Eric
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The model number is 917.255372, we have been testing with a test light.
AnswerI often just use a test light for troubleshooting. I looked at your wiring diagram and only say one safety switch. Did you check the switch?
Did you check to see if the fuse is blown? Have you removed the key switch and took a look at the back of the switch to see if there are any small letters on the back of the switch?
Basic wire diagram:
http://www4.briggsandstratton.com/miscpdfs/RNT/ignition_wiring.pdf
More detailed diagrams:
http://www4.briggsandstratton.com/miscpdfs/RNT/alternator_replacement.pdf
The "S" on your key switch should make the test light "light" when in the start postion.
Let me know if this helps.
Eric
