Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): john deere 14hp kaw will not start, jumper wire, safety switches


Question
Hello
I have a JD LX 176 with 14hp kaw engine - FC420V-AS10 engine. Had a new coil last fall and been running fine. It cut off during mowing and will not start. I removed the coil and took to the dealership and had tested-said coil was good. It is not firing as no spark at plug with good testing procedure. Do you think its the igniter? I hate to purchase as it is 80.00 but cannot seem to get it started.  If some of safety swithes bad - would it still turn over??  Thanks for your help

Answer
Hello Ashley:

>>Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool and I can Only Answer Questions from the Question Pool when I am Not Answering Questions here or at the Other Site I Answer Questions at.
>>From your Description it Sounds like a Safety Switch Problem. A Mounting Bracket may have Bent Slightly and the Safety Switch is No Longer Engaging Correctly, the Connections may Simply Require Unplugging and Plugging the Connection at the Safety Switches or a Safety Switch is Bad.
>>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.
>>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.*
>>If you Hit a Snag 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 5 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. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John