Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda Harmony 1011, control terminal, switch problem


Question
My Harmony 1011 riding lawn mower will not start. The battery is good. When I turn the key, I hear a click and then nothing (not the solenoid). I checked the solenoid by energizing the positive control terminal and the solenoid is good. There is 12V accross the solenoid terminals when not energized and 0V when energized. I have energized the starter and it works. Just jumped the starter and it cranks. Still mower does not start. Cleaned terminals and still does not start. There must be a brake in the circuit. However, I cannot find a schematic of the circuit to follow it through to the various kill switches. Do you know where I can find a schematic or can you discribe the circuit so I can debug it better?  Thanks

Answer
Mower schematics are rarely provided by the manufactures.  I always start by charging the battery and cleaning the battery posts and cable ends.

Next, I remove the spark plug.

With all the controls in the correct starting position, try to start.  If nothing happens check the solenoid excitor power, 12 volts DC on the small post when the key is in the start position.

If no voltage is present then you have a safety switch problem.  The next step I always do it trace each wire to each safety switch.  Unplug and reseat to clean corrosion.  Check to see if it starts.  If you still have nothing then I use a 12 volt test light and start at the key switch and follow the circuit from the switch to the solenoid checking for voltage at each switch.

Oh, forgot to mention the fuse...did you check the fuse?

Eric