Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): mower wont start, jumper wire, safety switches

Question
QUESTION: My mower ran out of gas while mowing and i didnt refill it for 3 weeks and it wouldnt start at all so we charged the battery and then we replaced the battery and the silinode.  still nothing.  What else could it be.  We had a tune up in the spring.  Its not cranking ot anything no sound at all.

ANSWER: Hello Debra:

From your Description it Sounds like a Safety Switch Probelm. Lets Start there in Our Disgnostics. 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 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. 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.**  Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine or the Mower Model Numbers, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Engine Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. The Mower Model Numbers are Usually Located Under the Seat on a Sticker on the Body of the Mower. Please, Do Not Hesitate, 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My mower is a Simplicity Regent 16/38 hydro 1693915.  I was told to use a speaker wire or a copper wire form the hardware store to bypass and jump it.  is this correct?  Appreciate the help.

Answer
Hello Again Debra:

A Paper Clip that has been Shaped into a U and Wrapped with Electricians Tape will Also do. Wrap the Top of the U and Leave the Points Unwrapped so the can be Placed Into the Harness Connector as a Jumper. Go to this Site Addy, http://www.jackssmallengines.net/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab and Enter the OEM and the Model Numbers 1693915. Now Double Click on your Model in the Results Area. Please, Do Not Hesitate, 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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