Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Sc otts (john deere)S2348 Mower 23 hp 48 , jumper wire, safety switches

Question
I have many problems. It started with the mower not cutting off when you get off seat.It is also starting to not cut off when you go RIO-it would just bog down some. The moyer is now running likes its in rio bogged down all the time using three times the gas and no power. When you try to start the solenoid clicks but won't turn over. If you put a screwdriver across solenoid, it starts but mower will not cut off when you turn key off. I have to choke moyer to get it off and use screwdriver to cut it on and all saftey features don't appear to be working-seems like engine is being taken to ground somehow-it has so little power and uses so much gas, I can hardly use it.  Any suggestion on what parts are bad.  Model s2348 data code 033100a  pin mo2348s022927

Answer
Hello Russell:

1- Remove the Blower Housing and Inspect the Shut Off Wire on the Coil. It May be Unplugged from the Coil or the Wire May be Damaged. 2- Check the Safety Switches and Determine which 1 is Bad. This Sounds like the Cause of the Not Starting with the Switch. 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. On Some Model Mowers there are 3 Relays Under the Seat Near the Battery. Jumper the Middle Relay. 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.**  The Following is the Instruction File for Checking the Seat Safety Switch. **Check 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. 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. Ratings and Comments are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John