Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD LX288, question pool, ohmmeter

Question
I have a John Deere LX288 riding lawn mower.  It has the B&S engine, and the model number is less than 60000.

Today, it just stopped on me.  I checked the seat interlock switch, and it is fine.  I checked the fuses, and I found two 15 amps -- one blown and one fine.  I swapped them speculating that one was for the lights.  The mower started, but the lights would not work -- BINGO.  Then I engaged the PTO to start the blade, and the mower died again.

My guess is that there is a solenoid that pulls in the PTO, and this device has a short in the coil.  Your thoughts?

Answer
Hello James:

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. Also, I am on Vacation and had a Few Minutes to Answer a Few Questions. From your Description it Sounds like the PTO Ground is Bad. The Following Instruction will Assist you in Checking the PTO Ground. The Following is a Basic File I Made for Checking the PTO (Blade Engagement). The Most Common Cause for this Problem is the PTO Ground. A Quick Ground Check is to Use Another Wire and Ground the PTO at the Harness Connection Nearest the PTO. Be Careful and Do Not Ground the HOT Wire. Use a Multimeter and Locate the Ground Wire. Clean the PTO Ground and All the Connections for the PTO Wiring Harness. If you have an Ohmmeter, Disconnect the Wiring Harness from the Front of the Clutch and Check the Resistance of the Clutch. You should have around 4 or 5 OHMs. If at or near Zero, the Coil has Shorted. 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 (LX288) 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. 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John