QuestionQUESTION: Hi I have a 1996 John Deere STX38 with a black deck.
Before mowing two days ago the tractor would not turn over. I thought that perhaps the battery was low, but it was 11 volts. I could not get it to turn over, and the solenoid was buzzing while I turned the ignition.
I jumped the tractor with a battery to the starter and got it going, and began to cut the lawn. About 1hr into the cutting the PTO crapped out, it started back up but then stopped again for good. It did this once before when the battery was really weak, 2 summers ago, and I replaced the battery and had no more problems.
I went to the garage and parked the Deere and finished the cut with my father-in law's Craptsman. I came back to the Deere, and attempted to start it. No such luck. Not even the buzzing sound from the solenoid. Not clicking, no starter sound, nothing!
After a little research and some parts gathering I replaced an ignition switch, and the solenoid from John Deere which is 5mins down the road. Still nothing. More internet research lead to the "not so common" (pardon the pun) common ground fault with the motor mount ground on the STX38. I removed the bolt, cleaned the terminal connections, and cleaned a little rust from the frame, and re-installed the bolt. Tried everything again for the 5th time, Nothing still.
Now I am wondering if I even needed to replace the ignition and the solenoid.
I am puzzled! The wiring harness had some wear to one of the wires at the ignition switch, but was not all the way through the wire. Taped it up with electrical tape, checked continuity,and no problems.
John Deere had changed the orientation of the solenoid from the original that was on the tractor, but the replacement came with instructions and a wiring diagram, so I installed it as per the directions. They also changed the terminal posts on top from a cap style mount to a clip, but that is about all they changed. My next move would be to change the entire wiring harness on the tractor, but that might not sole the problem.
I am looking for some information where I should look next! It is a great tractor, and cuts nice and straight. I am anal about having nice straight lines when I am done cutting, and the Craptsman just will not give the same look. The steering just ain't the same as the Deere's.
Any suggestions?? Thank for any help you can provide me.
ANSWER: I have to be really honest with you, you haven't yet convinced me the battery is ok. First off it should have 12 to 12.5 volts in it. BUT then again, volts mean very little, it's the amperage that pushes the voltage, that's why we check batteries with a load meter. You said you replaced the battery 2 years ago, that's about the life span these days for a lawn and garden type battery. 90% of the time a buzzing, or clicking noise will indicate a bad battery connection, or a weak battery. Other things you can check are as follows...Fuses, safety switches (seat,pto,back-up,brake). The starter could be on it's way out and pulling high resistance requiring more than that battery can supply. Have you tried charging the battery first? Whats that starter pulling that battery down to in voltage when you try starting it? Is the mower gauge showing a discharge during a starting attempt?..................Tom
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QUESTION: Bang on with the Battery issue. I had it load tested, and it was pushing about 6 volts. I don't know why my volt meter was reading 11 Volts. I did not find any fuses on my adventure, and the switches were probably fine before, but now they are new and I have a spare, I think they cost about $40 in total. But the Battery is golden at $70, yes it is a Deere, paint it green and triple the price. Just like the firetrucks we drive, paint them red and triple the price. :) Could have just went to TSC and picked up a battery on the cheap though. They load tested the battery for me at JD, so I felt obligated to purchase, and the parts guy did stay 10min late one day when I came to get parts.
It does have a hard time engaging the PTO. It stalls when I pull the PTO switch. I have to let the tractor warm up a little before I engage the PTO. Any thoughts on that.
Otherwise, thanks for the trouble shooting and I wish that I had of replaced the battery before I went to the trouble of the switches. Would have saved a bundle. I just wish that I didn't have to spend so much time researching typical problems with the STX tractor. Next time I know where to look first!
Thanks again!
JH
AnswerWe live, and we learn....Glad you got it going. Most mowers should warm up a little before putting the PTO on and loading the engine, only you know if it's taking more time than it should. Might be time for a tune-up. Air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs. Just glad I was right, and didn't have you chasing...Don't fee bad I ave to research problems for hours on end everyday, and with me each day is a different mower. please do e a favor and rate my answer, I appreciate it...Tom
