QuestionQUESTION: I have found several threads similar to mine and they've been very helpful but, I'm still stuck.
Machine: 1992 Toro/Wheelhorse 210 series lawn tractor
Model 3210B501 13051(under that is 0085)
It ran great yesterday spreading bug killer on the lawn and wouldn't crank when I went to start her up to head for the shed.
I have checked the seat safety switch and brake switch and they are making contact and appear to be working just fine. The seat switch is normally closed and open when you sit down. The brake switch is normally open and closed when contacted by the brake. I have checked the starter using your instructions for another question and it is good to go. I can't figure out how to check the solenoid since there are two small contacts on the top and I don't know which one goes to the ignition. I did get sparks off them when jumping from he battery but, no joy on the starter turning. The big contacts on the solenoid are for the battery and starter. When I turn the key on the voltmeter shows a full 12+ volts. When I turn it to the start position the voltmeter hits bottom. I don't know if this is normal or not since I never paid attention to it before. I also checked the battery voltage with my multimeter and nothing changes at the battery during all this. With the ignition turned on I hear a clunk in the front (PTO clutch?) when I flip the PTO switch on. The main fuse is OK. According to the wiring diagram I have there is only one fuse but, the two Toro dealers in the area tell me that the drawing may not have a lot to do with reality. I guess that's about it for what I've done. Oh yeah, I jumpered the brake switch and that did nothing. Some of your other answers stated that some safety switches had to be jumpered for testing and some didn't. How do I know which is which and how to the jumpers go with things like the PTO switch where there are four contacts? Any help will be greatly appreciated and THANKS ! ! !
ANSWER: Hello Bob:
Using you Volt Meter; Remove the 2 Wires from the Small Post of the Solenoid. Holding the Ign Switch in the Start Postion, Check the Wires for Voltage. One Wire will have Voltage and the Other is the Ground Circuit for the Safety System. If the Wire from the Ign Switch has Current, then Use a Wire and Ground the Other Small Post on the Solenoid. If the Starter Works when you Ground the Other Small Solenoid Connection, then there is a Safety Switch that is Not Making Good Contact or is Bad. The Safety Features of this Unit are Designe to Ground the Solenoid for the Starter to Function. 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply. I found the wire with voltage. To eliminate everything else I grounded the ground connector on the solenoid and went to the battery with the connector where there was voltage. I had the wires normally there disconnected. Nothing. So, unless my brain isn't working correctly and I read the wiring diagram wrong, the solenoid is shot. So, in short, I tried to energize the solenoid with nothing else in the circuit but the battery and starter. Did I do OK or not? Once again, thanks for the help ! ! !
AnswerHello Again:
Way to Go, Bob. From your Description it Sounds like you did the Next Step in the Diagnostics Process. I was Unable to Locate the Breakdown for this Mower Using the Numbers you Sent me and I gave you the Procedure for Checking the Solenoid that Uses the Safety System to Ground the Solenoid. Anytime I can Assist. I am Always Happy too. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
