QuestionQUESTION:
Hi John,
I am having trouble starting my riding lawn mower. When I turn the key nothing happens.I've checked all the wiring and had the battery check to see if it was holding a charge. I replace the starter solenoid and it did start..But as soon as I turned it off to add more gas I wouldn't start again. I would a appreciate any advise you could give me. Thanks, Barb
ANSWER: Hello Barbara:
Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Thanks.
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: Hi John,
Here is the model # that you asked for 917270722.
I will be looking forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you, Barbara
ANSWER: Hello Barbara:
From your Description it Sounds like a Bad Safety Switch. To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section. The Following is an Instruction File for the Safety Switch System. Any Input is Appreciated. **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.** Here is the File for Checking the Starter and Solenoid Also. The Following is an Instruction File I Made for Checking/Testing the Starter and Solenoid. **(with the Spark Plug/s Removed) To Check the Solenoid and Starter, Once you are Sure the Battery is Fully Charged/New, then Use your Jumper Cable Set and Attach the Positive Lead Onto the Positive Post of the Battery (make sure the Battery is Fully Charged or is a New Battery). Now Firmly Touch the Large Post on the Starter. If the Starter Does Not Turn and you can turn the Engine by Hand, then the Starter is Bad. If the Starter Turns the Engine Properly, Then Check the Solenoid. Firmly Touch the Small Post at the Base of the Solenoid that has the Ign Wire Attached to it. If The Starter Does Not Turn and the Solenoid Clicks, Then the Solenoid is Bad.** 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: Hi John,
I appreciate all your help but I am stuck on your direction about bypassing the safety switch. I didn't see a white wire. I believe I was looking at the right switch. Is this located in between the starter and solenoid? I went on the Sears website and looked at the diagram of the mower and I thought it was located there. Could you please let me know if I was looking in the wrong area? Thanks for all of your help? Barbara
AnswerHi Again Barbara:
I am Going to Include the Statement that "the Color Code of the Wires May be Different than those I Use as a Reference in the Instruction File". Sorry for Not having it Included Already. The Clutch/Brake Safety Switch is Usually Located on the Left Side of the Mower, on the Frame, Inside the Steering Tower. Follow the Clutch/Brake Linkage and you will Quickly Locate the Switch. It May have 2 Wires or 4 Wires and the Color of the Wires May Not be the Same Color as the Color I Used in the Instruction File. Mower OEM Use the Cheapest Wire they can Purchase and Usually the Color Codes Differ with the Year and Model. 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
