Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere Garden Tractor, kohler engine, charles georgia

Question
Hi John:  I own a JD STX 38" Black Deck Garden Mower. Model Number: MOOSTXD217376, STX 38 Hydro/Kohler Engine.  The STX 38 is about 10 years old; the mower starts and runs smoothly but the blades will not engage when the yellow pull knob is pulled in the up position.  Is the electric PTO broken?  Any suggestions?  Thanks. Charles, Georgia.

Answer
Hello Charles:

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 (STX38) 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