Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): brake safety switch on GT2150, jumper wire, safety switches

Question
QUESTION: I have a White GT2150.  I just replaced the Steering Support Bracket and the drive belt.  On this particular tractor these are not easily serviced and required the removal of many parts.  It appeared to be a successful endeavor until I tried to start it.  My engine will not begin to crank.  When turning the key the brake indicator light illuminates on the Systems Indicator Monitor.  My parking brake is fully depressed.  I am attempting to locate the switch that indicates whether or not the brake is depressed.  The manuals aren't much help.  On MTD's web site not referring to a specific model says it is located inside the frame near the brake pedal.  I can locate nothing nor can I find any pictures through many web searches.  Do you know how I can trace this problem?  Is it really the brake safety switch indicator?  How can I fix it?

Thanks for your help.

Jeremy

ANSWER: Hello Jeremy:

From your Description it Does Sound like the Clutch/Brake Safety Switch. It May have become Unplugged. Some of these Switches are Located Under the Mower on the Inside of the Frame. Other Models have them Mounted Inside the Steering Tower on the Clutch/Brake Side. The Following is an Instruction File for the Safety Switch System. **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.** 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: Thank you for your response.  My problem is in locating the switch or even knowing what it looks like.  My manuals make no reference to either its location or the part itself in the parts diagrams.  If figure if I can see how it is supposed to be hooked up I should be able to fix it.  Do you know some alternate references that could guide me for a White GT2150?

Thanks for your help.

Jeremy

Answer
Hello Again Jeremy:

You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Unit at this Site Addy, http://www.buymtdonline.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Home_YardMan_10101_19502_- and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (MTD)  and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Unit you Wish to View.  Select the "Electrical Part 1". The Breakdown # 7 (Snap Mount Safety Interlock Switch (Brake)) is the Switch you are Looking for. Now Open the "Hood and Fuel Tank" File. On the Frame, Just Behind the Foot Rest on the Left Side (when view like setting on the mower); you should see a "L" (sorta) Shaped Hole. Usually the Brake Switch is Attached in this Area to the Frame or a Mounting Bracket. The "Brake Switch" is Usually About 3" x 5" Plastic Plunger Switch. An Arm from the Clutch/Brake Linkage Depresses the Switch and Allows the Starter System to Engage. This is a Safety Feature. It Prevents the Engine from Turning while the Clutch is Engaged. 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