Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Doesnt start, john deere lawn, 318 john deere

Question
I parked my 318 John Deere Lawn and Garden tractor about a year ago and it was starting and running fine at the time. The battery is about 2 years old and is at 13 volts on the voltmeter. I turn the key on to start and there is nothing. Not even a click. This is the first time I have had any problem with it turning over. I checked the switches and they seem to be OK. Any suggestions of where to start. Where is the starter on these units? The tractor is stored in a old horse trailer and hard to work on, but I am trying to resolve that.

Answer
Hello Joel:

Let Do Some Diagnostics. 1- Check the Voltage to the Ign Switch. If there is No Voltage to the Ign Switch, then Locate the Break and Repair it. 2- **(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.** 3- Jumper the Safety Switches 1 at a Time. **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 Jumper from Same Color Wire to Same Color Wire). Check the Clutch/Break 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.** Let me know the Results of these Diagnostic Checks, Please. I can then Go Further if Required. 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