Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): wonT start, john deere 265, switch jumper

Question
I have a john deere 265 that will not start. I just bought a new battery to no avail. When I turn the key it doesn't make a sound. My three yr old grandson was on mower about a month ago in the garage and evidently turned the key on and left it. Could it have burnt something up . I would appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction as to what I should check or replace. I don't think it is a safety switch because it ran perfect the last time it was used. Also I put trans in neutral and pushed in clutch to start but it want make a sound

Answer
Hello Harold:

From your Description it Sounds like; 1- the Battery May be Dead/Bad and Require Charging/Replacing. 2- A Safety Switch May be the Problem. Sometimes During Non Use, the Contacts on a Safety Switch will Corrode and Not Make Contact as Designed. **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.** 3- The Solenoid or Starter May be Bad. **(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