Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): no electrical power, craftsman riding lawn mower, switch jumper

Question
I have a Craftsman riding lawn mower.  It will not crank and the headlights will not light up when the key switch is turned on.  The battery is fine and will turn the engine over if the starter is hot wired.

I am getting power to the solenoid.  There is power to one lead to the key switch.

what am I missing?

Thanks,
Gary

Answer
Hello Gary:

Check the Safety Switches. **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.** The Safety System will Not Allow the Solenoid to Operate Properly if the Clutch or Blade Safety is Bad. Also Some Models have a Series of Relays Under the Seat. The Middle Relay is Usually the One that Goes Bad and causes this Problem. The Headlights on Most Sears Mowers Operate Only when the Engine is Running. The Headlights use the Stator for a Power Source, Not the Battery. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. 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