QuestionQUESTION: John, I recently bought a mower from a friend. When I turn the ignition switch nothing happens. I have checked and cleaned the safety switches. I have replaced the solenoid and still nothing. I noticed that the headlights don't even turn on when I turn the ignition switch. Could this be a bad ignition switch or could the safety switches cause this as well? If I bypass the solenoid using a screwdriver the engine will turn over like it is trying to start but nothing else. I think the mower has been sitting in the weather for a couple of months. Please let me know what you think. Thanks!!!!
ANSWER: Hello Aaron:
Go to this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (Murray) and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on your Model in the Results Area. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View. The Headlights May Require the Engine to be Running for them to Work. Some Headlight Systems have their Own Wire from the Stator for the Headlight Power. Is Power Going from the Ign Switch to the Solenoid when the Ign Switch is Held in the Start Position? If No, then the Ign Switch is Bad. This May Take a Few E-Mails to get Running, but if you have the Time, Together we can. Once we get the Engine Turning Over with the Ign Switch, then we can Determine the No Start Problem. 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. Since this has Set for a Long Time, you will Most Likely have to Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable) and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John, thanks for the response. I took the ignition switch out, and per the parts sheet, I traced the run lights and start points on the switch and tested with a continuity tester. I got a light on all of the points. Does that mean that it is probably a safety switch. Would that make the headlights not come on as well? I haven't tried bypassing the switches yet. Also, I found the clutch switch but I don't see the pto switch. where can I find that? Sorry for all the questions, not really a mechanic at all. Thanks!!! God Bless
ANSWER: Hello Again Aaron:
Sorry, I Forgot to Put this in the Last E-Mail. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. It Reallys Helps me to See a Breakdown of the Mower. There are so Many Different Models and Each ahve Different Components. Thanks.
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: This is the number I lookup on the parts catalog. Thanks, Aaron
42910x192B Lawn Tractor (1996)
AnswerHi Aaron:
Sorry for the Delay. We have had some Blown Over Trees from High Wind and my Electric is Out and the Darn Generator Coil went Bad. lol Its been a Fun Past 2 Days. Thanks for the Numbers. They were the Correct Numbers. Have you Checked the Fuse Yet? The PTO Safety Switch is the Same Switch that Turns on the PTO On and Off. Jumper Each Safety Switch Seperately. If the Switches Check Good, then Use a Voltmeter/Mulitmeter and Check the Voltage from the Ign Switch to the Solenoid while the Ign Switch is Held in the Start Position. Is there 10.5VDC - 12VDC Going to the Solenoid? The Headlights are Designed to unction ONLY When the Engine is Running. Check the Switches and Get Back to me. 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
