Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): john deere 285 not firing, electrical coil, safety switch

Question
QUESTION: I have a john deere 285 that was running just fine in march when I parked it.  I went to start it the other day and would not start.  I checked for spark but no fire.  I replaced the ignition module and still nothing.  I ran a test light and got power to the 2 coils to the spark plugs but not from the box (ignition module) to the ignition pulser (ELECTRICAL COIL around the flywheel) which I ordered but not installed yet.  Please if you can help because know I stuck.

ANSWER: Hello David:

Remove the Spark Plug. Wrap a Wire Around the Threads and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block Turn the Engine and See if the Plug Fires. If No, then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire  at the Control Bracket First, Check for Fire at the Plug. If Still No Fire at the Plug; Then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire at the Coil (usually requires removal of the blower housing) and Check for Fire at the Plug. If No Fire at the Plug , then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. The Coil/Ign Module to Flywheel Gap is .020in. On Some Model JD Engines, there is a Igniter that Goes Bad and Not the Coil. The Igniter is the Same as an Ignition Module. If the Plug Fires at Anytime During these 2 Checks, then a Safety Switch or Wire May be the Problem. Yes the Engine will Turn Even with a Bad Safety Switch. The Blade Safety is Usually the Cause of this. The Starter Turns and The Engine Doesn't Fire is an Indication of a Bad Coil/Ign Module or a Faulty Blade Safety Switch. The Clutch Safety Prevents the Starter from Engaging so the Mower Does Not Move when the Starter Turns the Engine. The Seat Safety is Designed to Stop the Engine if the Blades are Engaged or the Clutch Safety is Not Engaged when you Leave the Seat. The Coils Do Not have Voltage Going to them. One Side of the Coil is Grounded (from the Factory) and the Other Side is Grounded (connected to the Engine Stop Switch) to Short the Coil and Stop the Plug from Firing. Your Problem Sounds like a Safety Switch is Corroded and Not Making Good Connection, either Inside the Switch or Where the Switch is Plugged Into the Harness. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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: Thanks John for the help.  Can you tell me were the blade saftey switch(or if called somthing else) is and which wire is the shut off wire to the coil and the shut off wire at the control bracket.

ANSWER: Hello Again David:

The Shut Off Wire for the Coil Goes to the Ign Switch on this Model Mower, Not the Control Bracket. The Blade Safety is the PTO Relay. Did you Check the Seat Safety Switch? Usually this Switch is the Main Cause for the Problem you are Having. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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: hello john thanks again for the help.  I unplugged the shut off wire at the ign. and got spark to both plugs.  I tried to start it this way but would not start.  Is this because the shut off wire must be connected and the saftey switch be fixed first.  I order the seat safty switch and will try that first.

Answer
Hi David:

The Engine Should Start with the Cut Off Wire to the Coil Disconnected and the Plugs are Firing Unless the Carburetor Solenoid is Not Allowing Gas Into the Main Jet. Pour a Small Amount of Gas Into the Carburetor Throat and Try to Start the Engine. What Happens when you Try to Start the Engine? 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