QuestionThe mower starts and runs fine for about 15 minutes, then as I'm mowing along it quits. Something electrical shuts it off, turn key and nothing. If I let it set for 5 to 10 minutes it will restart but it quits within 1 to 2 minutes, let it set a few minutes and it will start up. While your waiting you can turn the key and nothing.
I certain it electrical, could it be one of the safety switches? coil? State what you would try first, second, third, etc.
thanks for your help, this is driving me crazy.
Is there any web sites where I could find a good repair manual for this mower?
AnswerHello Jim:
Operate the Mower Until it Quits. Have your Jumper Cable Set Handy and an Extra Plug with a Wire Wrapped around the Threads and Long Enough to Attach to the Engine Block to Check for Fire at the Plug. As Soon as the Engine Quits, Remove the Coil Wire from the Plug in the Engine and Attach the Coil Lead to the Extra Plug you Have and Ground the Wire from the Plug Threads to the Engine Block. 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 and 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 Starter Relay May be Bad or a Safety Switch can be Causing this Problem Also. From the Description, it Sounds like a Safety Switch is Going Bad or the Igniter is Bad. I Suggest you Replace the Relay First. The Relay is in the Safety System and Usually is the Primary Cause of this Problem. 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. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
