QuestionQUESTION: A neighbor gave me a Cub Cadet 2135 recently because it would not start. He was having problems with the ignition; it would start after the key was turned on the second time....then he turned it off one day, turned the key and nothing. No sound from the engine when the key is turned. The battery is fresh and he put a new ignition switch in the tractor (I think it worked fine for a while after the new ignition switch was put in). I brought it to a mechanic, who 'jumped' the starter (connected the two contacts on the solenoid / starter),it turned over a few times, did not start. When he tried it the second time, it just buzzed. He told me it needed a new starter. There is power at the starter solenoid, 12 volts even if the key is not turned ( I connected the volt meter to the two largest wires on the starter/solenoid), which seems weird to me. I would think that power would go to the start / solenoid only if hte key is turned.Any ideas what the problem could be?
ANSWER: Hello GW:
Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool. There May be a Bad Safety Switch, the Starter May be Bad or the Solenoid May be Bad. The Large Post on the Solenoid that has the Battery Cable from the Battery is Always Hot. The Battery Post on the Solenoid that hass the Battery Cable to the Starter is Hot Only When the Ign Switch is Turned to the Spring Loaded Start Position. The Small Post on the Solenoid Gets Current fron the Ign Switch to Engage the Solenoid. Here are the Starter Solenoid Diagnostic Instructions: 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, 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. If The Starter Does Not Turn and the Solenoid Clicks, Then the Solenoid is Bad. Here are the Diagnostic Instructions for Checking 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. 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi John,
Thanks for your help. I followed your advice and here's what happened; when I connected the jumper cable from the positive wire on the battery to the large terminal on the starter, the engine did not turn over. Instead, it just emitted a spinning or revving sound. When I connected the jumper cable from positive battery to small terminal on the solenoid, it turned over immediately, but did not start. I'd like to check the safety switches, and noticed that there was a different sound (clicking) when I disconnected it, so I think the next step is to try and bypass that safety. There are two sets of wires that seem like they could be jumped...(2) sets of green wires and a set of orange wires (there are also two brown wires together, a yellow wire and a blue wire). How do I jump that safety switch?
AnswerHello Again GW:
You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Mower at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (Cub Cadet) and Enter the Model Numbers (2135). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View. Select the Battery, Electrical Components and Switches. Using this Breakdown, Tell me which Switch are you Trying to Check? Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
