Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Sears Craftsman lawn tractor not starting, sears craftsman lawn tractor, craftsman lawn tractor

Question
Suddenly my 2 year old lawn tractor will not respond when I turn the key.  I thought the battery might be dead so I put a 12 volt trickle charger on it for a day.  Still no response.  The tractor has safe guards to not allow the starter to work if certain conditions are occurring, e.g. mower blade engaged,   clutch not being pushed, person in seat, etc.  I have checked these and it doesn't seem to be the problem.  Do I need a different trickle charger?

Answer
Hello Dennis:

If the Battery is Showing Fully Charged, then Check the Fuse First. Then 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. If the Safety Switches are Good, then Check the Starter and Solenoid. 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 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. 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