Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro Ride-On Mower 14-38 HXL Mod. 71217 Ser. No. 6901007, volunteer gardener, switch jumper

Question
I've recently become a volunteer gardener at an institution that cares for Intellectually Impaired people. They have substantial gardens and have a Toro Ride-On mower.
The problem is sometimes it refuses to start when the ignition key is turned. Not a sound as if the battery was completely dead. Then after kicking it, hitting it, pushing it and swearing at it I jump on and bingo it roars into life. I try not to stop unless I have to, and usually but not always, the problem starts again. Absolutely no response when the key is turned.
I've tried bouncing up and down on the seat, letting the brake pedal on and off and engaging and disengaging the blade drive. I'm guessing it's a loose wire or one of the safety switches is faulty.
I discovered that the previous gardener had the same problem but knew how to overcome it. He's left the area and can't be contacted.
Can you please help.
Thanks
Phil

Answer
Hello Phil:

The Problem can be the Safety Switches, the Relay or the 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. This is the General 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. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, https://lookup3.toro.com/partdex/default.cfm and Select Start Parts Viewer. Now Enter the Model Numbers. Now Select View Assembly Drawings. 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