QuestionQUESTION: John I have a starting prob with my tractor. Turn the key and nothing. Tried charging and jump-starting batt but no change. Ran great last week when I used it! Have checked fuse (15amp) and now suspect a safety switch prob. How do I verify seat and/or "PTO" switches are functioning. Where is the clutch/brake pedal safety and how do I verify that is also working correctly Other things to check? I have had an
intermittent prob with seat switch and now and then have had to start without sitting on the seat and just push the brake
down and turn the key! Your expertise is appreciated. THANKS
ANSWER: Hello Jeff:
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. To Check the Starter and Solenoid, Use your Jumper Cable Set and Attach the Positive Lead Onto the Positive Post of the 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. Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers in the Upper Left Search Box and Click Go. Then Visually Verify the Equipment and CLick Continue. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. 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 you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John, do I have to jumper black to black and white to white?
Does this remove the switch from the start sequence? So far I have not been able to locate the brake/clutch safety switch...I'm not exactly a back yard mechanic so please be patient with me, but I am trying to learn something from you thanks! Can I assume that once I by-pass each safety switch and it still does not start then it's probably a starter or solenoid problem or possibly the ignition switch? Thank you again John
AnswerHello Again Jeff:
LOL. No Worries. Take your Time and Ask All the Questions you Need to. I Would Rather you be Safe and Right than Wrong and Sorry. Yes, Jumper Same Color to Same Color Wire. Usually if the Switch is a 4 Post Switch the Wires are Over and Under Each Other and are the Same Color. On a 2 Post Switch, Simply Jumper the Harness. Usually I Would Also Suggest you Check the Relay, but I See No Relay in the Electrical Diagram. Yes, if you Bypass the Safety Switches and the Engine Still Does Not Turn, then you Need to Check the Starter and Solenoid and then Check the Ignition Switch. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
