Question
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The text above is a follow-up to ...craftsman mower not starting. The model is 917.274650. First, thanks for your response. Where is the fuse by the key switch, we couldn't find it? Can the safety switches be tested to see if they did indeed trip? How do you trace the wire from the Kew switch to the safety switches? Is the kew switch the ignition switch? Really appreciate your time on this. Leslie
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Our mower is 1 1/2 yrs. old, we attached the snow plow feature and used it once successfully. When reattaching a snow chain that came off and we tried to start the mower it will not start, or even turn over, no sound at all. The battery is good. Can't see any obvious wiring issues. Would appreciate any ideas to avoid a repair trip out that would cost $95 minimum. Thank you.
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Have you dis-connected and cleaned the battery terminals and cable ends with a wirebrush?
I'm guessing it is a safety switch. Most mowers have a switch on the seat, clutch/neutral switch and somewhere along the blade engageing system. Are all the levers in the correct position for starting?
Did you check the fuse near the key switch? Did you trace each wire by hand starting at the kew switch and ending at the safety switches?
Send me the model number of the mower. The model number format is xxx.xxxxx.
Let me know.
Eric
AnswerYou can go to the Sears website, under parts, type in your model number and see the schematic. You have 3 safety switches.
To test the switches all you need is a multimeter. The switches are basically like a light switch in your house; on/off or closed/open.
Usually it is faster to start at the key switch and follow the wires by hand to the safety switches.
The solenoid connects the battery power to the starter when you turn the key. As seen in the schematic, you have a 2 small post solenoid. One of the small posts is ground. The other is the exicter wire. When you turn the key to the start you should have 12 volts DC on the small exciter post. Safety switches are in place to prevent the 12 volts DC from getting to the solenoid for safety reasons.
You can also see the fuse in the schematic. Check the fuse and follow the wires from the key switch to each safety switch.
Let me know what you find.
Eric
