QuestionCraftsman riding lawnmower Model #917.258524
I will try to be specific with detail as the form requests instruct to be (details and history)
It al started a few weeks ago, the starting of the mower was tricky, there will be a couple of clicks and then as I kept trying the on-off sequence with key, eventually it will engage and the engine starts right up. I though the wires in the ignition key switch were loose or faulty, so I clean them up and made sure they were all tight and well connected. The key has 3 settings, at the 10 o clock is off, at 2 o clock is to crank the engine, and the 12 o'clock is to turn the lights on – turn engine and then move it back the 12 o'clock position to turn lights on move key to the 10 o'clock to turn engine off.
Then a couple of weeks ago, all I hear was a fast clicking coming from the side (solenoid – DC contactor) of the mower and nothing happened, it sounded like a low battery charge, so I charged the battery and tried again, I got the same effect, and finally with the key on – off trick - it clicked the right way it engaged and started right away. Then it all died, I was mowing along and the engine died. I tried starting up with the good old on-off key trick and this time nothing but a single click from the solenoid every time I move the key to the on position, I tried the battery charger and nothing, I tried the battery charger in the start engine setting and all I hear is fast clicking from the solenoid, eventually I got the starter to turn, but this time it turned very slow, so slow that the sprocket to engage the fly wheel did not have enough momentum to lift high enough to engage.
I took the battery to AutoZone, they test it and they said it was low and they charged it for me I took it home installed the batter. Today I discovered the starting key was on the on position, and of course battery completely dead. I took it to AutoZone, and they say the batter was dead, it has open cells and I got a new battery. -- I am still wondering if the battery was really bad or they just sold me a battery and the old one just needed a charge since it drained with the ignition switch open for over a week -- .
I got the new battery any how – the other one was almost 3 years old, I install it and the good old click comes back and this time no matter how many sequences with the on-off ignition key I did the starter motor does not even gets going -- nothing but a click from the solenoid.
Then I decided to remove the solenoid, in the process of removing the solenoid, I accidentally shorted the (red wires posts) and the engine turned and turned and turned without starting. I guess that I accidentally jumper the starter and proved the batter and the starter are good enough to turn the engine – despite the fact that engine turned for a good while – the engine did not start at all; I had unplugged the fuse and other wires – but dumb me I left he battery connected, and I took me a while to get my hands back in were the solenoid is and un short the posts, good 30 – 40 seconds or so.
I disconnected the battery and proceeded to finish removing the solenoid. I blamed the solenoid since it was the one clicking and the starter motor draws its power to it, so I replaced the solenoid and nothing, same one click again.
Solenoid (DC connector) brand is Camdec corp – 94265 – WRL 12v / 50%
I found on the web that camdec corp was acquired by Trombetta http://www.trombetta.com
The part replaced can be found here http://www.trombetta.com/DefaultFrameset.asp?ShowContent=prod
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
AnswerThose little batteries usually don't last very long and when you completely drain them they gernerlly go bad.
As for the solenoid, they are pretty reliable. Have you disconneted the battery terminals and cleaned the battery cable ends and the battery terminals with a wire brush?
Let me know what happens after you clean the terminals and put the solenoid back in.
Eric
