Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Murray riding lawnmower wont start, murray riding lawnmower, murray riding mower

Question
I have a Murray riding mower,with a 12 hp.engine,40" cut.I went to mow the grass,but it wouldn't start.I replaced the battery,but it still won't start,the headlights don't even come on.All the wire connections look good.The safety switch under the seat is unplugged,but its been like that since I've had it,and It has ran fine.Until now!  What do I do next?  

Answer
Hi Doug,

If the headlights won't come on, I would check the keyswitch wiring and any fuses first.  If those check out okay, follow my No Crank proceedure below.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael

I would check the starter first.  Jump the positive battery terminal to the starter and it should crank over.  If not, jump from a battery that you know is good, from a car.  If still nothing, the starter is bad.  If good, then you will need to trace the entire circuit from the starter to the battery.   The solenoid, switches the battery power to the starter, when power from the key switch is sent to the small terminal on the solenoid. To test the solenoid, first make sure that you have power at its large terminal which comes from the battery. Then jump power from that terminal or the battery positive post, to its small terminal. You should hear a click and the other large terminal that feeds the starter should be energized. If not, then the solenoid is bad. If good, then continue tracing the power through the key switch to the battery until you find the break in the power path.   All testing can be done with a 12 volt light or a voltmeter.  Most equipment has safety switches in  the seat and on the blade engagement lever. Check them by temporarily bypassing with a small jumper wire.