QuestionI recently purchased an electric start Craftsman 12 hp riding mower. When I looked at and tested it I started It with a key and drove it onto my trailer. When I got it home went to start it with the key there was not even a click of the starter I looked at the wireing and It looks like the battery was connected backwards ground to positive so I connected negative to ground and the key still wont work but I can start it by turning on the key and crossing the two post on the solenoid. I have cleaned the starter replaced the solenoid with a new one, replaced the ignition switch with a new one. ?
Cliff
AnswerHow many small wires are on the solenoid? 1 or 2?
If you have only 1 small wire on the solenoid then it is the exciter wire. What is suppose to happen is when you turn the key to the start position the exciter wire recieves 12 volts from the key switch which activates the solenoid plunger which in turn connects the battery cable side of the solenoid to the starter side and then the starter turns.
What prevents the solenoid from working? Most of the time it is a safety switch preventing the 12 volts from reaching the solenoid exciter wire.
Do you have a DC multimeter or a 12 volts DC automotive test light?
If you have 2 small wires on the solenoid then the other wire is the ground for the solenoid. You can easily verify this with an OHM meter.
You can also check the safety switchs. Sometimes just unplugging and reconnecting the safety switches will clean the contacts and fix the problem. You should have a clutch/transmission, blade engage and seat safety switch. You may have a couple of more depending on the age of the tractor.
Let me know about the meter or light and we can start troubleshooting.
Eric
