Question
My MTD mower (model 135M679G062)(14hp, 42" cut) will not start. Will not even crank. I think I may have a multiple problem.
I checked the solenoid. There is power at the large lug where the cable from battery positive connects. The seat safety switch was bypassed by pulling the seat down tightly with a bungee cord. I could see that the mower switch was pushed in when I pulled the mower deck up into its highest position. With both safety switches thus bypassed, I figured that there should be power at the small spade terminal when I turned the switch to start. There was none. My hearing is not great but it sounded like there was just a hint of a click.
True, the battery was not up to snuff but it did show about 11 volts. So I believe that would have been enough to light the 12 volt bulb I was using to test with. But it did not light.
I think the test showed a bad solenoid but I'm not sure. I then tried bypassing the solenoid by jumping from battery positive to the lug on the starter. It did not crank. I then tried it with my car battery. I'm not sure I did this correctly. I went from car battery positive to the large lug on the starter. I went from car battery negative to a good ground on the mower. It did not crank.
From this it appeared to me that the starter may be bad. I took the starter off and gave it a continuity (resistance) test. My meter showed zero ohms. No resistance at all. I gather from that that there is an internal short because the starter windings should show some resistance, even if not a lot. Do you agree?
By the way, the spark plug was removed for this testing, and I could turn the engine by hand.
I'd like your comments on all this, and any suggestions where I may have gone wrong or where there is something else to try.
Thanks in advance for your help.
If the starter is bad, is there a good source for a replacement that you could recommend?
AnswerHello Rob:
>>From your Description it Sounds like a Bad Starter.
The Following is an Instruction File I Made for Checking/Testing the Starter and Solenoid. **(with the Spark Plug/s Removed) To Check the Solenoid and Starter, Once you are Sure the Battery is Fully Charged/New, then Use your Jumper Cable Set and Attach the Positive Lead Onto the Positive Post of the Battery (make sure the Battery is Fully Charged or is a New Battery). Now Firmly Touch the Large Post on the Starter. If the Starter Does Not Turn and you can turn the Engine by Hand, then the Starter is Bad. If the Starter Turns the Engine Properly, Then Check the Solenoid. Firmly Touch the Small Post at the Base of the Solenoid that has the Ign Wire Attached to it. If The Starter Does Not Turn and the Solenoid Clicks, Then the Solenoid is Bad.**
>>The Following is an Instruction File for the Safety Switch System. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>The Color Code of the Wires May be Different than those I Use as a Reference in the Instruction File.
>>**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 (Clutch/Brake) Jumper from Same Color Wire (Example: White to White) First and then Check for Fire, Now Include the Black to Black Wires if No Fire. Check the Clutch/Brake and the Blade/PTO Safety Switches First. Then Check the Oil Guard Switch (if Applicable). 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. Use a Paper Clip or a Short Wire to Make a Jumper.**
>>Use a Multimeter and Check the Continuity of the Switch. The Meter should Show when the Contacts are Closed and Open. The Meter will Swing All the Way Over when the Switch Contacts are Closed and Swing Back to the Rest Point when the Switch Contacts are Open.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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 your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
