Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Scotts L2048 wont start now- but it used to!, starter solenoid, jumper wire

Question
Hi!
I was mowing on Tuesday, stopped and turned the mower off to speak with my bride, and then tried to re-start- nothing other than an ominous 'clicking' sound. Turns out that the sound came from the starter solenoid.  I cleaned the battery terminals (a bit of gunk on them)- still same issue.  Found a replacement solenoid at Atlantic Tractor, installed that and still no go.  Checked the starter switch and I didn't seem to be getting any juice through it to ANYTHING (lights).  Another trip to the parts store, new switch, still nothing.  Replaced the 20a fuse- no go.  I can jump the starter motor to the batter and it humms along fine- so the starter motor is OK.  Any thoughts?? The grass is growing and the leaves are falling!!

Thanks in advance!

Bob


Answer
Hello Bob:

From your Description it Sounds like a Bad Safety Switch or Relay. 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 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. 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.**  Some Mowers have a Starter Relay Also. Please Check the Electrical Breakdown to See if your Model has this Relay. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. If you Hit a Snag 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. Ratings and Comments are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John