Answers
Like I said, it starts when I touch the two posts of the solenoid together with a screwdriver and the key is 'on'. But I can't get it to crank when the key is turned to 'start'. I just put in a new solenoid and same story, doesn't crank unless I jump the posts. I used a new key switch and again, same story. I'm extremely frustrated, anyone have any help?
I had the same issue a while back. It frusterated the heck out of me, and I'll give you a cobbled up solution, it's simple, quick, and fairly cheap. Like others said above, it's more than likely a bad wire going from your key switch to the solenoid. You could run another wire, if you know which position it is on the key switch. OR, you can go to your auto-parts store, get a 12 volt push-button start switch and some wire. Run a wire from each pole on the start switch to the two poles you jump with your screwdriver, drill a hole in the dash in some convenient location, and voila`, problem redneck-re-engineered! I did this simply because I've got big hands and short patience, and was in no mood to dig in under the dash and find the blankedy-blank bad wire. It's not the proper solution, but it works!
A word of caution- the motor will crank any time the button is pushed-running, key in it or not, etc etc.
Metal in Motion explains how to properly and accurately test the starting solenoid on a riding lawn mower.
tryed jumping hot wire to starter still not working, checked voltage on battery was 11v sometimes 10 v, tryed voltage going to key switch, when i turn switch I do get voltage, fuse is ok its 3 years old
Thanks for the help
The battery is bad. It will be 12.5 volts or so fully charged. Have you tried jumping it to a known good battery? It can be tricky jumping lawn tractors due to the location of the battery. Two people make it easier, you don't want to short out the cables on the tractor body.
With the voltage readings you show, I would guess your battery is bad.
bought new solenoid has 2 male ends ones for the key switch and other came with a ground wire, does it matter witch one is the ground, sear says the one by book has is no longer available, the one i bought say works with all craftmans, but has that extra male end, I think thats why it won't start, and suggestions,
Thanks You you for the help
could be a ground stud but I would check with sears it might be extra for a different model
I purchased a Scag ZTR 2 1/2 years ago and have had to change the solenoid twice. The third Solenoid I put on 4 weeks ago is acting up already. After I start the mower, the starter stays engaged. Any suggestions?
replace it
I have a 2001 Murray Riding Lawn Mower, and if I hook all the wires up correctly then it will not start at all. But I noticed that if I put the 2 main wires together and jump it from the battery it starts up like a dime, but the only way to turn it off is to move the Solenoid around a lil bit. Is it safe for me to do this or will I damage something if I try to do it.
Its not dangerous but its not smart either. Here is the forum for you
http://www.techsupportforum.com/automoti ve-center/small-engines/381984-murry-rid ing-lawn-mower.html
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