54 inch riding mower just clicks, won't start

jviews12

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test test test. I understand frustration, but what you have bought/replaced could have been tested and not replaced. You can bypass some items in the circuit to prove they are/are not the problem. Verify that the "arms" safety switches have not failed. These go bad at times due to harsh use. You will get it. Best with a friend even if he is not the most capable, he will ask "dumb" questions and find the problem. save original oem parts as they "may" be good, and probably better than amazon replacement "new" parts. You should be able to bench test these parts later. What about dirty. grease/rust on contacts.
 

ChuckBJr

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Bypass each safety switch one at a time and try again PTO, Brake, Seat - there searchable videos on most of these bypasses. Buy a multi-meter and TEST the ignition switch don't purchase until you have tested -
Do all the free to cheapest and simple tests first as they are usually the cause of most failures.
 

spetrilli

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Are you saying the engine cranks but won’t start or you just get a click? If engine cranks but won’t start check to make sure the manual choke is working. If it just clicks, methodically check every wire connector and safety switch… there are a lot of them, not just the seat switch.

Check all the connections underneath the seat.
 

Utopia Texasi

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Just because a battery shows ok on a charger does not mean it is good. Take the battery to a auto parts store and have them use a true battery tester that will put it under a load and show it’s true condition. Also take all battery cables off, shine up, and reinstall. Especially the ground cable to the frame.
 

fiscokid

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Check the ground connection to the battery.
 

TheWB

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My 54 inch Bad Boy MZ Magnum zero turn riding mower quit on me. It's model BMG5425KO. I turn the key and it just clicks. Battery is good. When I jumped/shorted the starter solenoid, it cranks. I thought it might be a bad starter solenoid, so I replaced it since I had a spare one. Still nothing. It just clicks. I bought an ignition switch from Amazon. Same result. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Clean the battery terminals/cable ends as well as the bolts that secure it.

Mine did the same thing, after that fired right up.
 

rdedrick

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In the photo I see the brake doesn't appear to be set.
 

bentrim

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You say it "just clicks when the key is turned" Is that to the run position or start? The fuel solenoid and other relays will click in the on position, the starter solenoid when turned to the start position will only click if it is bad, because the internal contacts are corroded and don't make contact. When you jumped the solenoid did you jump the large post to large post or a large post to the small post? Put your finger on the starter solenoid to see if it is clicking.You say jumping the solenoid turnd the engine over. The indicates the battery and electrical system is good for the starter to run but the wiring to the solenoid is not working..
Now if you do not have the starter solenoid clicking get out your manual and find the wires responsible for the starting circuit, grab your VOM or voltage tester and start checking the wires where the switch gets its power from, check each switch (PTO steering levers, brake, and some manufacturers also put a seat switch in the circuit) along the path to the starter solenoid. Each connection should have votage or a light. You may also work in reverse by starting at the solenoid and woring back to the key switch.
Find the problem before ordering parts, you could have the price of a new machine by using the shotgun approach and still not have the problem fixed.
 

Gord Baker

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My 54 inch Bad Boy MZ Magnum zero turn riding mower quit on me. It's model BMG5425KO. I turn the key and it just clicks. Battery is good. When I jumped/shorted the starter solenoid, it cranks. I thought it might be a bad starter solenoid, so I replaced it since I had a spare one. Still nothing. It just clicks. I bought an ignition switch from Amazon. Same result. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Disconnect the present Battery and try a known Good Battery. Engage Parking Brake, handles in Start Position.
Then start checking safety switches. No stuck plunger etc. Check Battery Ground to Frame.
 

Forest#2

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Is your starter solenoid a 3 terminal or 4 terminal?

(does it have two small tabs (for small push on connectors) or just one?)
 
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