First, your starting problem is not a Toro problem it is an engine problem. Second, you only have four major parts to a starting circuit; battery, switch, solenoid and starter. Those along with the PTO switch and safety switches make up the circuit. Yes, electrical problems can be a pain in the butt, and as stated, this is not rocket science and any tech worth their salt should be able to solve this problem. I don’t know the quality of techs you have gone to , but they must start with the basics That means that the battery is good, fully charged and the charging system is working properly. Then they must follow a systematic procedure to diagnose where the problem is. Don’t really need a tech, just someone who understands electricity and can follow a wiring schematic. Here is the procedure I use, you don’t have to post back with results, it just shows the steps I follow. If the problem has been going on for 6 years, you need to find better mechanics, you’re being taken by guys who don’t know what they’re doing.
[FONT="][FONT="]Electrical* problems can be very easy or very difficult, depending on four things.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="][FONT="]1. * How well you understand basic electricity.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="][FONT="]2. *What tools you have and know how to use.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="][FONT="]3. *How well you follow directions.[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT="][FONT="]4. *You don't overlook or assume anything and verify everything.[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT="][FONT="]Remember we cannot see what you are doing. *You are our eyes, ears and fingers in solving this problem. *You must be as accurate as you can when you report back. *The two basic tools we will ask you to use are a test light and a multi-meter. *If you have an assistant when going through these tests it would be very helpful. *These steps work the best when done in order, so please don't jump around. *Now let's solve this problem.[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT="][FONT="]First, check the fuse(s), check battery connections for corrosion (clean if necessary) and *voltage - above 12.5 volts should be good.*[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT="][FONT="]Second, check for power from the battery to one of the large terminals on the solenoid. *One of the wires is connected directly to the battery and has power all the time so one of the large terminals should light a test light or show 12 volts on a meter at all times.*[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT="][FONT="]Third, *check for power at the small terminal of the solenoid while depressing the clutch/brake pedal and holding the key in the start position (you may need an assistant to sit in the seat to override the safety switch). If your solenoid is a four wire solenoid, check both small wire terminals as one is ground and the other is power from the ignition switch. *If your solenoid is a three wire solenoid, make sure the solenoid body is not corroded where it bolts to the chassis of the mower as this is your ground path back to the battery. *If in doubt, remove the solenoid and clean the mounting area down to bare metal. *If there is no power to the small terminal then your problem is most likely a safety switch, ignition switch or in the wiring.*[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT="][FONT="]Fourth, check for power on the other large terminal of the solenoid while holding the key in the start position q(you may need an assistant to sit in the seat to override the safety switch).*[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT="][FONT="]Fifth, check for power at the starter while holding the key in the start position (assistant again).*[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT="][FONT="]Sixth, check your ground circuit back to the battery.[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT="][FONT="]After you have gone through each of the above steps, let us know what happened when you did each step. *At that point we will have great info to tell you how to proceed. *Remember you are our eyes, ears, and fingers, so please be as accurate as possible.[/FONT][/FONT]
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[FONT="][FONT="]Be as specific as possible with voltage readings as this will help diagnose your problem quicker. *If you do not know how to perform the above checks, just ask and I will try to guide you through it. *Youtube also has some videos and as you know a picture is worth a thousand words.[/FONT][/FONT]