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The problem is definitely something to do with the solenoid and not the starter. When I turn the key to start, the start solenoid clicks but the starter does not run.

As the solenoid is under the seat on the T210, I had do bypass the seat safety switch and extend the battery cables with jumper cables to test things further. If I jumper across the solenoid, the starter runs. Did all the basic stuff like checking voltage etc. and nothing obvious turned up. So I replaced the solenoid.

After replacement, exact same problem. Yeah, I threw money at the problem before I should have... but I thought that I had diagnosed the problem as definitely the solenoid. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I am scratching my head at this point.

Let’s backup and start over. First, if you set the parking brake, you should be able to tip the seat up and have access to the solenoid and battery without screwing around with jumper cables. Second, if you have a three terminal solenoid, you must make sure that the surface connection between the solenoid base and chassis is very clean and dry. No paint or dirt. If you have a four terminal solution, you must have the same clean surface between the ground wire off the solenoid and chassis. Try using this procedure I use to test the starting circuit.

Electrical problems can be very easy or very difficult, depending on four things.

1. How well you understand basic electricity.
2. What tools you have and know how to use.
3. How well you follow directions.
4. You don't overlook or assume anything and verify everything.

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.

First, check the fuse(s), check battery connections for corrosion (clean if necessary) and voltage - above 12.5 volts should be good. Check and make sure the chassis ground is clean and tight.
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.
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.
Fourth, check for power on the other large terminal of the solenoid while holding the key in the start position (you may need an assistant to sit in the seat to override the safety switch).
Fifth, check for power at the starter while holding the key in the start position (assistant again).
Sixth, check your ground circuit back to the battery.

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.

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.

Ziffster said:

The problem is definitely something to do with the solenoid and not the starter. When I turn the key to start, the start solenoid clicks but the starter does not run.

As the solenoid is under the seat on the T210, I had do bypass the seat safety switch and extend the battery cables with jumper cables to test things further. If I jumper across the solenoid, the starter runs. Did all the basic stuff like checking voltage etc. and nothing obvious turned up. So I replaced the solenoid.

After replacement, exact same problem. Yeah, I threw money at the problem before I should have... but I thought that I had diagnosed the problem as definitely the solenoid. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I am scratching my head at this point.

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