Forgive me if this has been addressed before. All the posts are starting to look alike to me.
My +/- 2016 mower turned over twice last Saturday and then failed to turn over at all. Now, no clicks from the solenoid. Headlights don't go on with the key in 'on' position with a battery delivering 12.4 volts.
I would have liked to access the solenoid to test for power to the red terminal, but the solenoid is bolted to the inside of the compartment at the rear of the mower. No access that I can figure out without taking the entire thing apart. Maybe it's intentional on the manufacturer's part, to keep guys like me from attempting to diagnose electrical problems or hotwiring the tractor. But I can't get to it.
Two details that may be important: First, I replaced the original ignition switch in 2019 because I *thought* the old one had failed. It's started hard ever since. I used to be able to mow in reverse; with the replacement ignition switch I can't, so I know they're configured somewhat differently.
Second, when I attach a jump pack to the battery the pack tells me I'm getting 5.7 volts instead of the 12.4 I get with a multimeter. Perhaps significantly, the LED indicator on the jump pack will not go green when connected to the battery. It stays red and will not allow the pack to discharge.
I guess my question is, am I missing something when it comes to accessing the starter solenoid? And is that the place to start while diagnosing my no start/no lights?
T1800
Kohler KT715 motor
Model 247.203760
SN 1C205B70089
#2
Craftsman Garage
There should be a main blade fuse somewhere in the wiring harness.
#3
Tiger Small Engine
Some solenoids are difficult to get to, as well as fuses. You need to spend the time to access both. It is about eliminating the good parts to get to the problem.
Thank you both for your input. I had checked the fuse once before and it was alright, but I must have fried it with my jump pack after that. The "no lights" situation should have told me that.
I replaced the fuse and she fired up. Now on to the engine rebuild, now that I've mowed for the last time this year.
