My Craftsman YT4000 - won't leave "free wheel" mode. I've pushed the bypass lever all the way in but it will rolls freely. When I trace the bypass lever back I can feel it moving the switch on the transmission. Mower runs fine and blades will engage but it won't move forward or backward. Drive belt looks fine.
Are you sure that it is moving all of the way.
Most of the cases have detents in them to stop the lever accidentially moving but they can feel like a positative stop and prevent you moving the lever far enough to open or close the valve.
I am sure. Plus I physically followed lever to toggle/switch on transmission and moved it to it's full range of motion as if the lever was being pulled/pushed. I was wondering if it was an electrical issue preventing clutch from engaging but that wouldn't prevent physical toggle from stopping wheels. About ready to give up and take to repair shop
The lever is a valve that diverts the oil either into the wheel motors or return to the sump.
Noting electric there is is just a ball valve
The only thing I can think of is the lever is no longer turning the valve shaft
Seriously doubt that you can get in there with any combination of mirrors & lamps to be able to see the shaft either above or below the lever to determine if the shaft is moving.
Never heard of them coming apart but then I have only been doing this for 7 years
well it sounds like it has something hung up/stuck inside the tranny
about all i can suggest is jack the rear end off the ground and spin the wheels as you push and pull on the lever and just hope the rotation of all the gears in it unsticks and engages again
#10
StarTech
Please post the model number from the serial number tag so we look up the transaxle to what might going on here.
#11
Acetigg
Did u ever find a fix? I bought a craftsman and the bypass rod won’t engage. Wheels free spins and the rod is “limp” and won’t seat in place.
I have the same problem with my Craftsman 4000 dty and the motor turns on and it won’t go into drive or reverse. I pulled on the z shape rod and it goes in and out but the wheels still move. Is there something I am doing wrong?
I have the same problem with my Craftsman 4000 dty and the motor turns on and it won’t go into drive or reverse. I pulled on the z shape rod and it goes in and out but the wheels still move. Is there something I am doing wrong?
Some of these rods, many actually, on riding mowers are very thin. Over time, debris will build up, along with the fact these bypass levers on trans axle rarely get moved. Get a flashlight and see if you can locate where the bypass rod hooks into on transaxle. Try to get your hand on the lever on end of rod and move it that way. Spray some lubricant around lever if necessary. Make sure it is moving back and forth all the way. Try rocking the mower back in forth as well once bypass is in or out.
