DYT4000 (917.273638) 18.5 Intek - Dies When Brake is Disengaged

[The Push mower]

Cranks, starts and idles fine, but as soon as I release the brake the engine dies instantly. I checked seat safety switch which is normally closed-when no rider is on the mower and open when a rider is sitting on the mower. I am looking into the interlock switch now, but not 100% sure on how this one operates. Interlock switch black-to-black is closed (continuity) when brake is applied and the white-to-white acts the same. Should there be continuity between black-to-white at on any of the terminals? I am unable to find continuity at any point for any white-to-black connection when brake is applied or not applied on the interlock switch? If not, maybe I should be looking elsewhere for this electrical problem? Thanks for any help/suggestions in advance.

 

[mechanic mark]

Riding lawn mower engine dies when you release the brake video | Riding mower & tractor tips and tricks

If your riding lawn mower engine dies when you release the brake, the seat switch could be broken or unplugged. This troubleshooting video shows you what to check and how to fix the problem so the engine stays running.

www.searspartsdirect.com

 

[The Push mower]

Thanks for the reply. I cross-connected the pigtail to the seat switch wires with a test wire and the mower still dies every time when I release the brake pedal.

 

[The Push mower]

So it was the spring loaded grey connector. The spring has pushed through on the inside plastic shorting the seat switch connection wires. This circuit should be open with a rider in the seat.

 

[mechanic mark]

Official Craftsman 917273638 front-engine lawn tractor parts | Sears PartsDirect

Craftsman 917273638 front-engine lawn tractor parts - manufacturer-approved parts for a proper fit every time! We also have installation guides, diagrams and manuals to help you along the way!

www.searspartsdirect.com

https://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-121305X-Switch-Poulan-Craftsman/dp/B0057IKWPI

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/husqvarna-seat-switch-532421062?cid=Shopping-Google-Product-1704163&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlPWgBhDHARIsAH2xdNf_knaVtmpRpfxExPkeRwjxKeG5b3pu-DB2tDnYK3zIQiYxdSREaZ4aAoKjEALw_wcB

 

[motoman]

Official Craftsman 917273638 front-engine lawn tractor parts | Sears PartsDirect

Craftsman 917273638 front-engine lawn tractor parts - manufacturer-approved parts for a proper fit every time! We also have installation guides, diagrams and manuals to help you along the way!

www.searspartsdirect.com

https://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-121305X-Switch-Poulan-Craftsman/dp/B0057IKWPI

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/husqvarna-seat-switch-532421062?cid=Shopping-Google-Product-1704163&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlPWgBhDHARIsAH2xdNf_knaVtmpRpfxExPkeRwjxKeG5b3pu-DB2tDnYK3zIQiYxdSREaZ4aAoKjEALw_wcB

 

[motoman]

I have that model and once the same problem. My post is somewhere here. I (think) I finally took out the ignition / PTO switches and cleaned the contacts. Problem went away.