Ferris mower won't start

[agapecom]

Equipment: Ferris is 1500 4419KWV / SN:2000587307 / 44" Cut 19hp Kawasaki Electric start.

When I turn the key nothing happens. I have:
(1) Checked the battery, it is good. I bypassed the solenoid by going from the battery to the side of the solenoid that doesn't register on my voltmeter (the side of the solenoid that goes to the starter).
(2) This causes the engine to turn over. After spraying some starting fluid in the intake, the engine attempted to start but wouldn't stay started.
(3) I purchased a new solenoid, (the engine still would not turn over) when I turned the ignition key.
(4) I checked the four fuses and they are good.
(5) Now I am wondering if the safety switch under the seat is bad.
Or some other safety feature is malfunctioning.

Need help, thanks.

 

[Sturgisatv]

The solenoid should have one or two small wires going to it. If it is a one-wire solenoid, then it grounds through the frame. A two-wire solenoid is finding a ground through, often, the safety switches.
You can jumper 12 volts to the small terminals, power, or power and ground, and the solenoid should click when the internal contacts close, if it is good. Follow the SMALL wires to their destinations. One should go to power, and if you have a second one, it should eventually go to ground.

You can bypass the safety switches, temporarily, by connecting the wires with a jumper wire.

 

[Rivets]

Go through this troubleshooting procedure and you should find your problem.



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.*

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.