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I can hear the solenoid clicking when key is turned but starter won't engage. Checked and getting power to starter so seem solenoid is working. So I'm guessing starter is the problem. However I do have one thing seems strange. When checking the power from solenoid to starter, the test light will stay dimly lit for a moment. I haven't checked the voltage just used a test light. Is there some residual power left in the solenoid to cause the test light to dimly stay lit or is this a problem also?

Thanks

New to this Forum. Probably should have posted this in the JD Forum.

First thing I would check is all grounds. Here is the procedure I follow.





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.

Thanks for the reply.

As stated I have power to starter post but didn't check voltage. I can hear the solenoid engaging but the starter will not. Should the voltage be 12v and if it is the problem is probably the starter, right?

kirkj11 said:

I can hear the solenoid clicking when key is turned but starter won't engage. Checked and getting power to starter so seem solenoid is working. So I'm guessing starter is the problem. However I do have one thing seems strange. When checking the power from solenoid to starter, the test light will stay dimly lit for a moment. I haven't checked the voltage just used a test light. Is there some residual power left in the solenoid to cause the test light to dimly stay lit or is this a problem also?

Thanks

Click to expand...

May depend on which solenoid you're hearing when the key is turned. If it has a fuel shut off solenoid on the carburetor it functions when the key is turned to on. The starter solenoid functions when the key is turned to start.

With park brake on and key turned to on, try jumping the starter direct with jumper cables from a known good battery then you will have a better idea which circuit to troubleshoot.