John Deere 170 won't start

delenca

Forum Newbie
Joined
Oct 5, 2014
Threads
1
Messages
5
I have a question about my Mower which has shut down on me over the weekend.

The problem, briefly:
Got off the Mower without shutting down the blades or putting the brake on and it auto-shut off (as it is supposed to).
Since then, however, it's never started again.
Things I've tried:
1) I've made sure that I'm sitting on it, that the blades are turned off and that the brake (and clutch) are engaged all to no avail. When I turn the ignition I hear a faint pffff sound but no cranking.
2) I've used a multimeter to check several obvious electrical problems: I've checked the battery, the solenoid from the battery (I think) and several fuses and they all seem fine. Battery charge reads 12.6V
3)I also tried to jump the battery from my car and the behavior did not change (I.e. No cranking even with boost from my car battery)
4) I suppose an obvious problem is a stuck safety switch, specially given the chronology of events. I've been able to test 2 of them: the one under the seat, and the one that checks if blades are on. Both switches are fine (I also tried to jump them just to check - nothing happened)

The bottom line questions:
A) I would like to test the 3rd safety switch - the one attached to the clutch - but I can't find it. Does anyone know where I can find it?
B) Alternatively, where can I find a diagram that explains my engine parts and/or wiring - so I can try to find it myself (and double-check that I've checked voltage at every position)
C) If I run out of ideas, what do people usually do? Can I call a dealer (or some other mechanic) to come take a look? (I don't have a way of bringing the mower to the dealer). Just don't know what's usually done to repair these things.

Thanks!
-Alex
 

mechanic mark

Lawn Pro
Joined
Jul 15, 2013
Threads
175
Messages
7,474
Last edited:

delenca

Forum Newbie
Joined
Oct 5, 2014
Threads
1
Messages
5
Post year, model & serial numbers, engine manufacturer as well as all numbers from engine. Hands on, check circuit breaker, fuses, everything electrical, making sure all connections are good & tight and free from rust & corrosion. I believe you might have to reset breaker.

John Deere Model 170 Lawn Tractor Parts

Thank you for your advise.

Model: John Deere 170
Serial #: Don't have at hand
Engine: Kawasaki 422cc 1-cyl gasoline
Numbers on Engine: Don't have on hand.

Fuses: I have checked these with multimeter. All in working order.

Checked as many electric connections as I could reach - all seem ok (many were not tested b/c I don't have a circuit diagram and don't exactly understand the layout of the system).
Basically, checked the seat safety switch and blade safety switch and solenoid - all seemed fine.

Circuit breaker: Haven't checked, don't know where it is and I thought only electric mowers had these?
 

JD is best

Active Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2014
Threads
5
Messages
75
The clutch switch is under the battery on the left side. The cover that is hiding the switch is the one in the photo that looks like a vent. Open up the hood and there are two bolts beside the battery that require a socket wrench. Unscrew those and take the cover off. If you press the clutch you will see a lever coming forward to press a button. This is the switch. Also this may be different with your 170 because i have a 175 and it is a hydrostatic not a gear drive.
 

Attachments

  • image-2132226410.jpg
    image-2132226410.jpg
    431.6 KB · Views: 15

JD is best

Active Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2014
Threads
5
Messages
75
Also there is the fuel cut off safety switch under the left rear fender next to the gas tank. You may have to lift up your fender deck to get to it.
 

mechanic mark

Lawn Pro
Joined
Jul 15, 2013
Threads
175
Messages
7,474
Thank you for your advise.

Model: John Deere 170
Serial #: Don't have at hand
Engine: Kawasaki 422cc 1-cyl gasoline
Numbers on Engine: Don't have on hand.

Fuses: I have checked these with multimeter. All in working order.

Checked as many electric connections as I could reach - all seem ok (many were not tested b/c I don't have a circuit diagram and don't exactly understand the layout of the system).
Basically, checked the seat safety switch and blade safety switch and solenoid - all seemed fine.

Circuit breaker: Haven't checked, don't know where it is and I thought only electric mowers had these?
There is a circuit breaker probably under hood at firewall behind dash:John Deere Model 170 Lawn Tractor Parts Let us know how it goes.
 

delenca

Forum Newbie
Joined
Oct 5, 2014
Threads
1
Messages
5
Thanks guys. I'll try to find those 2 safety switches again this weekend.
I also found this loose wire on the left side this weekend. Can't figure out where it would go to. Any ideas? It has to connect somewhere around there as the wire is not that long (and branches off from the pinkish one).
Deere-LT170-LooseWire.jpg
Thanks,
-Alex
 

reynoldston

Lawn Pro
Joined
May 23, 2011
Threads
92
Messages
5,705
I find that safety switches work with negative power not positive. Negative power turns off the engine. So to test the safety switches you need to disconnect them not jump them. A good way to burn out your coil is to put positive power to it.
 

JD is best

Active Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2014
Threads
5
Messages
75
Thanks guys. I'll try to find those 2 safety switches again this weekend.
I also found this loose wire on the left side this weekend. Can't figure out where it would go to. Any ideas? It has to connect somewhere around there as the wire is not that long (and branches off from the pinkish one).
<img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachments/john-deere-forum/23636-john-deere-170-wont-start-deere-lt170-loosewire-jpg"/>
Thanks,
-Alex

That is the same on my 175. I have no idea what it goes to.
 

delenca

Forum Newbie
Joined
Oct 5, 2014
Threads
1
Messages
5
That is the same on my 175. I have no idea what it goes to.

Ahah, are you serious?! It's just disconnected as well? So weird.
I've tried to check if it's a ground but don't see any difference if it's grounded or not.

The damn service manual is pretty expensive (~$60-$100 depending on CD or paper) - I know that sometimes they go on ebay for <$20 but no luck right now. If anybody has an extra one that they don't need (paper or CD), let me know and I'll take it off your hands.
 
Top