I have a John Deere Z345r zero turn mower that blows the PTO fuse every time I start the mower, without actually engaging the PTO. I have taken a look at the wiring haven't found anything damaged, I unplugged the clutch, and it still blows a fuse. I have not been able to find a wiring diagram online for this mower. Does anyone else have any suggestions? My next step is to replace the starter solenoid
Thank you for the info I visually inspected the wiring and cannot find any damage. I am thinking this short could be in the actual key switch. Its odd the PTO fuse is the one that is blowing each time you turn the engine over. I will give JD a call, I spoke with a dealer but haven't gotten anything from them as far as a wiring diagram. The engine itself is clean free of dirt and getting full air flow
Option 1: What do you mean read the book and understand how the systems work? I am the all-knowing king/Queen of my universe.
Option 2: Reading and studying is for stupid people.... I've heard that more times than I can remember.
Option 3: I already graduated school years ago, so I don't have to learn anything new.
Option 4: I'm too cheap to spend the money, but I have days to figure it out eventually after replacing everything except the problem part or simple broken/ grounded wire connection.
Option 5: Why spend the money on information that I will probably never use again?
Starter solenoid and ignition switch is not likely to be the issue.
You say the PTO clutch is unplugged and the PTO FUSE blows when cranking the engine.
If so
Might try these hints: (leave the PTO clutch unplugged at the connector by the PTO clutch)
Instead of guessing and throwing parts at it might try this.
Take a 12v bulb with a bulb holder (for example one of your lawn tractor headlights and it's bulb holder) and remove the fuse and connect the bulb (both wires of the bulb holder) in place of the fuse.
Normally the bulb will not light up. When you see the bulb glow that circuit has a short to ground. When first connected just turn the key on WITHOUT cranking the engine wiggle the wiring harness, etc and if the bulb flickers or lights up it's seeing the overload/short, if nothing start cranking the engine and watch the bulb.
Let us know the results
Also if that is a automotive type blade fuse you can get a circuit breaker very reasonably priced.
If you see the bulb light up constantly disconnect the battery and use a ohmmeter. Best to not use a ohmmeter with the battery POS connected or the Ohmmeter will get smoked. (ohmmeter do not like being exposed to a voltage)
