MTD Huskee, won't do anything

[donna13350]

It is an MTD Huskee, 2009
mod # 13AJ771G031
42". LT 4200

I was using it and it ran and cut normally...then went to start it again and nothing...not even a click. Battery is fully charged. Usually I would think solenoid, or fuse, but it won't change gears at all, the gear lever moves,and goes into the slots normally for forward and neutral, etc...(and feels normal) but it will not go into neutral at all..the gear lever goes into the neutral slot, but machine won't roll when pushed, it is still clearly in gear....so I am thinking something with the linkage from gear lever, but when I push clutch in it feels correct, not loose at all, giving proper resistance....
I gave a cursory look, and didn't see anything obvious...any ideas out there on where to start? Thanks, Joe

 

[Rivets]

Here's a troubleshooting procedure which may help you.



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). *If you have power what is the voltage?

Fifth, check for power at the starter while holding the key in the start position (assistant again). *If you have power what is the voltage?

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.

 

[jrjr]

I am having the same issue, I was using it yesterday cutting the yard it worked fine, I got off it for about 15 minutes and then tried to start and nothing.
While researching I saw your post and was wondering if you figured out what the problem was.
Thanks, Joseph

It is an MTD Huskee, 2009
mod # 13AJ771G031
42". LT 4200

I was using it and it ran and cut normally...then went to start it again and nothing...not even a click. Battery is fully charged. Usually I would think solenoid, or fuse, but it won't change gears at all, the gear lever moves,and goes into the slots normally for forward and neutral, etc...(and feels normal) but it will not go into neutral at all..the gear lever goes into the neutral slot, but machine won't roll when pushed, it is still clearly in gear....so I am thinking something with the linkage from gear lever, but when I push clutch in it feels correct, not loose at all, giving proper resistance....
I gave a cursory look, and didn't see anything obvious...any ideas out there on where to start? Thanks, Joe

 

[jrjr]

I am having the same issue, I was using it yesterday cutting the yard it worked fine, I got off it for about 15 minutes and then tried to start and nothing.
While researching I saw your post and was wondering if you figured out what the problem was.
Thanks, Joseph

 

[donna13350]

I am having the same issue, I was using it yesterday cutting the yard it worked fine, I got off it for about 15 minutes and then tried to start and nothing.
While researching I saw your post and was wondering if you figured out what the problem was.
Thanks, Joseph

Joseph..the first thing I did was to change out the solenoid...what a pain that is! Wait till you see where they put it! It's under the left rear fender..you have to remove the battery and battery box to get to it..
anyway..I drilled a hole to mount the solenoid where I can get to it easily if I need to without taking half the mower apart for what should have been a 2 minute change-out.
Make sure your battery connections are clean and tight, also.
I have also noticed that when I disengage the PTO sometimes that the mower won't start again unless I pull back on that PTO lever again..in it's old age, guess it's just not as snappy as it used to be, so check that, too. Best of Luck to you!