I bought a used lawn tractor a few weeks back.* It's a Scotts s2046, 20hp tractor with snow blower attachment.* There's an identical tractor branded as JD and maybe as Murray also.*
So, it started fine at the guy's house.* I also started it twice at my house since I've had it.* I decided to start it up over the weekend and, no dice.* Turn the key and only a click.* I think it is the solenoid.* I crossed a screwdriver across the top terminals of the solenoid and it fired right up.**
Ok- now it's running.* I press down the clutch/brake, release the parking brake lever, and push on the peddle to go forward (it is hydrostatic) and the engine nearly shuts down (it would have if I had kept pushing on the forward peddle).* I did this a few times just to be sure what was happening.* I also tried engaging the pto while my foot was pressing the brake with motor running and the engine nearly shut down also (it would have if I hadn't let go of the pto lever).
I have been storing the tractor in my attached garage which the temps have dropped below freezing.
What am I missing?* There has to be something I am just doing bone-headedly??
Your Scotts tractor was manufactured by John Deere between 1998-2001. I'm guess your starting problem can be solved using the procedure below. A bad ground on the solenoid is a common cause.
To diagnosis your drive problem will take a little longer. The first thing you will need to do is remove the blower and/or belt and see if the unit will drive forward and reverse. If it does, then we know the problem is with the blower. If it does not, we know it is a drive problem. Let us know what you find on each problem. I will be out of touch until Monday, but with your reply on each problem, there are other good techs who should be able to help while I'm gone.
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.
