Starter repair question

[BJMann]

Eek! The grass is growing and the mower's starter is failing us! I'm not sure this is the problem, however, as a process of elimination... I think it probably is! We had the mower tuned up last year and purchased a new battery. It still is not starting but the key has always been loose... in other words, the key wiggles when it's in the ignition. Now when I go to turn it on, it turns on the fan but doesn't even attempt to start the engine. I would love to trade it in on a newer model... it's a 2005, I believe. I love this machine... when it works! Someone help me, please!!! Thanks! Jordie:thumbsup:

 

[Rivets]

Let's start troubleshooting to find the real problem. It may take a few posts, but I am sure we can figure this out. First I would like you the jump start the engine with another battery or battery charge. If the engine starts I would like you to charge the battery slowly 1.5-2 Amps for 24 hours. After this try to start the engine with the battery alone. If it works you have found your problem. If the battery doesnot tke a charge you will need to replace the battery and we will look for the reason for premature failure then.

 

[BJMann]

I actually did have a battery charger on it for 24 hours... charging it slowly since it is a trickle charger. The battery is registering as being full but when I turn the key on, it turns the light on and the fan on but the engine is not turning over at all. I did notice that there is a bunch of corrosion around the battery that I can get rid of by pouring hot water on but haven't done that quite yet.

There is gas in the both tanks... not a lot but enough to start it. I have tried turning the knob to use both (one and then the other) tanks... but no such luck. I wonder if I'd be able to jump start it with a vehicle. I also checked the fuses and all 3 of them are fine... :confused2: Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Rivets]

Try this and let's see what happens. Put the parking brake on, turn the key to the on position, take a wire from the + terminal of the battery to the small terminal of the solenoid. Does the engine turn over and start? If it does then we have a key or safety switch problem. Also, clean the ground terminal on the battery and where it attachesvto the frame first.

 

[SONOFADOCKER]

With all my NO START house calls - its simple things like brake or seat safety is gummed up or the blades were left on .
Hit the brake peddle a few times , pull and push in the PTO a few times .
Do this with the key in the on position and listen for the proper clicks like the PTO .
Put a weight on the seat if you want to stand and tinker .

 

[BJMann]

Rivets... I will attempt that and let you know. Sonofadocker... I may be a girlie but I ain't no dummy! I appreciate your help tho so I will tell you this... the seat senser has been bypassed because it was shorting out so we just hardwired it together. The Super Z won't even THINK of starting if the steering handles aren't locked in the brake position and I did check to make sure that the blades were off and not engaged. So I'm sort of back to where I started... I will clean the battery and attempt the "Rivets" suggestion. Thanks guys!!!

 

[SONOFADOCKER]

Ouch ... We get cub cadets all the time that the push button arm safety's fail . one guy glued his in the IN position on both handles .