Toro Wheel Horse model 244-5

[CajunMan89]

Toro Wheel Horse model 244-5 will not start with key

I have a 1993 Toro Wheel Horse Model 244-5, model number 72040. I am using it for a project, not for yard work. I removed the seat and deck because I will not be needing them, plus, they're in the way for what I'm using this machine for. I am having trouble with the electrical and suspect it is a safety switch that needs to be disabled. The mower has a 14HP Onan OHV engine. When I turn the key to start, nothing happens. In order for it to start, I have to jump the solenoid with a screwdriver. When I want to turn it off, I have to pull the boot off of the spark plug. I am getting 12.18 Volts to everything except the blue wire that connects to the prong on the bottom of the solenoid. This wire goes to a relay in the fuse box and not to the ignition.

Again, I suspect this to be a safety switch issue. How do I disable the safety switches on this mower?



Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[reynoldston]

I have a 1993 Toro Wheel Horse Model 244-5, model number 72040. I am using it for a project, not for yard work. I removed the seat and deck because I will not be needing them, plus, they're in the way for what I'm using this machine for. I am having trouble with the electrical and suspect it is a safety switch that needs to be disabled. The mower has a 14HP Onan OHV engine. When I turn the key to start, nothing happens. In order for it to start, I have to jump the solenoid with a screwdriver. When I want to turn it off, I have to pull the boot off of the spark plug. I am getting 12.18 Volts to everything except the blue wire that connects to the prong on the bottom of the solenoid. This wire goes to a relay in the fuse box and not to the ignition.

Again, I suspect this to be a safety switch issue. How do I disable the safety switches on this mower?



Any help is greatly appreciated!

I had one in my shop this pass spring with the same problem. As I recall there is more then one fuse in that area and is located not too far from the battery. The problem on the one I worked on, the wires to the fuses were corroded bad. I also had another one but with the Kohler engine the wiring harness was bad down by the frame. They must of made that model tractor with two different brand engines??

 

[CajunMan89]

I had one in my shop this pass spring with the same problem. As I recall there is more then one fuse in that area and is located not too far from the battery. The problem on the one I worked on, the wires to the fuses were corroded bad. I also had another one but with the Kohler engine the wiring harness was bad down by the frame. They must of made that model tractor with two different brand engines??

I guess they did, but mine is stock with a 14HP Onan. There are 4-5 fuses on mine, and they are located near the battery. I changed them all since they were blown. The previous owner told me that was the only problem he had with it....it would blow the fuse every time the PTO blades were engaged. The switch was broken also, so I disconnected the wires and removed the deck. There is one spot that a fuse went to, but the prongs appear to be removed since the fuse will not fit snugly like the others and stay in. I guess he had it removed. Everything was working fine until I removed the seat. So I tried connecting the wires together to disable the seat safety, but that hasn't done any good.

Any suggestions?

 

[Rivets]

Go to this website and select PARTS. From that you can input your model number and download a service manual and parts manual. In the parts manual you will find a wiring diagram. Hope this helps.


Toro | Lawn Mowers, Golf & Grounds Equipment, Commercial Landscape, Irrigation

 

[CajunMan89]

Go to this website and select PARTS. From that you can input your model number and download a service manual and parts manual. In the parts manual you will find a wiring diagram. Hope this helps.


Toro | Lawn Mowers, Golf & Grounds Equipment, Commercial Landscape, Irrigation

Thanks for the link, but I already have a copy. I couldn't read those diagrams to save my life!

 

[CajunMan89]

Re: Toro Wheel Horse model 244-5 will not start/shut off with key

Any other suggestions?

 

[Rivets]

If wiring diagrams are confusing, this is going to be way more difficult. Try this troubleshooting procedure. I hate to say this but, this does not work, you'll have to take it to the shop.




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.

 

[EngineMan]

Take that wire off and make a new one from (S) on the key switch to where you have taken the wire off the solenoid, that should work, if not if you have a wiring diagram post it up, I or we here should be able to help you out.

 

[CajunMan89]

Here is the wiring diagram. As soon as I can get assistance, I'll go through the suggested steps and report back.


Thank you.


View attachment Toro Manual.pdf

 

[reynoldston]

I have found that they used two different engine brands, Onan and Kohler. I also found they are wired different which makes the wiring diagrams confusing. It sounds to me like someone bypassed some fuses which will make it more confusing. The one I repaired with the wiring harness problem the frame rubbed through the harness shorting out the fuses. This was between the right side of the engine and frame. I also find no two repair jobs alike so I will say look for some worn through wires that are shorting out the fuses.