I have a Craftsman 917.273080 riding mower that I'm having trouble with. When I turn the key, I get NOTHING. No clicking, no sound at all. Battery is brand new and testing at 12V.
I have tested the seat switch. Tests OK
Interlock switch tests OK and IS being pressed in fully by the metal plate
Mower WILL start (on the first try) if I touch both points of the solenoid with a screwdriver
However, mower will die out if I pull the PTO switch or let off the clutch/brake pedal
PTO switch, ignition switch, and carburetor are all brand new
I talked to a buddy and he suspects the seat switch even though I tested and it has continuity when I press the seat in. Do these go "bad" somehow even though they're testing good? Am I overlooking something? I cleaned the seat switch and interlock switch contacts and harnesses with contact cleaner.
Funny this is, after I started it with the solenoid screwdriver method, it actually started with the key twice after that. Then it went back to nothing the next day.
Start by downloading the owners manual for your mower.
On page 37 is the circuit diagram
When you have this information get back & some one here will walk you through the testing proceedure.
Note there is a relay in this system that people oft overlook and it oft goes bad.
