Wiring Problem

[SS Print]

Hello, I have a 2006 Craftsman MODEL NUMBER 917.275740 27 HP 48" cut. I was mowing and the electric clutch just quit. I checked for 12V at clutch, no voltage. Went back to where the wires (red & black) come out of wiring harness and no voltage there. I can apply 12 Volts to clutch and it kicks in. I have read several posts that come close to my problem but not exactly. I was beginning to think it might be in the ignition switch but another thing that happened at the same time is the seat safety switch stopped working. Could it be the seat safety switch. Not sure how to check either. I can test for 12 volts with a meter, just not sure where to check. I have a schematic just don't know how to read it.

Thanks
Mike Skinner

OK, More info. I was suspecting my battery was not charging in addition to above problems. I wired the clutch directly to the battery with an on/off switch and mowed for about 40 minutes. Clutch quit and I killed the mower and battery was dead. Another weird thing (at least to me) the seat safety switch worked after I wired 12 volt to clutch??

Thanks Again
Mike

 

[Rivets]

I suspect your problems all start with a bad battery or charging system. The clutch needs a full 12 volts to operate properly. Charge the battery and start the engine. Check battery voltage at full throttle. If you do not have over 13.2 volts, your charging system is not working properly. Post back with results and all engine numbers.

 

[SS Print]

OK, I charged up the battery. It held a charge of 12.67 volts over a couple days just siting idle. Started it up and checked voltage it reads 17.43 volts while running at max RPM. I'm stumped. I'm not sure what engine numbers you are asking for.

Thanks

Mike

 

[SS Print]

OK, More confusing info. After mowing only about 30 minutes battery was showing 12.50 volts and the clutch (which I had hooked up to remote switch) would just stop when mower was in short grass. I could raise deck all the was up and then the clutch would start again. Finally figured that the clutch would only run for 20-30 seconds and then go off. I would turn off the switch and wait 20-30 seconds throw it and it would engage again for approx. same time ect ect.

Thanks

Mike