I have a craftsman 917.275684 24hp lawn tractor. While snowblowing, my electric PTO quit working so drove into shop to charge battery. The battery not charging while operating is an old issue, has been like that for a couple years but I can live with that. Problem is this time after a couple hours went to start it up and get nothing. Jumped from battery to starter and it will turn over and start but only run a short time. Not getting any votage at the solenoid. I have eliminated the starter switch as it passed the continuity test plus I have another tractor with an identical switch that I tried. Brake switch tested ok. The only switch I could not get to pass on the continuity test was the seat switch. Would that switch interfere with whether it turned over or not???? If thats the problem I have to ask, why, as it always started before whether I was in the seat or not as long as the brake was depressed. Just looking for a little input on the possibilites before I start sinking to much cash into it.

 

No, the seat switch doesn't keep it from turning. Did you check to be sure the fuse isn't blown?

 

Yep, didnt think to even look at fuse till right after I posted and sure enough, blown. Dont have any spares on hand at the moment so will be a bit before I find out if thats the fix all. Still a little concerned why I cant get any continuity on the seat switch when the button is compressed but first things first and thats to get it turning over. Think I found why fuse blew in first place...found some bare wires when I had the pto clutch off. Thanks much for your quick response!!!!