Need some help with Tractor problem
#1
04-30-18, 09:55 AM
Need some help with Tractor problem
Hi,
I have @ 17 year old Simplicity Regent Lawn Tractor. In pretty good shape b/c I've barely used it the past 6-7 years, over which time Ive been having a frustrating problem.
In short it doesnt start, but only sometimes. First I assumed it needed a tune up b/c even though I would do winterizing maybe it was lack of use. Came back fine. Then I assumed the battery was discharging. A new battery worked, sometimes. Other times the tractor seems to start fine.
no clue until I realized that, maybe, its the part that allows me to disengage the park/gear. I forget what it's called? There's a lever in the back of the tractor that, when pulled, allows me to move/roll the tractor without starting it. I've used more than a few times to move the tractor in the garage.
Is it possible this lever is malfunctioning and preventing the tractor from starting?
I have @ 17 year old Simplicity Regent Lawn Tractor. In pretty good shape b/c I've barely used it the past 6-7 years, over which time Ive been having a frustrating problem.
In short it doesnt start, but only sometimes. First I assumed it needed a tune up b/c even though I would do winterizing maybe it was lack of use. Came back fine. Then I assumed the battery was discharging. A new battery worked, sometimes. Other times the tractor seems to start fine.
no clue until I realized that, maybe, its the part that allows me to disengage the park/gear. I forget what it's called? There's a lever in the back of the tractor that, when pulled, allows me to move/roll the tractor without starting it. I've used more than a few times to move the tractor in the garage.
Is it possible this lever is malfunctioning and preventing the tractor from starting?
#2
04-30-18, 10:13 AM
Group Moderator
You have to define "doesn't start".
It always cranks but won't start ?
It sometimes won't crank ?
A tune-up won't affect a cranking problem.
It always cranks but won't start ?
It sometimes won't crank ?
A tune-up won't affect a cranking problem.
#3
04-30-18, 10:17 AM
sorry. that would be helpful. It doesnt even crank. I turn the key and nothing. Might hear a small click the first time and then nothing. Which is why I thought it was either a battery or simply something's not connected.
#4
04-30-18, 10:58 AM
Group Moderator
For this type of repair you could use a meter or a 12vdc test light. For this type of circuit the 12v probe is the easiest to use. It's easy to see visual results without having to read a meter.
You clip the probe to chassis. You can walk thru places to check for voltage loss.
Follow the red battery lead to the first connection point. Put probe there and try starting. See what light does. If it dims excessively.... you have a battery/connection problem.
You clip the probe to chassis. You can walk thru places to check for voltage loss.
Follow the red battery lead to the first connection point. Put probe there and try starting. See what light does. If it dims excessively.... you have a battery/connection problem.
#6
04-30-18, 05:36 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
I agree, start with the simple stuff and check the battery cables. Might be corroded and/or loose.
#7
05-01-18, 02:33 AM
I agree, start with the simple stuff and check the battery cables. Might be corroded and/or loose.
#8
05-01-18, 04:09 AM
I very much agree with starting with simple things. I also agree that you have an electrical issue. I know you said you replaced the battery but you still have the same problem. You could still have a bad battery. I also agree, clean all cables & connections. Sometimes you'll need to replace the cables because sometimes corrosion can, & does, get from the lead ends & get under the plastic covering so you cant see that its a bad cable.
Once you have checked & confirmed/corrected any issues there & still have an issue, my next step would be the solenoid, based on your statement that there is just a click.
Anything further can be addressed once you get past these options.
Once you have checked & confirmed/corrected any issues there & still have an issue, my next step would be the solenoid, based on your statement that there is just a click.
Anything further can be addressed once you get past these options.
#9
06-25-18, 08:11 AM
Hi all, wanted to follow up to this post and share an embarrassing discovery. You were all right. It was the simple stuff. After doing alot of the above with no luck I went back to the basics and....ehhhh, checked the connection at the battery. I swear I've checked these before. But this time checking the red connector seemed a loose. so I simply tightened it. And the tractor starts every time now!!
Wanted to follow up to share the importance of making sure the basics are covered before getting to advanced :-)
As always thanks!
Wanted to follow up to share the importance of making sure the basics are covered before getting to advanced :-)
As always thanks!
