riding mower doesn't start
#1
riding mower doesn't start
I have a Murry riding mower, that is less than 2 years old. I replaced the battery, and s...?oid (a part that I can't spell, sorry) and I still can't get it to start. I can shock the starter into making it run, but can't get nothing with the key. It runs fine off the shocked starter... why won't it start with the key?
#2
Join Date: Feb 1998
Location: The Shake and Bake State USA
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Hello: BJ
The ignition switch may be defective. Check for continuity and voltage at the terminals of the switch and also for voltage to the switch.
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The ignition switch may be defective. Check for continuity and voltage at the terminals of the switch and also for voltage to the switch.
The other resident small engine service and repair professionals and moderators, may offer alternate advice & opinions. Check back several times for additional replies.
If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any and all additional information, etc. By doing so, the additional information you add will remain within this posting. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically.
Regards and Good Luck, Small Engine Forum Moderator
Tom_Bart.....TCB4U2B2B.....Company Enterprises.
Fast...Fair...Friendly & Highly Efficient Services....
"Accurate Power Equipment Company"
Small Engine Diagnostics Services and Repair.
#3
Check the fuse, which should be in line with the red wire, coming from the battery cable at the solenoid. It may be blown. The wire with the fuse must be connected to the side of the solenoid that the battery is connected to, and from there to the ignition switch. You may also have a problem with one of the safety switches, there is one for the blade engagement handle, and one on the clucth/brake pedal. There is also one on the seat, but it won't stop the mower from starting if the clutch is depressed. (you are holding the pedal down all the way when you try to crank it, right?).
If you are handy with a test light, you can test for power at the solenoid...the white (usually) wire that plugs on to the solenoid at the bottom should have power on it when you turn the key to crank. (provided you have the brake on and the blades are off). If it doesn't, then trace the problem down to where the power is lost. Let us know how it goes, we'll be here to help.
If you are handy with a test light, you can test for power at the solenoid...the white (usually) wire that plugs on to the solenoid at the bottom should have power on it when you turn the key to crank. (provided you have the brake on and the blades are off). If it doesn't, then trace the problem down to where the power is lost. Let us know how it goes, we'll be here to help.
#4
warranty
Would the ignition switch be one of the things under warranty? I have a 2 year warranty , but it may be limited.
I do see the (15) fuse that is in line with the ignition lines to the solenoid, but would that cause this whole starting problem?
I do see the (15) fuse that is in line with the ignition lines to the solenoid, but would that cause this whole starting problem?
#5
I imagine it would be covered, but I don't know what your warranty policy states. I will say that ingition switches don't usually go bad in 2 years, but it can happen. I wouldn't lay the blame on it unless you checked out the other things too. In my experience, 90% of the time when a mower won't start due to an electrical problem, it is something other than the switch. Read your warranty policy, it will explain what is covered and for how long. If electrical is covered by warranty still, take it to an authorized repair center and have them look at it.
#6
Just a thought...before we get too deep in this...check your battery connections to be sure they are clean and tight, if you haven't already.
#7
update on riding mower
Well, I replaced the battery, solenoid, and checked all wires and the fuse... no luck in starting it with just the key. I still have to jump it from the starter. I gave up, and called the warrenty one guys to look it over. They couldn't find the problem either...so they took it back to the shop to fix. This was 2 days ago. I am hoping they fix it before my grass gets out of hand.
This post was just an update, and I will tell you what was wrong when I find out.
This post was just an update, and I will tell you what was wrong when I find out.
#8
Sheesh! They couldn't find the problem? There's only a few things it could be, none too hard to check for someone who knows how these things work. Thanks for the update, I hope it goes well for you. I'm betting on a bad safety switch, in the clutch pedal or blade engagement. Let us know when you find out!
#9
good news and bad news
Well, it was fixed. I got it back Saturday evening, and the problem was that when I put the solenoid on, one of the red wires were attached to the wrong side. Well, with that fixed, I start mowing my grass...not 2 minutes later the belt for the blades BREAKS!!! I must have really done something bad to mess up my karma Well, off to Home Depot to get a new belt...but I won't be mowing today because it is raining. Things seem to be tied to the fact I've just turned 25... is this some sort of birthday spanking? Have a good week all!