Craftsman lawnmower clicks but won't start...please help???

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  • / Craftsman lawnmower clicks but won't start...please help???
I have a 2006 craftsman lawn tractor. It clicks but won't turn over. I have replaced the cylenoid (sp?) and starter but the same result...just clicks but won't turn over. Today I tested the power going to the starter on a voltmeter and it shows that 12 volts are getting to the starter but nothing happens. What else could it be?
 

EngineMan

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  • / Craftsman lawnmower clicks but won't start...please help???
You should be getting more then 12volts.. 12 1/2volts and above should be fine..!
read this..........
LawnRanger came up with this diagnostic sequence which I found very good. I modified it a little. Hope this helps you.



Electrical* problems can be very easy or very difficult, depending on four things.
1. * How well you understand basic electricity.
2. *What tools you have and know how to use.
3. *How well you follow directions.
4. *You don't overlook or assume anything and verify everything.

Remember we cannot see what you are doing. *You are our eyes, ears and fingers in solving this problem. *You must be as accurate as you can when you report back. *The two basic tools we will ask you to use are a test light and a multi-meter. *If you have an assistant when going through these tests it would be very helpful. *These steps work the best when done in order, so please don't jump around. *Now let's solve this problem.

First, check the fuse(s), check battery connections for corrosion (clean if necessary) and *voltage - above 12.5 volts should be good.*

Second, check for power from the battery to one of the large terminals on the solenoid. *One of the wires is connected directly to the battery and has power all the time so one of the large terminals should light a test light or show 12 volts on a meter at all times.*

Third, *check for power at the small terminal of the solenoid while depressing the clutch/brake pedal and holding the key in the start position (you may need an assistant to sit in the seat to override the safety switch). If your solenoid is a four wire solenoid, check both small wire terminals as one is ground and the other is power from the ignition switch. *If your solenoid is a three wire solenoid, make sure the solenoid body is not corroded where it bolts to the chassis of the mower as this is your ground path back to the battery. *If in doubt, remove the solenoid and clean the mounting area down to bare metal. *If there is no power to the small terminal then your problem is most likely a safety switch, ignition switch or in the wiring.*

Fourth, check for power on the other large terminal of the solenoid while holding the key in the start position (you may need an assistant to sit in the seat to override the safety switch).*

Fifth, check for power at the starter while holding the key in the start position (assistant again).*

Sixth, check your ground circuit back to the battery.

After you have gone through each of the above steps, let us know what happened when you did each step. *At that point we will have great info to tell you how to proceed. *Remember you are our eyes, ears, and fingers, so please be as accurate as possible.

Be as specific as possible with voltage readings as this will help diagnose your problem quicker. *If you do not know how to perform the above checks, just ask and I will try to guide you through it. *Youtube also has some videos and as you know a picture is worth a thousand words.
 

pugaltitude

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  • / Craftsman lawnmower clicks but won't start...please help???
Might not be electrical but a mechanical fault.
If you have 12 volts to starter then the electrics 99% be ruled out.

What engine fitted? Is the engine turning by hand? Is it getting to compression and not going past?

Is the carb needle allowing fuel into the cylinder? Remove the spark plug and fuel may run out which has caused engine hydraulic.

More info required.
 

EngineMan

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  • / Craftsman lawnmower clicks but won't start...please help???
I would still check the ground wire, and clean under the solenoid to frame and then the battery, you may have 12volts at the starter but you may not have the Amps, try with a different battery, say one of a car to see.
Or you can take off the starter and then see if it will turn. (the starter that is) to see if it is the starter or the engine.
 
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Dbozzuto

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  • / Craftsman lawnmower clicks but won't start...please help???
Hello.
I hope I am posting this correctly. Power is getting everywhere but when I turn key on second post am getting between 6 and 6.5 volts. And it buzzes and sizzles a bit...
Bad solenoid?
Thanks.
Dave
 

EngineMan

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  • / Craftsman lawnmower clicks but won't start...please help???
If you are getting 12volts on the first post, then yes replace it.
 
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