Craftsman GT 5000 starting problem - it won't crank

kenk85

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I am trying to troubleshoot a starting/cranking problem on my dad's Craftsman GT5000 with a Kohler Pro 25 HP V-Twin engine. My dad changed the oil and tried to start the mower. It had been setting for some time and barely cranked. My dad then boosted it with his pickup truck to start because he said he had done it before. When I went over to see what he was doing, I noticed the booster cables were hooked up reversed. I corrected them and tried to start it, nothing cranked at all now. I removed the battery and fully charged it, then installed back in the mower but nothing cranked. I jumped the starter solenoid terminals and the engine cranked fine but did not start or fire. In looking things over, I noticed the wire at the carb/air cleaner linking to what I believe is a fuel pump was disconnected, so I reconnected it. I asked my dad if it ran good, and he said it hadn't been running good, so I am thinking the disconnected fuel pump wire might have been the cause. With all that said, my thoughts are that a fuse or other electronic device became damaged due to my dad having the booster cables connected backwards. I am mechanically inclined but not experienced with this mower and the electricals. Does anyone have suggestions on fuse location, if applicable, and other electrical components that would likely have been damaged from the improper booting hookup?
 

Rivets

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This one is not going to be an easy one unless you get lucky. I'm thinking you might have fried the key switch or solenoid. That this procedure to pinpoint the bad component. You can go to Sears Parts Direct to get a wiring diagram. Good Luck.



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). *If you have power what is the voltage?

Fifth, check for power at the starter while holding the key in the start position (assistant again). *If you have power what is the voltage?

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.
 

Fish

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Well model spec numbers off of the engine would help, as well as the tractor's model numbers....

But what would I know....
 

Fish

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Being able to look up a correct wiring diagram is the first thing I do when I have a tractor in front of me.............

It would be more important, I would think, If that tractor was not in front of me...........I mean to try and give intelligent advice.....

But that is just me..............

Call me what you will..........
 

Rivets

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Mr. Fish does not feel I can help, so I'll let him help you. Good bye.
 

Carscw

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I and rivets don't see eye to eye on most things. But I will say to follow his advice with the trouble shooting post he has came up with. I have used it a couple of times and it is very helpful.

Model numbers do help but are not needed for everything.

If all you give me is a model number I have to pull up a pic of the mower.

I have walked out of shops because they ask for a model number even after I give them a part number or just want a battery

(( cowboy up and get over it ))
 

Fish

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I usually do not give advice, unless I know what/exactly the original poster has.

Sorry........

I hate giving poor advice.............
 
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