Dead, dead, dead. Exmark Navigator

[valleyviewlawns]

08 Navigator, has been working great, then parked it for a week and I can't even get a click out of it. I have tested all of the safety switches, replaced the starter relay(had one on hand), jumped the starter solenoid(it cranked the engine but would not fire), battery has 12.6VDC, replaced the ignition switch(had one on hand), all 3 fuses tested good, I think the only thing I haven't done is check the small wire to the solenoid for voltage(just read that on this forum). We have a couple of weeks of fall left and we use this mower for leaf cleanups, final mowing, etc. Not a shop in my area will be able to have it back to me in less then 2 weeks, and this mower is the backbone of our business.

 

[Rivets]

Give this troubleshooting procedure a try. I know that it is for a tractor, but with a little but of tweaking, it works on other units. Before you start you must remember and think, I am starting from scratch and don't assume that you checked anything.



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.

 

[EngineMan]

08 Navigator, has been working great, then parked it for a week and I can't even get a click out of it. I have tested all of the safety switches, replaced the starter relay(had one on hand), jumped the starter solenoid(it cranked the engine but would not fire), battery has 12.6VDC, replaced the ignition switch(had one on hand), all 3 fuses tested good, I think the only thing I haven't done is check the small wire to the solenoid for voltage(just read that on this forum). We have a couple of weeks of fall left and we use this mower for leaf cleanups, final mowing, etc. Not a shop in my area will be able to have it back to me in less then 2 weeks, and this mower is the backbone of our business.

You say you had it to crank when you jump it, did you have the key switch on (run) when you did this..? yes check to see if there is battery volts at the small wire on the solenoid when you turn the key to start.

 

[valleyviewlawns]

Thank you fellas, I will give those a try.

 

[valleyviewlawns]

You say you had it to crank when you jump it, did you have the key switch on (run) when you did this..? yes check to see if there is battery volts at the small wire on the solenoid when you turn the key to start.

0 volts at the small solenoid wire when trying to start.

 

[Rivets]

That means you have an open between that terminal and the key switch. You are going to have to check each safety switch and the connecting wires to find an open.

 

[valleyviewlawns]

That means you have an open between that terminal and the key switch. You are going to have to check each safety switch and the connecting wires to find an open.

Broken wire in the plug that plugs into the ignition switch. It was making partial contact and would test good while initially looking for the problem. Solved, and running! Thank you fellas!

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Broken wire in the plug that plugs into the ignition switch. It was making partial contact and would test good while initially looking for the problem. Solved, and running! Thank you fellas!

Glad you got it going! :thumbsup: