toro - nothing when I turn the key

dragonquilt

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Toro Z4200 model 74360. Was mowing the lawn fine 3 weeks ago. After 5 turns around lawn it just stopped. When I turn the key, nothing. Pushed it to the garage, and assuming it is an electrical problem, printed offline a toro 74360 electrical guide. Started testing relays and switches. Following the directions I checked the ignition switch and found it bad, so ordered one. When it arrived, put it in and nothing still. So continued checking switches and relays. Found seat switch good, kill relay good, both park brake switches good but a bad PTO switch. So ordered that, 4 days later, replaced it and still nothing. Checked the solenoid and it said it was bad so got another one, nothing. This is the 3rd solenoid I have put in and they all check bad. Power to the post from battery but nothing on post to starter. Can jump across solenoid and engine turns over. I am at a loss. What do I try next? I am ready to take it to a lawn mower repair shop and get me a second mower for back up.
 

dodgefate

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Stupid question but can you turn the motor by hand?
If so try next steps:
1. Put 12 volts directley to starter if nothing make sure it has a good ground if noting still need starter
2. Turn key to start position, check for 12 volts comming into swich and 12 volts going out to relays
3. probably should check this first but chack battery voltage at terminal on battery, then at cable make shure there is a good conection and check grounds.
 

dragonquilt

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I have basic electrical knowledge from my time in the service but no engine skills. I did change the carburator last year so I am teachable. So no, I haven't turned the motor by hand since I don't know how. My meter bit the dust last night so heading out to get a new one this morning so will double check voltages along the line when I get home with it. Hubby is out of town on business until October, so I would love to get this thing running on my own. :smile:
 

BKBrown

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Not familiar with this model and unit, but if it just stopped when mowing, I would suspect fuse or fusable link OR some wire just came off.

Did you also check to see that mice have not chewed some of the wiring ?

I recently found that a neighbor with a new riding mower had mice chew one of the wires to one of the safety switches.

GOOD LUCK ! and congrats for attempting the fix by yourself.

Just noticed --- Where in VA ?
 

Rivets

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This might help. Let us know how your doing.


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.
 

dragonquilt

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Hi again from Disputanta, VA. When the lawn mower first stopped working, we found a blown fuse. Replaced it but still nothing. That is when I started checking relays and switches. I am still trying to figure out how to follow the schematic (been a long time since I was in the military) so I can follow the wiring harness and see if I can figure out where it is shorting out (at least that is what I think is happening). I did find a burned wire to the fuel solenoid and cut that and changed the connector as well as the fuel solenoid in case it was fried at the same time. Nothing. Bought a new volt meter so going one wire at a time . (I have time now, I bought another machine so I can mow the lawn and be able to take my time figuring this out. With 5 acres to cut, doesn't hurt to have 2 mowers anyway). Thank you all for giving me suggestions. Will get back when I have traced a few lines.
 

Rivets

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Just remember to take it slow and don't assume anything.
 

EngineMan

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Can you upload the schematic...?
 
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