It does have a separate solenoid, not piggy backed. Makes a very faint noise when turning the switch to on but nothing when turning all the way to crank. JD X300 with I believe a 17 hp kawasaki , mower not on siteCheck your voltage on the trigger wire of the solenoid in the start position.... does it have a separate starter and solenoid or is the solenoid piggy backed on the starter?
when you turn the key, does it make a click noise?
I have already by-passed the seat saftey switch, what else should I try?It could be a safety switch... you'd hear it click when the key is in start, i think the faint click you hear is probably the fuel solenoid on the carburetor.