Have 12+ volts, but still- starting problem

OK- key ON position (with wrench locked), voltmeter red lead to big thick (1/4" or so) red wire going to base of starter (solenoid??) and blk meter lead to engine (ground?) and no voltage!! Am I doing good, people?

Maybe I should bypass the starter and everything by connecting 2 wires from batery directly to that red wire and ground??
 
275 CCA is low for most of today's tractors. We recommend a minimum of 350. PTO is power take off. Your engine will not turn over if your PTO is engaged.

Wrong hook-up. Negative test lead to ground. Positive test lead to large terminal on the solenoid coming from the battery, key off, should read 12+ Volts. Positive test lead to small terminal on solenoid, key to start, 12+ Volts.
 
I had a similar problem with my WH. After charging the battery, overnight, the lights would shine but the engine would not turn over. The battery cable post clamps looked nice and clean, but I decided to clean them anyway.
To my amazement, the battery posts had a hard coating, or glaze on them that a wire brush wouldn't remove.
I scraped the post with a knife until they were shiny, replaced the cables, and it has been fine ever sense.
I have never seen this before but will always remember
 
Here is the checklist I use to quickly diagnose a no-crank situation. In your particular case, please repeat step #2 at least ten times, just turn the key and watch the light or meter. The reason is I want to test the ignition switch contacts and by turning the key ten times you should either see the light/meter respond every time or if it does not then your switch is suspect.

Start with the basics, don't overlook anything and verify all components.

First, check the fuse(s) and check battery voltage - above 12.5 volts should be good.

Second, 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.

Third, 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.

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.

Please perform the above checks and report back with your findings in the order listed. Be as specific as possible with voltage readings as this will help diagnose your problem quicker. If you don稚 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.

Your answers to the above checks will determine where we go.
 
rigoletto said:
People,

My MTD 13HP sit down mower has 12.8V at batery. I turn the key to start, and absolutely no sounds- clicks or otherwise. I sometimes hold the key to "on" for 3-5 minutes, believe it or not, until something gives and VROOOOM! (thats hard on your fingers!!)

So, What should I focus on? Oh- this may help- desperately, yesterday, after holding the key to ON for 5 minutes, I gave up, and pushed the mower to my car and jumped it with my car 12v battery. Started right up! How do you figure that? The batery DOES have 12++ V......

Thanks!
Click to expand...

it sounds like you have a corroded battery terminal or a bad cable connection by holding the key in the start position it heats up the bad connection until it swells enough to make a connection try cleaning all battery terminals and cable connections an try again good luck
 
gordy1 said:
it sounds like you have a corroded battery terminal or a bad cable connection by holding the key in the start position it heats up the bad connection until it swells enough to make a connection try cleaning all battery terminals and cable connections an try again good luck
Click to expand...

Could also be the contacts inside the solenoid so make sure to check everything and do not assume the part is good or bad without verification.
 
Thanks people. problem #1- I still am not clear what the solenoid is, so until I know, this may go in circles, but meanwhile, I just jumped the starter (big thick red wire at base of starter) directly from pos terminal from battery and it starts immediately..

Now, lawnranger, I wil study your steps meanwhile. Pls: I need to be clear on solenoid. (maybe I will google solenoid MTD mower and see if i get lucky.....)
 
rigoletto said:
Thanks people. problem #1- I still am not clear what the solenoid is, so until I know, this may go in circles, but meanwhile, I just jumped the starter (big thick red wire at base of starter) directly from pos terminal from battery and it starts immediately..

Now, lawnranger, I wil study your steps meanwhile. Pls: I need to be clear on solenoid. (maybe I will google solenoid MTD mower and see if i get lucky.....)
Click to expand...

Follow the positive battery cable and it should lead you right to the solenoid. The solenoid has three and sometimes four wire connections, two large and one or two small wire connections. Let me know if this helps.
 
rigoletto said:
Thanks people. problem #1- I still am not clear what the solenoid is, so until I know, this may go in circles, but meanwhile, I just jumped the starter (big thick red wire at base of starter) directly from pos terminal from battery and it starts immediately..

Now, lawnranger, I wil study your steps meanwhile. Pls: I need to be clear on solenoid. (maybe I will google solenoid MTD mower and see if i get lucky.....)
Click to expand...

Youtube is a good resource sometimes so do a little searching around for, perhaps, "riding lawnmower solenoid".
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top