GrumpyOldBastige 1 #1 Posted August 12, 2014 (edited) I wanted to show off the 312-8 to my brother, and let him take it for a spin around my yard. Hit the key- nothing. Everything electrical has been gone through. I put the battery on a jumper set to 50-amp start, hit the key, no dice. Noticed a loose wire on the back of the ignition switch. Double-checked all 6 wires, good, still nothing. The 25-amp fuse (forget what it goes to) took a dump, so I bought new fuses and will put it in when I can get to it later in the week. I think I might have blown it with the charger in 50 amp mode. I can't imagine it's a dead battery; took it to Advance Auto Parts last month, and it tested out fine. The battery is only 6 months old. What else could I be dealing with? Even if I had a slow draw somewhere, it couldn't instantly discharge the battery. Need to cut the grass this weekend so I have to get this thing running again. My username has, once again, been proven true- both for me and for the tractor- lol Edited August 12, 2014 by GrumpyOldBastige Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 478 #2 Posted August 12, 2014 (edited) My first guess would be either a bad ignition switch...or a faulty safety switch or safety switch wire. Seen it MANY times Edited August 12, 2014 by Shuboxlover Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,034 #3 Posted August 12, 2014 That's a good start. Troubleshooting an electrical issue is difficult from afar. Since it sounds like absolutely nothing happens when you hit the key I would probably suspect a safety switch first then the ignition switch like Shuboxlover mentioned. Try jumping directly to the starter and see what happens. Then work back from there and you should be able to find the problem. Or start from the other end. You just need to work towards the problem in an orderly fashion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,548 #4 Posted August 12, 2014 Also, check the wiring to the ammeter. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,034 #5 Posted August 12, 2014 Good point. I assumed he had a voltmeter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GrumpyOldBastige 1 #6 Posted August 12, 2014 (edited) My first guess would be either a bad ignition switch...or a faulty safety switch or safety switch wire. Seen it MANY times I just replaced the ignition switch within the last month. Not again! grrrr Haven't checked the safety switches, will look at that next, I think only the clutch has anything to do with starting. PTO's only if you left it engaged from the last time you used it. I can hear both switches for PTO clicking and both were replaced in May. That's a good start. Troubleshooting an electrical issue is difficult from afar. Since it sounds like absolutely nothing happens when you hit the key I would probably suspect a safety switch first then the ignition switch like Shuboxlover mentioned. Try jumping directly to the starter and see what happens. Then work back from there and you should be able to find the problem. Or start from the other end. You just need to work towards the problem in an orderly fashion. How do I jump from the starter? I know of the screwdriver to starter solenoid trick but I'm afraid to fry the solenoid, which I understand is possible. Also, check the wiring to the ammeter. Good point. I assumed he had a voltmeter. Voltmeter dead since I replaced the ignition switch but mower ran fine anyway. Are these two related? Edited August 12, 2014 by GrumpyOldBastige Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,034 #7 Posted August 12, 2014 (edited) Just jumper a positive hot to the start terminal on the solenoid. It should engage and crank the starter motor. You could jump to the + connection on the starter too but keep in mind that will be a higher current. Sparks. You won't hurt the solenoid. If you do have a voltmeter it wouldn't be causing the problem. It's just looking at the voltage. A bad ammeter could, or bad connections to it. Also, I would make sure to find the issue before you replace more parts. It sounds like you may have replaced things that weren't the problem. Edited August 12, 2014 by Racinbob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doc724 925 #8 Posted August 12, 2014 I had a very similar problem with my C141 on Sunday. Turned the key-nothing. Within 30 seconds (this has happened before) I found a broken wire that connects 12v (via the ignition key) to the solenoid coil. You do not need this connection for the engine to run, but you do need it for the starter to turn. The wire is very short and I suspect that engine vibration is causing the wire to fail where it enters the crimp. I made a better strain relief and I hope it will last-otherwise, I need to splice the wire to make it longer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Save Old Iron 1,566 #9 Posted August 13, 2014 How do I jump from the starter? I know of the screwdriver to starter solenoid trick but I'm afraid to fry the solenoid, which I understand is possible. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GrumpyOldBastige 1 #10 Posted August 14, 2014 Got away with one, boys. Turned out one of the wires on the clutch safety switch must have vibrated itself loose. Got that handled and the Mighty M12 fired up with a vengeance. 90% of lawn done, the rest is tight areas that the Horse won't quite fit in. Got the trusty front-drive Toro (with a Kohler) push mower for that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
