cub cadet 2135 no start

[stevend]

Hi, I have a cub cadet 2135 guessing between 10-12 years old.
Was mowing last week and shut if off to take a break. Went to start it back up and nothing doesn't even turn over. When I turn the key I can hear the relay behind the dash click. We jumped the terminals off the starter and the starter works. Could the problem be the relay behind the dash?
Any thoughts?
thanks

 

[OldMachinist]

Sounds like one of the safety switches may not be working. If you turn the key on and jump the starter does it start?

 

[OldMachinist]

Another thing make sure the PTO switch is off.

 

[tjc1989]

Check out what oldmachinist said. But, since it is clicking, it truly may be electrical, such as bad ground connection, bad battery connection, or maybe a bad relay.

On mine, that did the same thing a couple of years ago, it was the relay. But instead of paying the astronomical prices for the relay, I put a Ford pickup 12V relay on it. Much more heavy duty and works great. Haven't had any problems since. Just my $.02 worth.

 

[rcbe]

one other thing to look at - ignition switch/connections.

 

[stevend]

Sounds like one of the safety switches may not be working. If you turn the key on and jump the starter does it start?

HI, I will try that today. How many safety switches are on the machine?
thanks

 

[OldMachinist]

For the start circuit the safetys are the PTO and brake switch. The circuit is battery, fuse, key switch, PTO switch, brake switch and then the starter solenoid.

 

[MTF Super Mod]

Might be the safety switches are getting corroded and by the time the circuit has been completed and made it's way to the solenoid, there isn't enough voltage to activate it. A starter assist relay may help. This in no way will bypass any safety features/switches. The circuit has to be completed as normal, but it takes less power to activate the relay, which will in turn supply full voltage to the solenoid.

 

[Truckrageous]

I have one doing the same thing. I put a new relay on it as well as a new starter and it still won't work. I am going to check the safety switch under the seat and the the switch on the brake that has to be pushed before you can start it. Other than that check your grounds, connectors and make sure all connectors are getting good contact.

 

[Jack Vines]

FWIW, the various OEM switches on the 2135 will always be a source of trouble. If the interlock switches are important to the owner, then just keep buying them every couple of years, because they're just cheap junk which will inevitably fail.

I'm not recommending anyone else eliminate the switches; simply relating my own experience. I got a good deal on my used machine because the owner couldn't keep it running; after the third time the dealer charged him $300 to pick up the machine and get it running again, he sold it cheap. I got it running by cleaning every electrical connection on the machine. But then with use each switch began to fail again. I got tired of working on it more than mowing with it. As I determined which interlock switch was the problem, I took it out of the circuit. Ten years later, there are two switches remaining on the machine and both are now heavy duty aftermarket. The PTO is a direct wired push-pull and the key switch is one designed for a forklift.

Now I know if there's a problem, it isn't in the switches or wiring, but it's probably the fuel tank outlet plugging up. That's the next fix.

jack vines