Cub Cadet GT2554 Starting Issue

[raw157]

Good Evening,

I have a Cub 2554 (2009 or after), that is having giving me some trouble when it comes to starting. A few weeks ago, it just died while mowing, the wife "hit a bump," and it died. I charged up the battery and checked connections, nothing. Ended up replacing a 25 amp fuse, which got it running (sort of).

When I turn the key, as soon as the key moves to the first position (allowing you to have PTO engaged in reverse), the tractor starts up. Turning the key to forward, or start, doesn't make a difference. At times, when I turn the key to stop, it still runs or the solenoid continues to click (seems to just depend). If I turn it back to the first position, and then back to stop, it'll shut off.

I have replaced the whole key switch, and the problem persists.

Forum will not let me post a link because I do not have 3 posts. If you google "cub cadet starter switch" the first imaged on mine is what my mower has. With the 4 positions in order being: stop, PTO in reverse, Forward, and Start.

 

[Cougsfan]

Some background questions: Was that fuse blown? Has someone bypassed any of the safeties? Do the lights stay on when the engine stays running when the key is off? Did this lawn tractor, after hitting the bump, suddenly from a "no problems status" to what you describe, or is there any other history we should know.

Just below the pictures of the switch that you googled are links to several videos on how to troubleshoot riding lawn mower ignition switches and safety switches. I'd suggest you watch those.

No way the starter should engage when you turn it to the first position, or not shut off when you turn it too the off position. The only time the starter solenoid should get power in the primary side is when the switch is turned to the start position. When you turn the switch to the off position, very few things should have power. If you have confirmed that the ignition switch works correctly that means there are some wires crossed somewhere and electricity is going where it shouldn't. If you are intent on fixing it yourself, I would obtain a wiring diagram and a multimeter and just start checking what gets power when, and question if it should be getting power. Hopefully through deduction the problem will become obvious.

 

[raw157]

Some background questions: Was that fuse blown? Has someone bypassed any of the safeties? Do the lights stay on when the engine stays running when the key is off? Did this lawn tractor, after hitting the bump, suddenly from a "no problems status" to what you describe, or is there any other history we should know.

Just below the pictures of the switch that you googled are links to several videos on how to troubleshoot riding lawn mower ignition switches and safety switches. I'd suggest you watch those.

No way the starter should engage when you turn it to the first position, or not shut off when you turn it too the off position. The only time the starter solenoid should get power in the primary side is when the switch is turned to the start position. When you turn the switch to the off position, very few things should have power. If you have confirmed that the ignition switch works correctly that means there are some wires crossed somewhere and electricity is going where it shouldn't. If you are intent on fixing it yourself, I would obtain a wiring diagram and a multimeter and just start checking what gets power when, and question if it should be getting power. Hopefully through deduction the problem will become obvious.

1. According to my multimeter, the fuse was blown. It measure any infinite resistance.
2. I do not think any of the safeties are bypassed. The mower shuts off if I get off the seat, the PTO shuts down when in reverse, mower doesn't start without break being depressed. I can't think of any others.
3. The lights on the tractor have not worked since I've had it. One bulb is broken (shattered), the other I believe to be blown. I've never tried to fix them because it just hasn't been a priority.
4. Yes, it was starting, running, and cutting fine, from everything I could tell. We had been running it all spring and summer on 5 acres without issue. I was not there when the bump was hit and the wife was not great at answer questions about it. The most I got out of her was that she hit the bump (and it is a pretty legit bump, I always slow down but I know where it is in the yard) and it died.
5. I've only had the tractor for a year, I do not know much from previous owner. It worked all last season. I restored the mower deck this winter, but did not do anything with the frame/electrical system. I did an oil change last summer when I took ownership of the machine.

I have tested the new starter without it being connected to the battery for continuity between the pins. Those seem to be working fine. Where on the tractor do I test for voltage? I printed off a wiring diagram but will admit to being a little over whelmed by it.

 

[Cougsfan]

This would be a hard one to solve over the internet. Somehow, current is bypassing it's shut-off mechanism and getting past it. Put your multi meter to the one of the DC voltage settings (there is probably one for 0 to 20 volts). Attach the multi meter's black wire to the negative side of the battery and just probe around with the red wire. I'd start by unplugging the wires to the ignition switch and see what wires coming in are hot. Only the one one from the battery should be hot. If others have power, follow them to see where they come from or go to. The diagram will help here as will wire colors. Also check continuity of the ignition switch itself in the different positions. Is your new switch bad? Look for bare wires that might be touching another live component or bare wire.

 

[raw157]

Thank you for the reply. I will be working on it a bit tonight. I am just not sure what would have caused this out of no where. Maybe a lose wire that got jerked around when she hit the bump. I'll be checking for exposed wiring tonight. Might just have to suck it up and send it in.

 

[Cougsfan]

Let us know what you find

 

[raw157]

Let us know what you find

Well, I did some cleaning of connections, air filter, and tried to check wires out for fraying/broken sheathing. I went to try and start it up Friday night, and it stared up correctly. Let it run for a while to see if I could hear any issues or anything happened, no issues. Cut about 3 acres yesterday, with no issues... So I have no freaking idea what is going on. We have some family coming over next week so, I need it now but after that, I'll probably take it in for a look over. I use it year around for leaves, snow, and grass. Also don't really have the money to buy a new one, so I am trying to treat it well to make it last.

 

[CoyPatton]

My best guess is that you have one or more wire that is compromised in the harness probably connected to the ignition switch. It may be as simple as a cracked insulation that grounded out a wire (the blown fuse supports this) or wires that had electro-welded to one another at the time of the ‘bump’ (the blown fuse also supports this).
If you are comfortable with electrical work—carefully follow each wire looking closely for cracks in the insulation or bare wire. This can be a slow and difficult to locate process. The constant movement can cause a small crack to become exposed to metal contact or to a crack in a close by wire.