DFW mid-cities area - looking for diagnostic help.teaching: starting circuit

[Stickperson]

My Kubota ZD326 zero-turn mower won't start (again) - no crank. I'm looking for someone in the DFW area to show me how to diagnose. $200 and some food sound good? If so, please message me directly.

Battery load-tested fine. The starter tested at Autozone and works fine. Fuses good. Relays click, though I don't know enough to fully test. I have about all the tools and test equipment you could need. I loaded the parts cannon and new relays, fuses, and safety switches are on the way. I have the repair manual with wiring diagram. I'm really looking for someone to show me how to use the multimeter to test which part of the circuit is bad and track down the final issue.

I do request you wear a mask when we are together.

Thanks,

Larry

 

[Diggin It]

I do request you wear a mask when we are together.

No.

:muttering:

 

[Stickperson]

No.

:muttering:

I'm sorry you won't help cancer patients undergoing chemo. To each his own.

 

[CowboyRon]

I'm sorry you won't help cancer patients undergoing chemo. To each his own.

Don't mind him.
I had a similar problem like yours and it was the solenoid, for the starter.

 

[Roadworthy]

I'm too far for a first hand look but we could start with the multimeter. Most can be set for ac or dc. You're looking for dc. You have two or three or more for leads. One is probably labeled common. The black wire usually goes there. Another one is labeled volts and ohms. Put the red one there. There may be a third one labeled amps. We don't use that one. Used incorrectly it could destroy your meter.

 

[KWentling]

Lots of U-tube videos on how to use a multimeter. Pick one. If you know how to check DC voltage with it, put the red lead on the small wire on the starter and the black on a good ground.
See what you have for volts when the key is turned fully to the start position. You need a good 12 volts there. Anything less might not be enough to close the contacts in the solenoid to run the starter motor. I have a ZD21 that was giving me the same problems and was only getting about 11 volts through all the safety switches. I did the slave relay fix and solved my problems. If you have no volts on the small wire you have a safety switch open. Try moving the steer handles, park brake, blade clutch lever while holding the key in the start position and see if you can get it to work. If so try and narrow it down to which switch it might be. There is also a seat switch in there too. To check the switches you need to use the continuity function.
For a closed switch you would be looking for zero or a very low number of resistance. I'd love to come trouble shoot your problem but NE Wyoming is a bit far.

 

[Stickperson]

I have 3 different people offering tips via pm. I am grateful for the response. Please hold off for the moment while I go through and reply appropriately.

 

[Tx Jim]

Stickperson
$200 would probably purchase you a WSM(tech manual). I'm too old,disabled to offer any onsite help. I would think wiring diagram for a zero turn wouldn't be that complicated. Probably seat & blade switches plus a neutral start switch for each motion control handle then start circuit would include a starter control relay or solenoid.

 

[Stickperson]

Fixed. Problem? Possible loose connection? Gremlins?

First, many thanks to those that posted positive replies, and thanks to the troll for outing himself. Topzide and Roadworthy attempted to assist via private messages. I checked all the safety switches and they were fine. Getting to the PTO switch means taking off the console. After reassembling, it started. All I can think of is a loose wire in the console.

As I mentioned in the OP, I do have the WSM. The diagram is good, though it requires a magnifying glass for old eyes. Having the wire colors on there let me trace some things more easily.

 

[Stickperson]

Update. It worked for a day. Yep - loose wire in the console. Replaced the connector. All is well. The intermittent nature drove me nuts. [insert pirate joke here] One connector, one solder burn on the hand, some choice expletives, and hours of my time later, all is well. Again, thanks to those that provided positive replies.