Husq mower ignition problem

[dgd17]

I got a Husqvarna LT125 that I am having trouble starting.

When I turn the ignition key nothing happens at all. If I connect jump leads to my car the tractor will start fine.

I thought it must be battery but voltmeter shows 11.6 volt which seems OK?

 

[jinman]

Monitor that battery voltage while you try to start. You'll probably see it drop down to 2.5 volts or less. 11.6 vdc is not a good battery. It should be around 12.5 volts with no load. After charging, it should be 13.0 vdc or more. Also, remember if you use a jump start, the alligator clips normally go onto the battery cables. The interface between the cable and the battery can still be corroded. The jumper cables bypass the bad connection because they attach to the mower's cables. That's also a common error on cars that leads to overlooking dirty battery terminals.