I have a question about my Mower which has shut down on me over the weekend. (cross post with http://www.lawnmowerforum.com - apologies if that's uncool).
The problem, briefly:
Got off the Mower without shutting down the blades or putting the brake on and it auto-shut off (as it's supposed to).
Since then, however, it's never started again.
Things I've tried:
1) I've made sure that I'm sitting on it, that the blades are turned off and that the brake (and clutch) are engaged all to no avail. When I turn the ignition I hear a faint pffff sound but no cranking.
2) I've used a multimeter to check several obvious electrical problems: I've checked the battery, the solenoid from the battery (I think) and several fuses and they all seem fine. Battery charge reads 12.6V
3)I also tried to jump the battery from my car and the behavior did not change (I.e. No cranking even with boost from my car battery)
4) I suppose an obvious problem is a stuck safety switch, specially given the chronology of events. I've been able to test 2 of them: the one under the seat, and the one that checks if blades are on. Both switches are fine (I also tried to jump them just to check - nothing happened)
The bottom line questions:
A) I would like to test the 3rd safety switch - the one attached to the clutch and or brake - but I can't find it. Does anyone know where I can find it?
B) Alternatively, where can I find a diagram that explains my engine parts and/or wiring - so I can try to find it myself (and double-check that I've checked voltage at every position)
C) If I run out of ideas, what do people usually do? Can I call a dealer (or some other mechanic) to come take a look? (I don't have a way of bringing the mower to the dealer). Just don't know what's usually done to repair these things.
Details:
Model: John Deere 170
Engine: Kawasaki 422cc 1-cyl gasoline
Thanks in advance for any ideas/tips.
-Alex
The problem, briefly:
Got off the Mower without shutting down the blades or putting the brake on and it auto-shut off (as it's supposed to).
Since then, however, it's never started again.
Things I've tried:
1) I've made sure that I'm sitting on it, that the blades are turned off and that the brake (and clutch) are engaged all to no avail. When I turn the ignition I hear a faint pffff sound but no cranking.
2) I've used a multimeter to check several obvious electrical problems: I've checked the battery, the solenoid from the battery (I think) and several fuses and they all seem fine. Battery charge reads 12.6V
3)I also tried to jump the battery from my car and the behavior did not change (I.e. No cranking even with boost from my car battery)
4) I suppose an obvious problem is a stuck safety switch, specially given the chronology of events. I've been able to test 2 of them: the one under the seat, and the one that checks if blades are on. Both switches are fine (I also tried to jump them just to check - nothing happened)
The bottom line questions:
A) I would like to test the 3rd safety switch - the one attached to the clutch and or brake - but I can't find it. Does anyone know where I can find it?
B) Alternatively, where can I find a diagram that explains my engine parts and/or wiring - so I can try to find it myself (and double-check that I've checked voltage at every position)
C) If I run out of ideas, what do people usually do? Can I call a dealer (or some other mechanic) to come take a look? (I don't have a way of bringing the mower to the dealer). Just don't know what's usually done to repair these things.
Details:
Model: John Deere 170
Engine: Kawasaki 422cc 1-cyl gasoline
Thanks in advance for any ideas/tips.
-Alex
