Saftey Switches

[GTSRider]

What is the most common failure safety switch ?
My Cub Cadet 3000 just clicks.... I am thinking the switch that gets the most use is the brake switch , and the seat switch.... the brake switch WILL
prevent starting.
But I can not find the **** thing.... they really have it hidden.
Looked up underneath , and I see no wires attached to brake pedal rod.
Anyone been down this road before ?
Pete
NY

 

[GTSRider]

Put remote starter to starter , and it does start ....so starter and
soleniod are ok.... so I at least was able to mow lawn today...but still
facing a serious problem here.
Found Brake safety switch on right side frame rail..... what a *****
of a location !
Going to have to pull deck to get to it.... now I need to find reverse switch.
I'm hoping that a cleaning , and lube will revitalize switch .
Again... anyone with experience in theses switches ...please chime in.
Happy 4th !
Pete

 

[OldMachinist]

The clicking starter is a common problem. All the current for the starter solenoid passes thru the safety switches and as they age they start to get a voltage drop by the time it gets to the solenoid. Easy fix is to add a relay near the starter. If you do a search on here for starter relay you'll find many people have had this problem.
Here's link to a MTD wiring diagram on installing the relay. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...arter-problem-again-cubcadetstarterwiring.pdf

 

[GTSRider]

Thanks OM..... does this relay override , or eliminate brake safety switch ?
Would like to keep that in play.
Someone just posted that diagram I think I will go that route.
Pete

 

[OldMachinist]

All the safety switches will still be in the circuit. It just that the new relay doesn't require as much voltage/current draw to funtion.

 

[GTSRider]

Ok...great.... so does power from safety switch go back to ignition switch,
or does it go right to starter solenoid ?
I'm guessing that ignition switch sends power to brake safety switch,
which closes circuit when brake is depressed , and power goes back to ignition switch , which then sends it to starter solenoid.... is this correct.
Made a printout of relay diagram... will make this soon.
So the idea of this relay is to save safety switch , or ignition switch, or
both ?
Thanks.
Pete

 

[GTSRider]

Was just looking at the starter solenoid... besides the big Red battery cable...
there are 2 small red ones... one must be from ignition switch...
and the other ?

 

[OldMachinist]

The other wire goes to ground. The start circuit comes from the "S" terminal on the ignition switch then goes thru the PTO switch, brake switch and then the starter solenoid.
Here's a copy of the 3000 series Kohler wiring diagram.

 

[GTSRider]

Thanks.... I will check for voltage at the solenoid.... and if none...check at brake switch.... I am suspecting bad ignition switch, for no other reason than
a heavy metalic grinding that is coming from it when key is turned.

 

[OldMachinist]

To verify whether its the ignition switch or one of the other switches pull the wire from the S terminal on the ignition switch and hook your remote starter switch to it and the battery. If it still clicks then the problem is in the PTO or brake switch, if it cranks its the ignition switch.

 

[GTSRider]

Oh ok.... so make sure I got this straight... remote starter switch to S
connection on switch , and other clip on positive battery post ?

 

[OldMachinist]

Connect to the wire that was on the S terminal and 12v+ post.

 

[GTSRider]

Ok...did the test...nothing.... BUT I did find a highly corrosive switch,
with a nasty grinding noise when key is turned.... getting a new switch asap,
as it needs one.
Hoping brake switch can be cleaned... hate to spend $20-$30 on that part.
but will if I have to....but then again ..I may try a bone yard.

 

[Andrewra]

The clicking starter is a common problem. All the current for the starter solenoid passes thru the safety switches and as they age they start to get a voltage drop by the time it gets to the solenoid. Easy fix is to add a relay near the starter. If you do a search on here for starter relay you'll find many people have had this problem.
Here's link to a MTD wiring diagram on installing the relay. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/cub-cadet-yanmar-cuts/89567d1195388619-7xxx-series-starter-problem-again-cubcadetstarterwiring.pdf

I highly suggest this^ i had the same problem on my 2000 series and had a friend do this and works great!

 

[GTSRider]

I have no power at solenoid at all ....could brake switch have burned out
to that degree ?
It all started last week when it started fine... I mowed for about 2 hrs.
shut her down... and would not restart only minutes later.
As I said ..I have new switch on order... and will install , and then
wire in relay....but for now getting the lawn mowed with a remote starter switch.

 

[rcbe]

have you checked the ignition switch itself for starter output?

 

[Andrewra]

Well mine would start for sitting a whole night on the first cranks. And yes, that same thing happend after about 2-3 hrs i would shut it off to weed eat and wont start so i would push it home. (im 14 and mow for a living.) just see how the new brake switch works. The safty switchs will still be in play btw.

 

[GTSRider]

WOW ...You're only 14 ...great !
I replaced ignition switch with new... as original was very corroded...
although it did work. PTO switch is new...next waiting for brake safety switch to come in.
I will install relay as posted on here.
I just so happened to have one laying around from another MTD tractor I had and sold.
So hoping all the new switches and relay will cure my problem.

 

[GTSRider]

Just installed new brake switch, and still nothing.... I then happen to be holding
cable from PTO switch when I realized entire electrical system was
powering on and off when I moved cable.
Long story short... one or more of the connectors in the plastic plug was
out too far from plug. This was causing a poor connection.
Used a small screw driver to push connector in and starter motor now engages when key is turned.
So the PTO switch, among others, will actually prevent the
engine from starting !