ZD-21 Starter

[JLoaf]

I recently replaced a bad starter on my ZD.
When I turn the key to start, it will often "click" and won't turn over. The only way I've been able to start it is by turning the key several times until it finally turns over.
Any suggestions? Comments?
Any help is appreciated.

 

[JLoaf]

Has anyone had problems with the safety wiring i.e. the seat, brakes, hst levers? - the engine is not supposed to start unless: 1. someone is in the seat
2. parking brake in on
3. HST arms are down/disengaged

I wonder if something in this wiring is giving me problems?

 

[jimdan]

I had a similar problem with my TG-1860 Garden Tractor. There are three connections to your solenoid. If you check the voltage at the smallest one, that will be the circuit that energizes the solenoid, you should have 12 volts when the key is turned to start. If you don't, then the pass through of the circuit through one of your safety switches is siphoning off the voltage. That was the case on my garden tractor. Rather than going through the hassle of troubleshooting all of that, I merely rigged a wire from the positive terminal of the battery to a push button on the dash and then to the solenoid. Now I start the tractor by warming up the glow plugs and then pushing the button.
r/Dan

 

[JLoaf]

jimdan - Thanks for the info.
I'll give that a try.

 

[Pks]

If the safety wiring on your ZD is like the Kubota tractors, then the safety switch wiring is likely the culprit.

On the tractors, when the key is turned, full voltage travels to each safety switch (in series) then to the starter. Over a few years, the switches and wires get corroded and reduce this voltage.

You can trace and clean the members of that circuit or you can install a relay that supplies voltage directly from the battery to the solenoid/starter.

There is another thread that mentions a John Deere kit that will fix this "low voltage to starter" problem.

 

[JLoaf]

Pks - Thanks for the input.

 

[wushaw]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I recently replaced a bad starter on my ZD.
When I turn the key to start, it will often "click" and won't turn over. The only way I've been able to start it is by turning the key several times until it finally turns over.
Any suggestions? Comments?
Any help is appreciated.
)</font>

That "click" when you hit the starter is the key word here, If a saftey switch is not making then you wouldn't get zip.
If you have a volt ohm meter then attach it to the battery and see what the voltage is before you crank it and during attempted cranking and see if it is ir is not drawing the battery down.
You can even bypass the start system with a known good battery and a set of jumper cables, this will eliminate the starter for sure.
You need to rule out starter and battery before moving on with troubleshooting.

If you have the old starter check it with a pair of jumper cables to see if it was bad at all.

 

[Rick_Taylor]

WUSHAW is correct about the click. Before you start chasing wiring all over, clean the %$#*&^ out of you battery terminals. They will corrode and then won't pass enough current to operate the starter. I go thru this with my Kees ZTR regularly. I have no idea how to stop it. This happens about every three months. Terminals are cleaned, either the red protectant or grease is applied, and away I go again. Three months later, start all over. My PT-425 with same engine (Kohler 25), battery, and charging system has never done it. I guess I need to make a monthly PM to clean battery terminals.

 

[JLoaf]

I'm sure about the old starter, the armature was shot.
Bought a new battery a month ago.
I started the mower yesterday after several "clicks".
I will take your advise and any more I can get till I figure this out.
Thanks a lot.

 

[wushaw]

Several clicks in succesion indicates low battery voltage or not enough getting to starter.

 

[Ob1kubota]

You have a pressure sensitive switch in your seat. As it begins to fail it changes resistance in the 5 safety circuits that is tied electrically to the combination box ( black Box on right side under the fender). If all the micro-switchs are satisfied ... brake set,( the only N/C switch) left & right arms locked, PTO out, your in the seat,... you hit the key and some times it will start and sometimes not RIGHT? It's a defective fontaine switch in your seat.
The expensive thing is you need it to satisify this IC circuit in the combination box. Kubota doesn't service this switch, they want to sell you a complete seat. My suggestion to you with a new starter that is hit and miss, replace the switch, not the seat. $278.00 Vs shipping back to fontaine in Florida for a freebie!