Starter solenoid problem

[FergusonTO35]

Hey folks, working on an early 2000's Troy Bilt V809 garden tractor for my father in law. Has varidrive dual range transaxle with 22hp B&S I/C twin. When you try to start it, the solenoid doesn't do anything. Power is good everywhere, however I find that there is about a 2 volt drop between the ignition switch and the small terminal on the solenoid. Battery is fully charged and tested good. I would think that 10+ volts would still be good enough to close the solenoid, but I could be wrong. Ground to the terminal is clean and good also.

Any ideas here? I'm thinking that the wire between the ignition switch and solenoid has some resistance caused by dirt/oil/corrosion/whatever and just needs to be replaced. Or is there something else I should check?

 

[Fish]

Just run a wire/jumper from the batt. side terminal on the solenoid, down to the small terminal and see what happens.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Thanks, will do.

 

[Fish]

The solenoid needs to be grounded to the frame, btw.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Thanks, will make sure of that!

 

[FergusonTO35]

Ran a jumper wire from ignition switch to the small positive post on the solenoid and she fired right up. So, the problem lies within the wire harness and/or one of the several interlock switches. Ain't nobody got time for that! I'm just going to run a new wire straight to the solenoid and call it good.

 

[Fish]

Pull the plug off of the back of the keyswitch, sometimes the terminals get rusty/corroded and cause trouble

 

[FergusonTO35]

Did that, thanks. The terminals are fine.

 

[e.fisher26]

Switch itself might need to be replaced


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Craftsman 3.7 chainsaw (2)
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[AVB]

Figured someone would ask for model number off the serial number tag. That about the only to find a wiring diagram as passing all the safeties can be dangerous.

 

[JB-PlantHeirloom]

Most lawn tractors use the same old switch with the same old harness. NAPA carries the John Deere ign switch for $15. Only difference is newer ones come with a plastic key. You can just knock the wire out of the connector and direct wire it that way. If it works you do not need a new switch.