PandDLong
Silver Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2012
- Messages
- 162
- Location
- Southern Alberta
- Tractor
- Kubota L3540, JD Z445 Mower, JD LX188 Lawn Tractor
My Z445 started to become a challenge to start at the end of the mowing season - it frequently would do nothing when I turned the key. If I kept trying it would eventually engage the starter and fire-up. I estimate only 1 out of 6 attempts would actually engage the starter.
As part of my winter maintenance, I decided to fix this issue. I've done the following and the problem is worse as now it never engages the starter:
1. Fully charged the battery (smart charger says it is a-ok)
2. Cleaned up all the connections between battery and starter (including the grounds) by disconnecting/sanding lightly
3. Tested voltage and the ground is good
So, I am thinking it could be the solenoid, a safety switch or even the key ignition.
How can I narrow down the root cause?
I recall learning - many, many years ago - a simple way to test the solenoid but don't remember what it is - and maybe it isn't applicable to a mower.
As part of my winter maintenance, I decided to fix this issue. I've done the following and the problem is worse as now it never engages the starter:
1. Fully charged the battery (smart charger says it is a-ok)
2. Cleaned up all the connections between battery and starter (including the grounds) by disconnecting/sanding lightly
3. Tested voltage and the ground is good
So, I am thinking it could be the solenoid, a safety switch or even the key ignition.
How can I narrow down the root cause?
I recall learning - many, many years ago - a simple way to test the solenoid but don't remember what it is - and maybe it isn't applicable to a mower.