OP
MooreSites
Member
Wow! Lightning response (thanks!) . . . .will do . .. actually, I guess jumping it off (correctly this time, lol) would tell the tale if the starter turns over correctly, right?
Z-Trac Blades Disengage
- Thread starter MooreSites
- Start date
OP
MooreSites
Member
Ha! Well, thanks a million . . . have a great 2015.
RG1
Platinum Member
You can check the starter by jumping it, and you can also check both the starter and the battery by removing the battery cables from the battery on the Z, then use jumper cables from your Z battery cables to your vehicle and see if it starts right up and if the starter rolls correctly. Let me know what you find.
Have a safe and Happy New year and a great 2015.
Have a safe and Happy New year and a great 2015.
OP
MooreSites
Member
Hey, RG1, I'm hoping you're still monitoring. Here's what I have found with that method of testing you mentioned (and more new stuff today).
I got my mower ready for this season and, of course, the battery was dead. I jumped it off as usual from my vehicle (was in a hurry) and got the one-click turn that eventually started the mower (ran like a champ after). After mowing, it did the same delayed shut off after turning off key (about 5 seconds of idle, then shut off).
I remembered your thread the next time and disconnected the battery, connected jumpers to corresponding cables directly and tried to start it up. This was weird. The starter gave me a "rat-tat-tat" click sound. Three consecutive clicks, but no turn. I didn't want to try that so many times, so I connected the battery again and jump with the same results as the first part of this post.
That brings me to today . . . I started with the usual method, but stopped mowing near the house to clean the deck out (grass, etc). It wouldn't start back at all with a jump.
I do still get the 3-4 error code (electrical) and checked all connections to the starter, ignition, etc. and all looked in order. Double checked fuse too - all good. I would get occasional jolts when turning key, but no turn over from starter.
So, there you go. I'm looking forward to your post (really digging this forum and telling everyone I know!). Thanks for any insight you can give, as always.
3-4 error code via JD Manual:
Starter Output Short to Battery
This code indicates that there is a short in the starter circuit to the battery.
• Inspect electrical harness for pinched, chafed, or frayed wires.
I got my mower ready for this season and, of course, the battery was dead. I jumped it off as usual from my vehicle (was in a hurry) and got the one-click turn that eventually started the mower (ran like a champ after). After mowing, it did the same delayed shut off after turning off key (about 5 seconds of idle, then shut off).
I remembered your thread the next time and disconnected the battery, connected jumpers to corresponding cables directly and tried to start it up. This was weird. The starter gave me a "rat-tat-tat" click sound. Three consecutive clicks, but no turn. I didn't want to try that so many times, so I connected the battery again and jump with the same results as the first part of this post.
That brings me to today . . . I started with the usual method, but stopped mowing near the house to clean the deck out (grass, etc). It wouldn't start back at all with a jump.
I do still get the 3-4 error code (electrical) and checked all connections to the starter, ignition, etc. and all looked in order. Double checked fuse too - all good. I would get occasional jolts when turning key, but no turn over from starter.
So, there you go. I'm looking forward to your post (really digging this forum and telling everyone I know!). Thanks for any insight you can give, as always.
3-4 error code via JD Manual:
Starter Output Short to Battery
This code indicates that there is a short in the starter circuit to the battery.
• Inspect electrical harness for pinched, chafed, or frayed wires.
RG1
Platinum Member
Man, I haven't been here since Dec and the last time I replied to ya LOL.
The delayed shutdown is normal and proper. There is a fuel solenoid shutoff on your machine, and that is how they all operate with the solenoid.
Sounds like either a shorted or broken wire coming from your starter, or possibly a very bad/corroded connection at the starter.
The delayed shutdown is normal and proper. There is a fuel solenoid shutoff on your machine, and that is how they all operate with the solenoid.
Sounds like either a shorted or broken wire coming from your starter, or possibly a very bad/corroded connection at the starter.
OP
MooreSites
Member
Hey, well, thanks!
I'll give a thorough look through again Monday. Thanks again. I'll let you know (and others who might stumble here) if/when I find something.
I'll give a thorough look through again Monday. Thanks again. I'll let you know (and others who might stumble here) if/when I find something.
OP
MooreSites
Member
Alright, more details and mysteries for you, if you're game. I checked every connection I can find (fuses, wire endings, etc) and all are in tip top shape as far as I can tell. Turning key to ignition still gives a small jolt to starter every once in a while (even when not being jumped off) . . . I stumbled onto the following (image below). Notice the "tear" in above the digital readout. Now, I know for a fact that this showed up AFTER my numb headed criss cross jump start that started this mess. I'm wondering if the issue is with this part? Wanted to get your take on that.
OP
MooreSites
Member
I'm going to keep positing my findings on this thread for future users. I found out something interesting. The main bolt on the side near seat that secures my control panel to my mower frame was missing (top screws are intact). I had a theory and tried inserting a screw driver into the threads to make a connection between the frame that holds the bolt and the metal control cover - viola . . . . Error light quit and it started. I have reordered the bolt to take care of that and will post if it is a solution or not.