starting problems on scotts 1642s

[sox3]

The 2 large wires on the soleniod, 1 should have 12 v from battery, other will not have any until solenoid is engaged to pass that to the starter. Let us know what you find

 

[sox3]

if you leave the key in the off position. Use 2 jumpers, put 12 volt + to one of the small wires on the solenoid, and 12 volt - to the other. The engine should crank over.
One of the small wires should get 12 volt+ when key in start position, the other gets 12 volt-. This is why a test light is a good test tool. Volt meter will work good too.
Should have 12 volt+ at one of the larger wires on the solenoid, the other wont until solenoid is engaged

 

[toohott7718]

I checked voltage on 2 small wires at solenoid- no voltage
I checked voltage at ignition and I get power on the red wire when ignition is off but when I turn it forward it goes to 0 voltage. Does that mean the ignition is bad??

 

[toohott7718]

if you leave the key in the off position. Use 2 jumpers, put 12 volt + to one of the small wires on the solenoid, and 12 volt - to the other. The engine should crank over.
One of the small wires should get 12 volt+ when key in start position, the other gets 12 volt-. This is why a test light is a good test tool. Volt meter will work good too.
Should have 12 volt+ at one of the larger wires on the solenoid, the other wont until solenoid is engaged

I tried testing the small wires on the solenoid with my test light it shows green on both but if I hook up my volt meter I get nothing. Not sure whats going on there

 

[sox3]

I take it you still dont have lights working either? You said that when you turn the key the power at the switch goes to 0. I have to assume you checked and cleaned all the cable connections. If you put the volt meter on the battery and get 12 volts, does it stay at 12 volts when you turn the key for the lights to come on?

 

[toohott7718]

I take it you still dont have lights working either? You said that when you turn the key the power at the switch goes to 0. I have to assume you checked and cleaned all the cable connections. If you put the volt meter on the battery and get 12 volts, does it stay at 12 volts when you turn the key for the lights to come on?

still no lights, checked all connections. voltage stays the same when I turn the key to get lights (no lights turn on) also when I turn key like I'm going to start mower

 

[sox3]

sounds like a bad key switch but you say you lose the 12 volts when you turn the key on. the 12 volts feeding the switch should stay constant.

 

[cgutenschwager]

I take it you still dont have lights working either? You said that when you turn the key the power at the switch goes to 0. I have to assume you checked and cleaned all the cable connections. If you put the volt meter on the battery and get 12 volts, does it stay at 12 volts when you turn the key for the lights to come on?

Well now it sounds like you have to chase the voltage and find out where it stops. There must be a wire or component that is broken causing a break in the chain.

 

[toohott7718]

since the voltage goes to 0 doesn't that mean the ignition is bad?
otherwise what would make it just drop out?

 

[sox3]

Bad terminals, connections, bad ground, bad battery, etc.