Can't start my JD 2520

Piedmont · May 28, 2013

Randyklang said:
Piedmont, Have you looked into the battery? Same situation on my 2520 last summer. Mowed, went in for lunch and would not even turn over when I came back. The battery operated the fuel pump (clicking sound when key is on) and also operated headlights. However, wouldn't crank machine. Took the battery in for a load test and it was toast. 1 new battery and I have not heard from it since. I would try that.

Randy, I cleaned the terminal and put it on the Battery Tender and it charged and it still won't start. Was your 2520 making a loud sharp noise when you tried to start? It sounds like the starter but if yours made the same noise I go the new battery route first.

Randyklang · May 28, 2013

No strange noises on mine. In fact, it wouldn't even turn the engine over. The starter would not even engage. Only noise was the usual clicking of the electric fuel pump. Maybe I didn't read your post closely enough. If it is turning over and making a sharp noise, that does sound like a starter?

However, I think most dealers or battery stores will do do the load test on you battery for free. Only problem is you have to take the battery to them. When mine failed, I cleaned and re-tightened the posts too and still got the same results. I just have not heard of anyone ever having starter issues, but anything is possible for sure. Hope it turns out ok for you!

BigMike50 · May 28, 2013

Randyklang said:
Piedmont, Have you looked into the battery? Same situation on my 2520 last summer. Mowed, went in for lunch and would not even turn over when I came back. The battery operated the fuel pump (clicking sound when key is on) and also operated headlights. However, wouldn't crank machine. Took the battery in for a load test and it was toast. 1 new battery and I have not heard from it since. I would try that.

from his explantion "When I turn the key it makes a loud sharp scraping sound." it sounds like he has plenty of battery power and it is the starter teeth not catching with the flywheel teeth. If the hammer method did not work, I would start by pulling the starter and looking to see if the gear is retracting properly. also, look for broken teeth on the starter and the flywheel if need be

Piedmont · Jun 2, 2013

BigMike50 said:
from his explantion "When I turn the key it makes a loud sharp scraping sound." it sounds like he has plenty of battery power and it is the starter teeth not catching with the flywheel teeth. If the hammer method did not work, I would start by pulling the starter and looking to see if the gear is retracting properly. also, look for broken teeth on the starter and the flywheel if need be

Happy to report it was the battery. My dealer diagnosed my problem over the phone!