Cub-Cadet 2186 won't start with key

[sbridge]

Pulling my hair out. Engine always ran fine until I recently hosed the dirt off the engine and frame. After cleaning I coudn't start the engine with the key. I then started the engine right up with a screwdriver across the solenoid and also with the brake pedal locked in position I am am able to get off the seat with the engine still running and also pulled the pto switch and the mower deck went into action. Battery is fully charged. When I turn the key I hear a clicking from the area at the top of the engine under the air cleaner. I tried shorting across the 2 orange wires at the pto switch but engine still would not start up with the key. I replaced the 2 fuses. I checked the electrical connections under the dash. The ground is solidly grounded as are the battery terminals and connections at the starter.

 

[Billrog]

How do you shut it off ? Is there a fuse link?

 

[sbridge]

How do you shut it off ? Is there a fuse link?

I shut it off by turning the key off. Thank you.

 

[Billrog]

Sounds like you've covered everything . Sorry I'm not much help there's a wiring diagram if you need one. google Hope your able to solve your problem.
cub cadet 2186 pics.

 

[waytech]

Might try this forum

Only Cub Cadets - Powered by vBulletin

 

[Dave M7040]

I have a 2185 which must be similar.
The pto switch is an expensive complicated beast used to do many tasks besides engaging the pto.
The safety switches seem to pass through it.
There would be a feature to block starting if the pto is on.
Do you have the relay to shut off the pto if you back up?
Switch to prevent starting if brake pedal not depressed tied in to pto switch.
You should not be able to get off the seat with the pto engaged but yes you can if brake pedal locked down.
My steps would be to jump the safety switches one at a time to see if that changes anything.
If is does not then change the pto switch.
My experience is they do not like water like being left out in the rain.
Dave m7040
p.s. found shop manual for 2000 series with useful info.

 

[sbridge]

Thanks so much. Turned out to be the key switch. I cleaned it inside and out and started right up.