Cub Cadet GT2148, No Crank, No Start

KevinMcC · May 10, 2019

So I have an issue where my Cub Cadet riding mower will not do anything when turning the key. The battery is good.

I can get it to run if I jump the starter solenoid with a screwdriver. However doing that, most times the starter spins without engaging the engine and free spins. I have to jump it multiple times and finally can get it to engage and turn he engine over.

Thinking maybe a safety issue, key ignition, starter? Any ideas?

radios1 · May 10, 2019

the starter not engaging the flywheel means the starter is bad, you can have it rebuilt, which is cheaper, or buy a new one. no power to the solenoid is most likely caused by a safety switch, there's 3, one for the PTO, and 1 for the transmission and 1 for the seat.. the PTO has to be disengaged, the transmission has to be in neutral, and you have to be sitting on the seat for it to start, those 3 switches check for this..

Dave M7040 · May 11, 2019

KevinMcC said:
So I have an issue where my Cub Cadet riding mower will not do anything when turning the key. The battery is good.

I can get it to run if I jump the starter solenoid with a screwdriver. However doing that, most times the starter spins without engaging the engine and free spins. I have to jump it multiple times and finally can get it to engage and turn he engine over.

Thinking maybe a safety issue, key ignition, starter? Any ideas?

We need to make certain you are jumping the starter correctly.

Jumping incorrectly as I have marked on the attached photo will just spin the starter and not engage it.

Remember, jumping the starter bypasses any safety feature and can get you hurt,

You need to invest less than $10 in a 12 volt test light in order to trouble shoot.

Dave M7040

KevinMcC · May 11, 2019

Thanks for the replies, I was jumping it between the wrong posts, it starts up right away now if I jump the way you showed.

I believe I narrowed it down to the key ignition switch. Everytime I jiggle the connector for the ignition switch it starts instantly. I tested all the safeties and they all tested good. Traced all the wires, at least the ones I can see outside of wire loom and they all appear very good.

I think I am going to order myself a new ignition switch at this point.