GT 1554 won't turn over

[RussellJ]

Help! I have an 2005 GT 1554 with a Kohler Command. At the end of last season when trying to start it would just click the first couple times tried but would then turn over and start. Thought I had a bad connection. Let it sit in the basement all winter and now it won't turn over at all. Just clicks loudly. I cleaned all the battery connections and at the starter but no help. I replaced the battery but no help. Took the starter off and the bendix will pop out and spin when key is turned. Remounted starter and just clicking loudly again. Can turn engine with hands. Any ideas! Thanks, Russell

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

You need to make some checks with a volt meter. Check the voltage at the starter terminal while trying to crank it. If it's11.5-12.5 volts, there is a problem with the starter. If the voltage drops much lower than that try checking it at the battery. Check both the battery cable terminals on the battery and the battery posts themselves. Good voltage at the post and bad on the terminals would indicate a bad connection. Good voltage on the cable terminals at the battery and bad voltage at the starter end would indicate a bad battery cable. Also check the voltage on the battery cable with the negative meter cable connected to the negative battery post and then the tractor frame. A difference here would indicate a bad ground cable, or connection.

Bob B.

 

[RussellJ]

Bob B,

Thanks for the info. I will try your suggestions. In your second line you refer to the starter terminal, are you refering to the large wire coming from the positive battery post or the smaller wire or both?

Thanks again,

Russell

 

[dqdave1]

check negative cable at the frame connection. Remove it; clean and replace

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

Bob B,

Thanks for the info. I will try your suggestions. In your second line you refer to the starter terminal, are you refering to the large wire coming from the positive battery post or the smaller wire or both?

Thanks again,

Russell

I meant the larger terminal with the battery cable attached. The smaller terminal activates the solenoid, which is apparently working to cause the clicking sound.

Bob B.

 

[RussellJ]

I checked voltages as Bob suggested and other places. I found that at the solenoid where the big cable from the battery attaches the voltage is 12.5, when key is moved to start the voltage drops to 11.6. The small blue wire going to the solenoid shows 12.5 volts when disconnected and key is turned. It reads 8 volts when connected and key is turned. The braided cable from the solenoid to the starter only shows .5 volts when key is turned. Am I correct in believing that this is a solenoid problem???

Thanks for any info, Russell

 

[Thomas]

Just a thought...I had Sears GT 20hp couple years ago did the samething,and come to find out it was that safety swtich in the seat.

 

[art]

If the starter is on the floor and activated what happens, I know we do test them before replacing and do the same for our customers for no cost.

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

I checked voltages as Bob suggested and other places. I found that at the solenoid where the big cable from the battery attaches the voltage is 12.5, when key is moved to start the voltage drops to 11.6. The small blue wire going to the solenoid shows 12.5 volts when disconnected and key is turned. It reads 8 volts when connected and key is turned. The braided cable from the solenoid to the starter only shows .5 volts when key is turned. Am I correct in believing that this is a solenoid problem???

Thanks for any info, Russell

From your description it sounds like the solenoid is bad. I don't know how mechanically inclined you are but I've disassembled many car starter solenoids over the years. They usually have a round copper disc that contacts 2 copper terminals when the solenoid is energized. The disc and terminals burn over time. I have often been able to loosen the terminals to the point where they can be rotated 180 degrees and also rotate the disc or reverse it so that you have new unburned contact surfaces. You can bypass the solenoid and test the starter motor by removing the battery cable from the solenoid and touching it to the starter motor terminal.

Bob B.

 

[RussellJ]

Bob,
I removed the large cable from solenoid, turned the key to get the click then touched the cable to the starter terminal. You were right! The engine cranked over just like it should!
I removed the solenoid but didn't really see a way to take it apart but, I will look again. If I can't move the terminals I'll be looking for a new solenoid.
Thanks for your help (and all the others who offered suggestions). Russell