LTX1040 won't start, no clicks, no nothing

tenaj · Jul 6, 2015

Hello all,

I would appreciate any help, as I am not very mechanically inclined.
I have a Cub Cadet LTX1040 with a Kohler Courage 19hp 597cc engine, build date 4-12, model SV590. Brand new battery in April 2015. I always check the oil before starting and it is withing range.
This morning I cut the back yard with no problems, then drove outside of fence to cut the front yard. Cut the mower off so I could close the gate & fill dogs water dishes. Went back to mower after about 30 minutes, it won't start. When I turn the key, the dash numbers light up (hours 111.1 & battery 12.6) but nothing else. No clicks, no nothing but dash numbers. I have read some forums on the net that says to check the fuse on the wire from the battery to the solenoid.
On the red wire from the battery to the solenoid, I cannot find any fuse. There is a connector that snaps together, one side has wires (red loop, orange/white, yellow & black), the other side has wires (orange loop, purple, green, white & green). I can't get the 2 ends separated, but nowhere on this wire or group of wires do I see any type of fuse. I have checked all the wires & connections that I can see, and they are all ok, nothing loose.
What else do I need to check? Thank you for your help.
Tenaj

k0ua · Jul 6, 2015

Do you have a voltmeter and know how to use it? If so the first thing I would do is place it to measure voltage on the output post of the starter relay. If no voltage there then measure on the coil connection of the relay. Work backwards from there. OR. Start at battery and work backwards. The key to getting this repaired is a small investment in tools ( the meter). And a large investment in learning and understanding.. Learning , understanding and forming an hypothesis are the first steps. Example, does the starter relay energize? If not why not? No voltage from key switch? Or no battery/ground feed at all? Form an hypothesis then test that hypothesis. Break a problem in half then decide "this way or that way". If none of this makes sense. Load it up and take it to dealer.

tenaj · Jul 6, 2015

Thank you k0ua for your reply, but I must say it makes no sense. The only thing I know about volts is if you flip the light switch up, the light should come on. I can change the oil, belts & blades, but as for anything else I'm not mechanically inclined.
I did locate the fuse, it is under the frame where the battery is. The fuse was fine, but I still replaced it with a new identical one. Still nothing other than numbers on dash. This is very frustrating. I need to cut the grass like yesterday. We've had rain & sun & it is growing like crazy.
I'm going to take the spark plug out next, not sure if that has anything to do with it not starting.
Also, can you guestimate how much it would cost to fix the it if I took it to a shop?
Thank you.

truckdiagnostics · Jul 6, 2015

I have an older one so things maybe different. Stupid question make sure the PTO is in the off position before trying to start, switch for the blades. next on the side right about where the gauges are, wires maybe tucked up in there, is a fuse. next seat interlock switch?, not sure how supposed to work, I know where it is, on mine it is a set of contacts under the seat. I think they go open when you get off the seat. make sure something is not blocking it.

JRobyn · Jul 6, 2015

I have a LT1050, so may not be identical, but try lifting the seat up to confirm if the wiring to the seat switch (operator present switch) are connected and not broken. If either of the two wires to this switch ground out against any metal it can disable all the starting circuits, so try to follow along these wires to make sure one of them hasn't been rubbed enough or pinched somewhere to ground out.

Also confirm that the PTO (power takeoff, or blade clutch) switch is turned OFF.

It would be a complete guess what a shop would charge to fix. A big part of it would be either getting the machine there or having them come to it. You'd probably have a minimum of maybe $50-$75 just for that. Then $50-$75 per hour for troubleshooting and repair plus any parts. But with some close examination and maybe a few tests with some help from the forum, you can do this! Do you have a Harbor Freight that you can easily get to? They often have coupons for a FREE voltmeter that you could use to help figure this out. Maybe borrow a mower from a neighbor just for this week?

- Jay

tenaj · Jul 6, 2015

I ended up replacing the solenoid and that solved the problem. Cuts like a champ. Several of the replies to my original question suggested checking the volts. I went on youtube & watched several videos about how to do this & it kept mentioning the solenoid. Since I don't have a meter & have no clue as to what the readings mean, I just ended up taking off the solenoid (it was in the same location as the fuse). Went to the local repair shop & got a generic replacement for $10. Re-attached & she cranked right up. So happy. Saved a bunch of money. Thank you for your help.