Yardman riding mower won't tun over...

[Manipulator]

I have a Yardman 14.5HP rider built by MTD. It was bought in the 90's. Anyway, the battery was about shot so I went and bought a new one. I hooked it up and nothing. Won't turn over, doesn't click, nothing! The lights do not activate either. Last go around with the old battery I had to jump it. I mowed the grass and turned it off. About 2 hours later I started it again to see if the battery charged and it worked fine. Today even with the old battery it did nothing. I checked the new battery and its fine but juice is not getting to starter. Any thoughts?

 

[ob]

Re: Yardman riding mower won't tun over...

The fact that you don't hear a click from the solenoid is indicative of either a parted or loose connection on the small wire to the solenoid,the solenoid itself has failed, the ignition switch is faulty,or wires leading to or from switch have parted or are loose.Try jumping from the large 12 volt cable(input)of the solenoid to the small 12 volt ignition wire of solenoid and see if she cranks or clicks.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Yardman riding mower won't tun over...

ob is right on track. Just replaced battery on my MTD made mower and no go. Pulled the cover and replaced solinoid and she purrs again. Factory job ran about $35. I used a simple Ford at $8 and replaced one connectoer to ring style from a spade.