urmominabox42 2 #1 Posted May 1, 2021 Help! my starter isn't turning. Ive traced the cables and haven't found any sort of safety switch. Also, a multimeter is reading full voltage making its way to the starter. I think i'm using it right but i do lack the experience in using multimeters. Heres what happens.... ignition switch was recently replaced.... turning it to on and lights work great. Try to turn the motor and absolutely no response from the starter. Lights go off and there isn't any response from starter. ideas on troubleshooting? Bad starter? (wouldn't there be some response from key turn though?) Safety switch i can't find? Manufactor problem? trans has been in neutral but maybe its not actually in neutral? Any other ways i can use my multimeter to test connections? Any thoughts/experiences would be appreciated! Hopefully its something simple i've overlooked. Thank you everyone! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,807 #2 Posted May 1, 2021 IF 12 volts is indeed getting to the starter and nothing happens, check your ground cable(s). If the ground is ok your starter is toast. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,061 #3 Posted May 1, 2021 Welcome to the forum! The simplest explanation is that something is interrupting the circuit between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid. (The lights are supposed to go off when the key turns to "start".) You are right to suspect safety switches, but has it worked since the ignition switch was replaced? Steps (stop using the lights, they'll drain the battery!): Check the connections to the ignition switch. Has the connection to the Start terminal become disconnected? Is the PTO OFF and if it's a Hydro, is the motion lever in neutral? With a helper sitting on the tractor and holding the brake, put the key in Run and then use a jumper wire to connect from the "+" on the battery to the small wire connection on the starter solenoid. Did it crank and start? If yes, then you've narrowed the problem to the start circuit. Get the manual for your tractor and look at the wiring diagram. Then come back here with what you've found! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,474 #4 Posted May 1, 2021 Click on the picture to see the wiring diagrams 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,807 #5 Posted May 1, 2021 He says he's getting 12V at the starter. That will eliminate safety switches. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,061 #6 Posted May 1, 2021 2 minutes ago, squonk said: He says he's getting 12V at the starter. That will eliminate safety switches. I'm counting on 12v at the battery connection to the starter. Is the solenoid getting 12v with the key turned to Start? Jump it and: if "click" but no cranking then dead starter. If silence, then dead solenoid. If click and crank, then interrupted starter circuit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,807 #7 Posted May 1, 2021 That's true. Possibly he's checking the main cable and not the solenoid cable. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelHorse520H 708 #8 Posted May 3, 2021 (edited) I am not too familiar with the 417-A. You have the Kholer correct? Check this video out it had some simple tricks for troubleshooting. Troubleshooting video It helped me with my 520-H even though it has an onan the principle is the same. Also you don’t need the carb cleaner, just find out if the starter works. If it does, it is likely a solenoid or safety switch issue. Edited May 3, 2021 by WheelHorse520H Needed to add a part 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
