How To Get The Right Ignition Switch For Your Lawn Tractor & Avoid Costly Damage!

How To Get The Right Ignition Switch For Your Lawn Tractor & Avoid Costly Damage!
In this video I show you how to get the proper ignition switch for your riding mower even if you cannot find a part number and how this can avoid causing major damage to your machine!
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Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) videos to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers and zero turn mowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, zero turn mower, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
My favorite brands of spark plugs are NGK and Champion and are the ones I recommend.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
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Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor". ave
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[@donyboy73]

Watch my video on the top 5 reasons your lawn tractor won't start after winter storage here;🚜 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZOvooGbfN9jhtU

[@nattucker7911]

Make sure you watch out for the ones that are accidentally not marked right

[@matthewm.schlosser8150]

This should be the number one lead video regarding lawn mower key switch replacement ...it is that prescient !

[@thardyryll]

Mention of an improper switch blowing fuses reminds me of the issue I had with my 1999-vintage Yard-Man garden tractor. Two replacement switches would not fix a no-start problem; I finally realized they were blowing the ignition fuse. But the original switch was, too. There were no issues with shorts anywhere in the system. I finally violated the never use a bigger fuse rule by going up one small increment in fuse size and the problem was permanently cured. That was three years ago, and I use the machine every day. I wouldn’t recommend that with an automobile, but it sure worked with my old tractor.

[@bobmallory7319]

Thank you so much I blew a fuse trying to use another switch and then I found your video

[@skipproctor8979]

Good video. For me after seeing this, I'm going to buy new correct switch. Cheaper than replacing more expensive pieces of the engine, ex. coil, PTO clutch if wrong switch. Good advice!

[@Mike-ze6jq]

Always great advice man. Thank you again.

[@Rev-D1963]

It's easy to see how this could lead to major damage overall. Great info. as always Don. Thanks so much for your work and videos. God bless. Rev. D.

[@901math4]

Excellent video. I used the information to search Amazon for the "correct letter diagram" not just the same plug pattern. Saved me a lot of potential problems . Thank you very much!

[@msack6904]

This is very critical if you are working on a 70's tractor with a Tecumseh that has the solid state ignition (Sears suburbans was a big user of these). If you get the wrong switch and accidentally hook 12+ voltage to the kill wire.....you've fried the ignition module, a module that is no longer made.

[@jessemixon3135]

Thank you Don , for making me aware of potential problems to look for in doing a “simple” 5 minute job.

[@Patrick4959]

Top stuff Donny mate cheers from Australia to Canada and stay safe.

[@ollieh8010]

I really like your videos. They've been very helpful. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@nashguy207]

Good video. You have some great tips to help us find the correct Ignition switch for the right mower!!

[@codyswilley]

You saved me BIG TIME. I have a john deere z track m665 and I knew the keyswitch was bad. The G terminal was corroded and loose. I put what I thought was the same 5 prong key switch in it. I was getting no spark out of either cylinder. It's a kohler 25hp commercial engine. Checked the wiring, fuses,coils,relays,plugs. Took the "new" switch out and looked at the letters from the new and old switch. The first prong was an S on the old switch. The new switch first prong was a G. 2 of the 5 prongs were right. It would turn over fine but didn't have spark. Thank you so much. I'm going to buy a john deere switch Today before I get home. Thank you thank you thank you

[@elliejackson6907]

Some great tips here. Also, if you can't source the correct ignition switch, you might be able to change the terminals on the socket to match the new switch, or make a short jumper cable to match the wiring.

[@user-mx4pw9dr2r]

Great information sir Everytime I watch your videos I learn something new thank you

[@JM-mx8dr]

donyboy73 has always been as real as it gets and I am pissed because I thought that I subscribed years ago wtf man. Always keeping it real in Canada.

[@richardstrada212]

I don't have a lawn tractor but I am saving this video in case I get one. Thanks.

[@bigdbrowne]

Thanks for this video!! All my tabs are coated in a heavy layer of dilectric grease and I didn’t notice the engravings until you pointed them out 😂

[@rickyfalcon3294]

This gives me some hope, I bought a new ignition for my kholer and finally found one that had the matching 6 prongs and nothing when I cranked it. It blew a inlin fuse instead

[@PatHiggins-Mayo]

Great tip again. Its great to have all your content to refer back to in case i need it. Great work

[@donyboy73]

Glad to hear it!

[@cpcoark]

This was a good to know video. Is there a assignment chart showing what each letter means/does?

[@robertmailhos8159]

Great advice there Young Man 😎 I believe it is the same way for the ignition coil the wrong part can cause a lot of people big problem,s

[@timlawrence3264]

Great info!! I learned something new this morning.

[@byronwoolfrey1039]

Very enlightening, thanks Found a similar problem with matching up those small square relay switches for auxiliary lights on machines, they have the starts sticking out in the same pattern but they have different functions, also like your video where you put a rectifier on a snow blower for a LED light bar, the starts or pins on the one I bought weren't identified. Thanks again

[@kjell-richardlvdal373]

Great tip,, always something New to learn

[@carlmiller1034]

Great tip. Thanks Don!

[@warrenvalentino5763]

Awesome video! Thank You So Very Much for making this video and for all of the Awesome information in it!! this Realy explains how i once melted all of the wires on a ride on mower that was given to me without a key switch. i shared this video on my facebook wall and with everyone that i know. :) :)

[@debraromine7758]

Thank you so much for this info. Luckily it matched up. But before I saw this video I was just matching it up by looking at the prongs.

[@deanmoore420]

That’s a great Tip awesome video Enjoyed watching it 👍

[@chadfield376]

Ty for the tab tip; I did not even think about cross-checking that issue on my Snapper mower I have been trying to diagnose the key on “no PTO/battery return voltage through the key switch” issue. Typical DIY mistake, never would thought prong order could be different but is same pattern; I had my issue traced to the key switch since PTO clutch bench tested good power and ohm wise; also explains why PTO clutch only “clicks on” (with engine off and switch pulled) when key is turned to “engine start” only. Clutch should click with key turned to “on” and mine was only doing the latter.

[@andrewdickson9964]

Fantastic tip Thank you again

[@dennism644]

I had it where it actually fried the switch.on this particular switch it was a 20 amp and someone installed a 10 amp .didnt even work it caught fire the instant they turned it on.I build garden and farm pulling tractors and most of my customers ask for a more simple way to start there stuff. I use push button start switches at 20 25 30 amps. Still use the switch for the charging purpose.but the main start is a 25 amp push button. Hey great video.

[@irvingguerrero7303]

Great video.

[@user-wz5nc4tw9i]

Your video has helped me big time my switch is opposite of new one ty

[@barrypettit3668]

Great video Don, always good advice and helpful to us do it your self guys

[@donyboy73]

have a good weekend Barry!

[@chrispond5399]

Another great video. Thanks so much. My question is if there is no way to tell the lettering on the pins before you take off the switch. Can one by elimination take off the wires, the ground, the lights. Thanks for your comments.

[@Leonardokite]

Great info! Thanks. 😀

[@donvoll2580]

Good day Interesting video. Did not know that. Thanks

[@altonrowell613]

Nice video. Information and information to know.

[@robcole332]

Great great great advice

[@paullemay3218]

Great information. Thank you for sharing. ❤️🇨🇦

[@henerker]

Excellent video!

[@tazwowe]

Perfect timing. I'm not sure if someone tried to steal my mower, but the key slot seems all gouged and there aren't real definite positions any more...especially when you back off they key to be able to mow in reverse. It still works, but I need to buy a new switch assembly just in case.

[@billlovett4256]

Great video, I also like the video style change. Funny things switches can do. Just last week spent a lot of time troubleshooting a Husqvarna tractor not charging the battery. In the end it was the ignition switch! Go figure. Take care.

[@donyboy73]

good tip, thanks for sharing!

[@andrewmunchkin7212]

Thanks Dony 🏆🤓👍

[@billy2bob63]

Never knew great information 👍

[@josepharato5885]

Great video!!!!!

[@jimmccoskey8253]

The switch on my '67 Wheel Horse is a high-current switch as it doesn't have a solenoid. Sorry for the change of subject, but what's the rubber/plastic "nose" cap for on the starter gear for a Tecumseh H60.

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Yep seen that!!!

[@johncollins8304]

Brilliant!

[@tumaihopa2780]

Excellent

[@IPullingTractor]

I've converted lawn & garden tractors for years from a failed magneto ignition system to the more reliable battery-powered ignition system. In doing so, I had to replace the magneto key switch with a battery-powered ignition key switch, and I had to rewire the tractor & relocate the wires to the terminals on the battery switch. I also mention this in my ignition websites so my more reliable custom-made battery-powered ignition conversion kit will work with 12 volts.

[@chetmyers7041]

Please tell us more about your custom ignition systems. Link to website??? Search terms to find related videos to "custom ignition."

[@hphillips7425]

Good video interesting

[@jme36053]

Can you not rewire the harness to match the switch terminals as well?

[@MrMoosekiller31]

Just Made that exact mistake lol my buddy said I got the wrong one just like you said however he didn't say which one to buy that's what brought me here lol right on problem i got now is i believe i chucked the old ignition switch out lol inee minie mynie mo lol

[@lizzy9495]

I watch your videos all the time and they have been invaluable on many occasions and I thank you for that. Could you maybe let me know how to get the ignition switch out of a john deere gx335 that is on with 2 nuts (one either side of panel), that is attached to a small square circuit panel without breaking that as they are expensive, or am I looking at it incorrectly. The key was broken off and we can't get it out so the only choice is to get it out.

[@georgebarrett1534]

Always informative and easy to understand Dony Boy. I need a switch for my K301 Kohler on my old Wheelhorse 1257. Is it better to just put a new one in or is it a good idea to wire brush the old terminals and spray wit contact cleaner to see if it still works first? Should this switch be easy to get if I need a new one? Thanks/Pat B. Il. 61008

[@Draega007]

I had a toro ss 42" and I just grabbed a switch that is on the lawn equipment rack at autozone that matched the tabs, had no idea about letters needing to match. The power wire to the starter was getting hot when I would crank it after replacing the switch but I never noticed it and eventually it got to the point where the power wire would just spark and start smoking so I figured it was a starter. It's been sitting in my yard for 3 years now and after seeing this video I feel like a dummy because I almost bet it's that freaking autozone switch that was the issue. I almost don't want to buy the right one at this point and see if that's the issue cause it'll just make me sad since it's been sitting for so long.

[@vetterfellow]

Good Morning DB73, at one point I thought you were going to break out the multimeter. Guess that's a lot more work. Thanks fer what you do here. Have a good day, stay safe.🙏 👋😎👍

[@donyboy73]

I try to show you the easiest way in my videos!

[@vetterfellow]

@@donyboy73 I understand !! 👌

[@serafinorozco7945]

I just bought a snapper zero turn ND looks like someone replaced the ignition .. doesn't want to turn off when turning the key . Also I have no spark if I connect the ground wire to the coil ?

[@richardcranium5839]

at last count there was 5 different metal switches. i made a tester years ago to test and identify the switches. anything with a kohler k sent juice to the coil. makes for a bad day if you get one of them on a magneto machine.

[@Michaelc-gn3eg]

Would it be wise for me to rewire to a new switch I have a five post switch that does not work I looked all over the Internet and could not find the proper ignition switch with the part number on it I went ahead and bought one ignition switch ended up blowing a fuse

[@jarkonmyskeet1522]

Well.. I trusted orginal parts number and got new one from B&s, Well the g and m are opposite in New and lights work different and engine wont turn down. Need to swap those.. Or get new one

[@timp5132]

Hey Don. What would be the best penetrating fluid that you know of ?

[@claudiucostin3598]

Hey Dony i have a question. Hoe you conect the right cables on the starter, you didn t mentioned zhat, otherwide grest videos👍 i have a honda 2232 old mowner

[@thomasschwarting5108]

It's VERY important to have the CORRECT switch not just one that fits!!

[@roberthoffmann9757]

I would like to know what the letters on the switch are for?? I know nothing about the electric system on lawn tractors. Thank you!

[@msack6904]

The general basics are, maybe some variance.... G- ground M- magneto ( usually a grounded kill wire when switch is off) B-battery (hot wire from battery to feed power through switch) L- lights S- start (wire goes to solenoid to power starter) I -ignition (some engines require a hot wire to the coil so engine will run)

[@briantaylor9266]

Good video. If your old switch has the letters marked on the tabs, could you use a DVM or continuity checker to figure out if your new (unmarked) switch matches? Put another way, what functions do the letters represent? Maybe a follow-up video?

[@donyboy73]

possibly yes

[@dagrote1]

I've had to do that. It's laborious, but eventually you get the answers you're looking for. It's also possible to match up the wires at the connector to the tabs and do it that way. That's a pain too, though.

[@richardcranium5839]

usually b=battery s=starter i= ignition(on battery style ignitions) g=ground L= lighting or load m=magneto

[@brucedale4465]

Maybe you could show us where the fuses are? Thanks

[@kevinbushell2746]

Top info I put wrong switch on a lawn tractor and burnt out the wiring loom

[@unfundedopportunities7278]

Dony, are aftermarket diaphragm and gasket sets for B&S pulsa-jet carbs o.k. to use, or should a stay with genuine OEM? You must have experience with both. Thanks.

[@donyboy73]

oem better but stens and rotary kits are good

[@harryballz6358]

Why do some older 6 tab Toro/ Wheel Horse switches carry the same part numbers. Yet the one ground/side tab sometimes has a G, other times it has number 3 instead? Why? Are they really interchangeable? Part number 103991 for most 80's-90's Toro/Wheel Horse tractors. Thanks

[@danlevine2584]

Help? Cub Cadet 2000 Series 2155/17 HP Kohler command. I replaced the ignition switch. It's starts & runs. Won't shut-off, No Headlights, No PTO? I throwed away the old ignition. Help?

[@guidoitaliano7722]

Do you have any videos on adjusting RPMs on a walk behind lawnmower?

[@guidoitaliano7722]

Any vids?

[@guidoitaliano7722]

@Text me on telegram👉@Donyboy73 any vids on rpm adjustments

[@lassila3]

Daddy Don

[@bobsmarxtrain2244]

Bought a new john deere lawnmower ignition switch. The key will not turn inside the switch. Once in a great while the switch key will turn. Sometimes can't get the key out of old switch. Puzzled? What?

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

I SWEAR I got a switch that actually matched up with what came off but when I plugged it in & turned the key my wiring melted, I think the new switch was made wrong internally, that mower has been sitting for 5 years now

[@scottfirman]

Do yourself a HUGE favor, NEVER EVER go to an auto parts store for lawn mower parts. I can guarantee you they WILL sell you the wrong parts EVERY TIME. No one working in an autoparts store knows ANYTHING about lawn mowers and many do not even know about automobiles.

[@cuffy69]

How about removing the switch. Copy the info before it becomes a problem then you can refer to that when you need it

[@timp5132]

great vid! Why do you wear cat hat and cat shirt but you don't have a cat phone?

[@MrDanrob62]

In your video you stated that on the plastic switches they will always be engraved in the plastic. That may have been true 2 years ago when you made this video, but not anymore. I have one I recently purchased that is not marked. Not even on the blades.

[@xmanb8193]

👍❤️👍👍👍

[@rayburnett3066]

I learned this from youtube

[@bobbg9041]

1:26 the back of the switch is clearly labeled M= motor run S= start B=battery L=light's G=chassis ground Its that simple, and i'm not a lawn mower mechanic. You do not need to buy the correct switch just figure out how to wire it

[@lassila3]

L,G,B.....t q It is good you are respectful to that gruop aswell Daddy Don

[@johncollins8304]

Rainbow Steamroller, crushing everyone in their path.

[@elchavochavodel8553]

So what's the right switch for a JD 2040 old farm tractor?