John Deere Lawn Tractor won’t start, starter solenoid or starter

My JD lawn tractor was only clicking when I tried to start so I thought it was the usual starter solenoid but in this instance, it ended up being the starter. Now the solenoid may have been good but at 13 years old and only $21, it was good insurance to swap them both. Now we should be good for several years!

[@frankiewilson4995]

I replaced the solenoid and it worked like a charm. I checked everything else just to make sure. Thanks for the tips!

[@Ampersandrascott]

ONE MORE THING! After checking things out completely, my mower still wouldn’t kick. Turn the key; nothing. I put a multimeter on the two white solenoid plugs and saw I wasn’t getting any voltage. I started tracing the wires and finally found one itty bitty purple wire that had been chewed off at the plug by a mouse. I bypassed around the plug with a splice, and VROOM!

[@d-pump8017]

Had the exact same problem. I just used some dry lubrication and the bendex started functioning perfectly. However, I do know that it will need to be replaced soon. Good video 👍💯

[@J-P65]

Thank you very much. You saved me at least $100 and my time and frustration.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

The old Honda trick, tap the starter while trying to crank

[@jamesbomar3903]

I'm having the same problem now with my D-140. Thanks for the info.

[@Old600Rusty]

Good work. I would suggest to those watching jump the solenoid with a screwdriver, if the starter does not crank it's a bad starter if it does it's a bad solenoid. Also always check that your battery is fully charged.

[@Roosterbate44]

Great info thanks!

[@northernliving2387]

It could a safety switch not making contact too. Like a seat, blade switch or lever to engage the blades, and parking brake

[@beauhampton452]

@mick so if I use the screwdriver it cranks over and after a little starting fluid the mower will run but I can’t figure out why the key won’t crank over the motor but a screw driver will and this is after I’ve all ready replaced the solenoid

[@Old600Rusty]

@@beauhampton452 I would guess the ignition switch is bad. Test to see if 12v are going to the solenoid when you turn the key. If not, either there is no power to the ignition switch or the switch is bad.

[@BobSmith-fu7hi]

​@@Old600Rusty😮 5:43

[@jtocwru]

If you have jumper cables and a spare battery, you can simply clamp one end of the cables to the battery, and the other end's negative to the frame and then touch the positive clamp to the starter's fixing bolt. If it hesitates at all, it's 100% a bad starter. This was my method for diagnosing a bad starter, after wasting money provisionally replacing the key switch! Now the tractor starts up readily, every time I turn the key. It had been intermittent for 2 years.

[@ironhorsevinnie]

Good video - my John Deere is a 214 made 1978 .. I got it back and some new parts - key switch and top SOLENOID . No click , maybe they have wires wrong and there is all so a top solenoid above the 2 prong one !

[@tertessa]

Having the same problem with my La135 JD..thanks for the info

[@theclshow]

Great job my friend! That mower is now good for another 13 years! Loved seeing your black friend in the background eating some food.

[@donneufeld7409]

Thanks very much. Good explanation. 👍😊

[@leebodean1493]

Thank you for showing me how to do this.

[@TrulyBlessedFam]

PERFECT video!!!! 🎉 Thank you SoOOo much!!!!

[@spoiledballotpapers3277]

I had an LT160. It was beat up also, but ran forever and tough as old boots. I miss it so much.

[@jeffwilliams312]

Usually if starter is turning slow it's either battery or starter

[@barryjohns1965]

you could have taken a screw driver and stuck it to both big bolts sticking out of the solenoid and that would have bypassed the solenoid and it would have started if that had been the trouble. Just letting you know for future reference so you dont have to buy a solenoid first.

[@roland5599]

Just had the same issue on my old L110. Probably 15 years old. Just waiting for the new starter to show up for install.

[@bungalobill7941]

They can get stuck like that sometimes. Usually if you just use a flat blade screwdriver to move the wheel it will unstick and start working again. Or pull the starter and put it back again.

[@stevejenkins2872]

Great job just do both

[@ms367man_dude]

Good video, Thank you

[@ScarlettFire341]

My x585 Starter Solenoid required me to click the starter motor a few times to allow the starter lever more travel so I could hook it in ...

[@danielli959]

Guys I need help, my mower d105 will start right up if I put a wire between the two posts on starter solenoid, but I tested the solenoid and it clicks and has continuity! So what’s the issue?

[@SuperSeabreeze1]

I used a power pack to jump ,no go. Same with a battery to jump start. So I changed the solenoid . Still no start. Used the screw driver to jump across solenoid. Fired up like perfect. Going to order a new key switch.fingers crossed.

[@firstlast7099]

Did a new switch fix the problem?

[@mdhkdh]

Does the new starter have a cap on the top that you have to remove? The one in this video does and mine does but I can’t get it off and don’t want to break a brand new starter…

[@Platoon3090]

Just put a screwdriver across the solenoid terminals . Easiest way to determine stater or solenoid.

[@maryannfrancischelli8511]

So which is it is if starts with the screw driver? I have this problem when starting, no noise at all. Use the screw driver across solenoid and it starts

[@micahwelch1089]

@@maryannfrancischelli8511 did you ever figure your issue out? Mine is doing the same thing and I already put a new ignition switch on it

[@mikeschiavoni5973]

​@@micahwelch1089 bad starter solenoid.

[@firstlast7099]

I’ve checked the fuse,key switch, replaced the mower switch, and the solenoid twice. Still won’t start until I put a wrench across the solenoid, works every time, just won’t start with the key.

[@dannyorsello8668]

Mine isn't clicking at all. I jump the solenoid and it starts easily. Might be the key ignition.

[@boogiejf]

I tried to replace mine with a new one but when I hooked up the battery the starter engages without the key being turned. I thought the part might be faulty but when i put the old one back on I got the same result. Not sure what I'm doing wrong. Suggestions Ive had might be I'm overtightening the connections and there's a short .I disconnected the positive cable from the battery when i did this ,someone also said I should have disconnected the negative,is that correct ?

[@bdradley1]

Battery cables should have nothing to do with it. You’ve got a direct feed providing 12v to starter and my guess would be from a short. Check all wires everywhere to see if a chaffed wire is grounding out on the frame somewhere. Could even be in a bundle of wires where the sheath is worn off and it’s metal wire to metal wire. That’s a starting point and hope it helps

[@DRAWINGFLIES]

Having these issues with my 20yr old LT150. Just replaced the solenoid..not it..got starter ordered. Hoping thats the solution. If it is...with the new fuel pump and deck belts, shell run a few more years.

[@bdradley1]

She be as good as new then! Hopefully that’s it and thx for watching!

[@wesleywhite7176]

Can you link the starter?

[@charlestew8792]

where did you get a start for $40? John Deer wants $140 for it. Also, how did you bypass the seat switch so that you can test the starter without sitting on the seat?

[@bdradley1]

I got an aftermarket starter from an Amazon supplier and then you can remove the switch from bottom of seat and just zip tie it closed

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

My LX277 has been starting erratically for the last two or three years. I checked/replaced all of the idiotic "shutoff" switches and replaced the ignition switch module and solenoid over this period of time. A minute ago, I replaced the starter. Finally, after all of this time, it now starts every time I turn the key. With the old starter, I never knew when and/or if the mower would start. Problem solved!

[@bdradley1]

It can definitely be an exercise in frustration. Glad you got it finally, thx for watching! Dave

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

It sure can! Thanks for the video, Dave.@@bdradley1

[@fftl1827]

I have a random question do you happen to know what type of cable lugs do you use to replace old ones? I can't find anything on it. It is the lugs that connect the solenoid to the battery

[@bdradley1]

David I'm sorry I don't, only thing I can suggest is going to mower shop and seeing what they use? Thx for watching! Dave

[@richmel6245]

The process of elimination...still cheaper that bringing it to the shop.

[@bluehill1275]

I’m having a sort of similar problem with my STX38. I replaced the original starter last fall with a cheap one from eBay. It seemed to work good initially but now I’m having trouble with the bendix sticking, mostly in the up position. I recently found a discussion where someone said that the gear on the cheap eBay starters does not have the same amount of teeth as the original and so it can have trouble engaging with the ring gear correctly. Has anyone heard of this?

[@bdradley1]

I have actually had issues with the cheap starters doing this. I just ordered another and so far so good. You get what you pay for as they say but I just didn’t want to pay JD price with a mower that has over 750 hrs!

[@bluehill1275]

@@bdradley1 thanks for replying. I think I’ll have to bite the bullet and go back to an OEM starter. Huge price difference, but the cheap one obviously didn’t save me any money.

[@diamonddoggyy1876]

How do I know the solenoid doesn’t work like mine doesn’t click and list time it started the deck was off so I put the deck on and it didn’t even try to turn over and I checked the battery I did battery restore and the electronics work except the solenoid so is the solenoid toast or something else

[@bdradley1]

Hard to know without seeing but I’d check all of your safety switches. One of those could possibly causing the “No start”. There’s one for the seat, for neutral, for the blade being engaged, etc. Sorry I can’t tell you exactly bc I can’t see it. Hope that helps and thank you for watching!

[@stevekennedy2608]

Was that a Gerber knife

[@MrVa3smc]

I have an mtd yard machine that just clicks, at times it will crank over for a split second. What should I replace, solenoid or starter? I ordered a solenoid from Lowe’s but it’s a 4 post, mine is a 3 post. How would I wire that?

[@bdradley1]

Verify that your battery is fully charged and terminals are tight first and then if that’s good, it could be either one but I’d get the correct solenoid for sure rather than trying to make something work. You can get aftermarket ones on Amazon

[@MrVa3smc]

@@billsmith1770 Thankyou for your reply. I did get everything working 9 months ago when I had these issues. I got a replacement off of Amazon.

[@michaelmefford3980]

How did you get those 3/8 bolt out? I can't reach my hand behind there. Thanks

[@bdradley1]

I don't recall any 3/8 bolts being hidden...did you try a socket with extension?

[@michaelmefford3980]

@@bdradley1 I though you said 3/8 but I used 5/16 on mine. Anyways I used a socket with a extension to lose the 2 bolts on the solenoid but the back of the 2 bolts are hard to get to.

[@nigelkavanagh2048]

Great vid sir!

[@FreedomRock44]

Let me add a Fourth component if those three you mentioned did not work,,,,,There is a Brake pedal safety switch under the deck at the base of the foot pedal/Brake pedal. These can act like a starter solenoid going also. John Deere Brake Safety Switch - AM128925. If those three you mention are not the culprit try this. $10 part.

[@bdradley1]

Good point! Thx

[@FreedomRock44]

@@bdradley1 No problem great video. I just replaced my solenoid but no go...so now one of the other three.

[@FreedomRock44]

I had the mower deck on the highest setting but I forgot to lock the mower deck bar back into upright position. Switch there as well. Started right up but now sporadic.

[@bdradley1]

@@FreedomRock44 sounds like possibly a stuck safety switch? Maybe clean the dirt out of them, also check electrical connections and clean with contact cleaner

[@-CHaPPy-]

Sooo that's a 13 year old ziptie on your oil dipstick? Wow

[@wkw4095]

$38 for a starter?! I'm pricing a starter for my LX188 and it's close to $400.

[@timweb1510]

I’m trying to repair my Grandma’s Scott’s lawnmower and having problems tonight. Not getting the click or turning over. Battery shows fine at the posts and I’ve been charging that battery a few hours. No clicks and very slow turnover on top part. Idk man 🙁

[@bdradley1]

Possibly one of the safety switches? You’d have to use a multimeter to check however, it’s really hard to diagnose without seeing.

[@gordbaker896]

Scotts is like a John Deere Sabre. Had one. You have a bad electrical Connection. Clean ALL terminations, especially the Battery Ground connection. Batteries can show 12V and have few Amps.

[@timweb1510]

@@gordbaker896 still not having luck sir. Took the ground off today and sandpapered both sides of the negative cable/one leading to body. Took out the switch and it tests out okay compared to KZbin uploads. I do see some corrosion on the positive though. Did you ever remove your solenoid? I don’t see how mine is connected at the bottom. I’d hate to just hammer it off if it’s not the problem.

[@timweb1510]

@@bdradley1 I have a multimeter sir, how would I check the two safety’s?

[@gordbaker896]

@@timweb1510 I have some Battery Terminal cleaner in a spray can. I disconnected the 10 or more wire connector that is close to the Ignition switch on my JD X320. Sprayed a little on both and reconnected. My fuel shut off solenoid has worked perfectly ever since. That is why it was not starting. Good Luck.

[@ChristineThomas333]

I have to keep replacing my battery every 6 months? What is up with that?

[@bdradley1]

Without seeing it, it is hard to tell you exactly. It could be your alternator is not charging it correctly and back to full amperage, or you have something pulling a very low draw on battery (have no idea what however), cheap battery, not correct battery??? Maybe putting a trickle charger on it when not in use would help, there about $35. Again it’s just to hard to diagnose when I can’t see it but hope I’ve steered you in a direction that may help.

[@ChristineThomas333]

@@bdradley1 Thanks so much for the quick response. I do have it on a trickle charger...this is the 4th battery in 2 years. No clicking, just all of a sudden it doesn't start. Battery is correct for mower. I was thinking maybe the charger was draining the battery is that possible? I have checked all connections, 20 amp fuse etc. Appreciate you.

[@bdradley1]

@@ChristineThomas333 I have had trickle chargers actually boil the electrolytes out of the battery before!!! Best battery is an AGM battery rather than a flooded battery. Make sure that the trickle charger is on lowest setting (2 amp) and that it goes into a “float” mode once battery is charged rather than just continuously charging, that way when battery drops below recommended voltage, the charger will come out of float mode and back to charge mode.

[@ChristineThomas333]

@Marj I took the old battery that was still under warranty back to Lowes, they replaced it for free. It works great without the trickle charger. I don't know the brand, but it was the only one that fit my lawn tractor.

[@ChristineThomas333]

@@bdradley1 Thanks, I bought a new battery, nixed the trickle charger....has been working great. Thank you for the great advice.

[@downbntout]

Mine doesn't even click.

[@bdradley1]

Check battery first, then fuses and then for any mouse chewed wiring from sitting up over winter. Hope that helps and thank you for watching!

[@BobSmith-fu7hi]

😅

[@ydnarshep1]

It didn't start.

[@DIYerFamily]

Could've just tried to jumper it first to not waste money. It makes no sense to just replace it without knowing it's bad. Takes 2 seconds.

[@bdradley1]

I appreciate it, I never even thought of that!!! Or maybe I just didn’t show it as it’s common sense, saved me 2 seconds of needless video

[@jeffsolinger5671]

Why film yourself