The Hidden Safety Switch Trick Exposed

Quickly Fix Mower Safety Switches!
SIMPLE - Troubleshoot ALL Mower Safety & Seat Switches in Minutes I'll show you how to quickly and efficiently troubleshoot, design, and fix problem mower safety & seat switches. Many people make this much more complicated than it needs to be. Follow along for an easy-to-follow step-by-step diagnosis process that requires only a fundamental understanding of electrical circuits. After watching this video, you can easily find any bad or problem switch on your mower. Please leave a comment to tell me how it has helped you or what I should have included!
Click here to see the full video!
• The Hidden Safety Swit...
At the bottom of this description, I have included 36 key timestamps for every part of this video.
The parts and tools I used in this video, my shop, and my daily adventures are listed below.
Cheap continuity tester (Simple to use a tester with a buzzer)
Heavy Duty Continuity Tester with 36-inch lead wire
amzn.to/3N5892X
Inexpensive test light 6-24V Test Light
amzn.to/3IjRqW0
Common mower safety switch (Please confirm these match the ones in your mower!)
Replaces
AYP 176138
AYP 153664
Snapper 7022886
Cub Cadet 925-3164A
Husqvarna 532 17 61-38
MTD 925-3164A
Ferris 5023455
Snapper 2-2886
Craftsman and Poulan 176138 161343
amzn.to/3ucmfa5
Inexpensive Multi Meter with buzzing continuity setting
Measures Volts, Amps, Ohms, Capacitance and Continuity with Buzzer alert
amzn.to/3ucHVTx
Vise-Grip Wire Stripping, Cutting, and Crimping tool (This tool will do everything you need to follow along with this video)
amzn.to/3trfJgG
Mini Tire Changer for mower, go-kart, and most small tires.
amzn.to/31eHgGp
The drill bits I use are lifetime-warranted Molybdenum from Drill Hog. If you break one or wear it down to nothing, you send it back, and they send a new one!
www.amazon.com/dp/B010US18BG/...
Titanium MIG 170 Welder Works with Flux Core or Gas (110 or 220 volts)
bit.ly/3k8GUrD
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help you find the products I've used in this video. Clicking these links will take you straight to the products on Amazon and help support this channel without costing you anything extra.
Get the Motion Hero Pack that I use in my videos for
Only $37 one-time investment. Use unlimited times on your own and client videos!
baldeagle242--videohero.thriv...
If you're a video creator on KZbin - Tube, Buddy is an excellent program to evaluate your videos and make recommendations to help you attract more viewers.
www.tubebuddy.com/Baldeagle242
00:00 Welcome Back to the BALDEAGLE242 channel!
00:14 What you need to check first
00:37 Find this black wire
00:48 Where does this wire go?
00:59 If you do this, your key switch WILL NOT cut power to your engine coil.
01:15 What is CONTINUITY? I'll tell you right here!
01:25 Can I use a test light? Click this timestamp to find out!
01:43 Where do I connect my test leads? Click this timestamp to find out!
02:15 Let's start checking switches! Make sure you didn't miss anything before this point!
02:28 How do I check the seat safety switch? Click this timestamp to find out!
03:00 Huston, we have a problem!
03:25 How do I replace my brake safety switch? Click this timestamp to find out!
03:43 Note how to test these switches in conjunction with each other. There's a little more to it than just testing each switch individually.
03:57 How do I replace the brake safety switch? Click this timestamp to find out!
04:28 What is the most common switch used on these mowers?
04:48 How do I remove and reinstall my mower deck? Here is the link to another video I made on this same mower. • Craftsman LT1000 Mower...
05:00 How to reinstall the brake switch
06:13 How to set your parking brake so you can get off the mower while the engine is running.
06:30 How do the other switches need to be set for testing purposes
07:17 The last safety switch I need to show you is the No-Cut in Reverse switch
08:53 Propper way to reconnect your kill wire
09:04 Thanks for watching the BALDEAGLE242 channel!

[@richardborge8541]

This video is unbelievably helpful. I have scoured the internet and this is the clearest and most straightforward troubleshooting video for a very frustrating and annoying problem. One question, do the PTO and starter switches need to be checked? Thx

[@baldeagle242]

You will need to set you meter to read low voltage DC to check the starter and electric PTO. You can check the starter voltage at the large wire connected to the terminal on the starter. The PTO voltage should be checked with the wire unplugged so there is no chance of engaging the blades while testing. Ensure all other safety switches are set so the blades will engage(seat, and reverse if present). You should have 12 plus volts between the two plug connections pins.

[@wallybruns4035]

Finally someone checking a mower with the solenoid on the carb. Thanks.

[@baldeagle242]

😁👍

[@kidritalin1]

What a GREAT video ! You got right into the mechanics, theory, and problem solving in 8 minutes time. This is a lifetime lesson for me. Thank you.

[@baldeagle242]

@kidritalin1 Thank you for sharing your comment! Your feedback means the world to us. It's incredibly uplifting to hear from viewers who have discovered solutions through our videos. We hope to see you around in the future as well. Wishing you all the best! 😊👍

[@user-kj9wz4iu7t]

9:20

[@gusphoto]

Leaving praise here too for the clear, logical, thorough explanation of these switches, but also the brevity and understandability of the presentation- MAJOR THANK YOU!!! But it is cool to see that it's a good video when you find dozens of comments praising you already! Followed and liked! A credit to bald eagles everywhere!

[@baldeagle242]

@Gusflix Thank you very much. 😁👍

[@izlandere]

This video is very thorough and well thought out. Thank you!

[@theendoftheworldallstars1260]

Excellent video. Thank you so much. I have an old Bestgreen mower with no cutting deck which pulls small trailer around our property. Very useful it is too. This morning it wouldn't start. I knew it would be safety switch related, but had no idea where they were. As I'd been meaning to disconnect them all at some point, this was the opportunity to do it. Found the under seat switch and afrwe testing with a meter shorted out the two white wires. Still no start. Eventually found the switch under the parking brake - same type of switch so shorted out the same. Still no start. Spent over an hour trying to find another switch - which I knew must be related to the Brake/clutch but I couldnt find it anywhere. Google is my friend and I hit your excellent video first go. 5 mins later I knew where to look, found it, shorted it out and BINGO! She runs perfectly so I finished the job by removing all unnecessary levers and clutter. Thank you so much and best wishes from an Englishman living in France!

[@victorebolum1583]

Good teaching. Precise and to the point. A REAL safety engineer. Thank you sir.

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you, and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. 😁👍

[@Big_Johns]

Clear, concise and simple to follow instructions Steve, thank you for the video. 👍

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks, John! I've received quite a few comments about these switches lately. Hopefully, this will help a few people to understand them better. Thanks for watching!

[@Big_Johns]

Anytime brother, they should really appreciate this video then.

[@user-ck6nl1fi3v]

Great video!! Straight to the point, a huge help, Thanks!!

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you. 😁👍

[@markharris4260]

Excellent job and you explain everything perfectly and simply done !

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you.

[@freedommowers420]

Great video Steve. This should help a lot of folks In need of some safety switch info.

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks Alex. I tried to keep it as simple as I could. Thanks for watching. 😁👍

[@dirtroadsailing6418]

This is a great troubleshooting tip for the safety switches, thanks for posting.

[@baldeagle242]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching. 😁👍

[@beanolatte2682]

What a time saver!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@baldeagle242]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching. 😁👍

[@user-sz2cq2yc4h]

Finally…. This test tutorial is absolutely spot on, clearly presented.. after the first view you have plan…me being me, i did watch it twice…. All BaldEagle staff… thank you so much….

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment! We appreciate it very much. Let us know how it works out on your mower. 😁👍

[@xXVintersorgXx]

Thanks for this. Definitely helped me out.

[@RealToolReviews]

Nice video! 😄

[@baldeagle242]

+@RealToolReviews Thank you! Here’s a link to other videos I’ve posted that you may find useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@GeraldAlan-ix6dx]

That was one of the most informative posts I have ever seen. Especially since I have a LT 2000 mower. It’s almost identical. Thank you so much.

[@baldeagle242]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comments. 😁👍

[@GeraldAlan-ix6dx]

When you check the solenoid, have you already cut the black wire or before?

[@baldeagle242]

@@GeraldAlan-ix6dx it shouldn’t matter. The solenoid should work either way. You can check the solenoid wire for 12 volts with the key on if you have a test light or multi meter. If you have no way to test for voltage you can spray a small amount of fuel or starting fluid directly into the carb. If it fires and dies with the wire on the side of the engine disconnected there’s a good chance it’s stuck shut and not working properly.

[@GeraldAlan-ix6dx]

The solenoid is not clicking. I checked the battery when it wouldn’t start, but it is a new battery from August. It started fine and after I filled the bags and emptied them. It wouldn’t start. That’s when I checked out your site. ??

[@GeraldAlan-ix6dx]

@@baldeagle242 The solenoid is not clicking when I turn the key on. Battery charger says it is fully charged, but nothing.

[@dg903]

by far the best video on this issue. My mower's issue exactly! Tired of the poor build on these

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you.

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

I see you've gone back to long form content 👍 Seriously, anyone should understand this easily. Cheers!

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks, Stella. Next to carbs it’s the main reason I pick these mowers up cheap. Im still trying to figure out what formats work for me and which ones don’t. I’ve always heard your first 100 videos are should all be experimental. I haven’t noticed anything negative from either format but it definitely attracts a different age group of viewers. Thanks for stopping by. 🦅🇺🇸

[@CT-ob2bw]

This vid saved my mower. One of the best on KZbin.

[@baldeagle242]

@C T Thank you so much for sharing your comment! Your feedback means the world to me. It's incredibly uplifting to hear from viewers who have discovered solutions through my videos. I genuinely hope to see you around in the future as well. Wishing you all the best! 😊👍

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

You're Unusual in that, after only 15 seconds, and that of a relative subject, you're Already Talking about the title subject. Better than unusual, Rare! 🏆 THANK YOU! Subscribed.

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you! 😁👍

[@allkindsofoutdooractivities]

Very nice tutorial!

[@artramirez3506]

Excellent, informative video. Short and to the point. Thanks!

[@baldeagle242]

+Art Ramirez Thank you! I hope to see you around on future videos. 😁👍

[@jamesfletcher1874]

Excellent video to help me sort my problem with my mower.

[@baldeagle242]

+@jamesfletcher1874 Thanks for watching! Here’s a link to other videos I’ve posted that you may find useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@Turningwrenches85]

Great info Steve on how to check safety switches .

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you 😁👍

[@Turningwrenches85]

@@baldeagle242 your welcome ☺

[@MrNamasa]

Great video, thanks!

[@csonracsonra9962]

This was the professional way of doing it made easy to understand quickly. No cutting corners or running jumper wires, i like this. You got a sub outta this one!

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you! 😁👍

[@MurphyMower]

Good info- thanks

[@mr1pearl]

I don't work on riders but I might now with all this helpful content nice one Steve !

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks, Bill. A lot of people make them out to be more complicated than they are. Hopefully this simplifies things enough for a few people to successfully figure out some common problems. Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸

[@LWYOffGridHomestead]

Good information...thanks

[@gregmaxfield4405]

Once again easy to follow and clear advice. Thanks Steve. 🙂🚜🐻 Bear Queensland Oztralia

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks Greg. I’m always happy to see you stop by. 😁👍

[@gregmaxfield4405]

@Baldeagle242 Thanks Steve, i have been unwell so have not been around much. 🙂🚜🐻

[@baldeagle242]

@@gregmaxfield4405 I hate to hear that my friend. 😔 You have my prayers and well wishes. I sincerely hope you feel better soon.

[@chadfield376]

I like that kill wire disconnect plan for testing, will prob do that on my JD SX85 as I test my safety switches :-)

[@davidevans8887]

Great tutorial, I been working on mowers over 45 years and didn't knnow this trick. Thanks for sharing.

[@baldeagle242]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸

[@ayitsyaboi]

Thanks for this. I was pulling my hair out because I am generally pretty good with a wrench or a soldering iron, but it took me an hour to figure out that the circuit for the seat safety on mine was open circuit for on instead of closed.

[@baldeagle242]

I’m glad it was helpful. 😁👍

[@larrykent196]

Good stuff, good to know. Thanks for sharing.

[@baldeagle242]

+larry kent Thank you so much for taking the time to share your comment! I hope to see you around on future videos. 😊👍

[@scottfrigiola]

I would truly like to thank you for this video. I'm having a problem with my mower and I have a much clearer understanding of how exactly everything is supposed to work Thanks again Hopefully with your video I will be able to get my mower running again

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to post them here or check other replies of left.

[@dannydunnagan3267]

Just found your channel you have good information.

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you! 🦅🇺🇸

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Great tips 👍

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks Dave. 😁👍

[@jamesmatheson8939]

great instructional video

[@baldeagle242]

You’re very welcome. I’m glad it helped. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. 😁👍

[@shelleyhannah6906]

good video,i learnt alot about the switches and where they were

[@baldeagle242]

+Shelley Hannah Thank you so much for taking the time to share your comment! Your feedback is greatly appreciated. 😊👍

[@DIZ4SHIZNITS]

Fabulous job man helps me alot

[@baldeagle242]

@Kenneth Flowers Thank you for sharing your comment! Your feedback means the world to us. It's incredibly uplifting to hear from viewers who have discovered solutions through our videos and share their own experiences. We genuinely hope to see you around in the future as well. youtube.com/@baldeagle242 Wishing you all the best! 😊👍

[@ronhutton9739]

Hey man. Just wanted to thank you. Just bought this exact model and it kept dying. Watches your video and figures out it was the reverse switch that went bad. You are awesome!

[@baldeagle242]

That’s great that you were able to fix it. 😁👍 Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@ronhutton9739]

@@baldeagle242 just subscribed to your channel, looking forward to checking out your other videos

[@baldeagle242]

@@ronhutton9739 I appreciate that very much. I’m here to help anyway I can. A lot of common problems have probably already been answered in previous videos or comments under the video. 😁👍

[@TomDobyMowerRepair]

great video brother steve!

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you Tom. Hopefully it will help a few people who don’t understand how they work. 😁👍

[@jerrybarker6865]

Thank you Sir.

[@baldeagle242]

+Jerry Barker You’re welcome. Thank you! I hope to see you around on future videos. 😁👍

[@nyinfamous2k2]

Wow. Great video. I have a no start no click issue, so far all I tested was the battery and the main fuse. Can't wait to try this tomorrow, I'm sure it's gotta be something in this loop. Crazy cuz I was just running it , stopped it for 5 min then nothing.

[@baldeagle242]

Hopefully this will help to narrow down your problem. Let me know how it works out. 😁👍

[@tommyandtammy1]

Thanks and God bless.

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. 😁👍

[@jdstewart9689]

excellent!!

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you. 😁👍

[@BillVacca]

Thx very informative.

[@baldeagle242]

+@BillVacca Thanks for watching! Here’s a link to other videos I’ve posted that you may find useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@richo083]

Mad video, I learnt a lot!

[@baldeagle242]

+@richo083 Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching! Here’s a link to other videos I’ve posted that you may find useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@rickbroerman9267]

Great video

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you, Rick. 😁👍

[@robertjeffery6100]

Perfect

[@cueballsi]

Thanks for the tips. I had the engine cover all already, so I use the wire right off the coil for the diagnostics. Found I had an intermittent seat switch. Put some wd40 and worked by hand about 20 times (wd40 is non conductive) fixed that. Test the rest of the switches and all worked per your walkthrough. The end culprit was also a blown 20amp fuse… so, key wasn’t giving power to starter relay nor the carburetor solenoid. Engine cranks now.

[@baldeagle242]

+@cueballsi Thanks for watching! Here’s a link to other videos I’ve posted that you may find useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Oh Yes !!! Nothing but Awesome brother!! Ray Charles can see that is an easy way to diagnose safety switches. 😀 Such a great job, easy to follow and understand. Outstanding editing and commentary, thanks for sharing Steve.

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks T-Bone. Hopefully it will help a few people out. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

@Baldeagle242 it definitely will help many people!! Great job brother!

[@TheIronDuke502]

@@RaleysSmallEngines A big hello to you from Mark In Kentucky.

[@TheIronDuke502]

Hello,, I was looking through some videos regarding safety switches and discovered your KZbin channel. I wanted to let you know that I am now one of your subscribers - So I guess that you are stuck with me(LOL).

[@slipperyjohnson7016]

Nice! I have an issue with my mower dying when I release the brake and I don't know what switch it is. Now I can check. Thanks

[@baldeagle242]

+Slippery Johnson Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching! Here’s a link to other videos I’ve posted that you may find useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@MdogStudio]

Thanks main!

[@baldeagle242]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching. 😁👍

[@davidduvall4655]

Seen some new mowers now adding safety on mower chute. Getting crazy trying to fix stuff.

[@baldeagle242]

I’ve seen that on a few push mowers but haven’t run across any on riders yet.

[@RepairGang]

I just by pass all safety and full send YOLO

[@baldeagle242]

🤦🏻

[@marksanders3237]

Awesome job Bald eagle!! I'm going back out to try this on my Cub Cadet Ultima Z1. It has been driving me nuts trying to figure this out. Your video inspired me. LOL. Thanks again Steve.

[@baldeagle242]

Let us know what you find. 😁👍

[@marksanders3237]

@@baldeagle242 Right off the bat my solenoid under the carb is not clicking.

[@baldeagle242]

@@marksanders3237 it’s pretty common for those to fail. You can replace them without removing the carburetor on most mowers.

[@marksanders3237]

Thanks so much. We appreciate ya!!

[@baldeagle242]

You’re welcome. Just keep in mind that fuel will run out of the bottom of the carb once you loosen it up. I’d recommend pinching off the fuel line and taking precautions to catch the fuel.

[@juliuslucia3665]

Stay safe with Ian

[@donwilliams169]

You're doing a good job on your video. and it is a very easy a more effective way to find the problem.on One of your videos would you like to explain all the reasons for not bypassing safety switches?I think you could help people have a lot less accidents that would be great.as always thank you so much for the video great job have a great day

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks, Don. I recorded a little bit on why you shouldn't bypass the safety switches, but it didn't turn out the way I wanted. In the end, I cut it out of the video and stuck to how to fix them. Thanks for watching. I'll put something together for a future video about this issue.

[@donwilliams169]

@@baldeagle242 Thank you I really appreciate your work and time you put in your video It's not as easy as people might think. But I think you do a good job 👍 I had a friend that bypassed low oil switch on a Honda he was soon sorry 😐

[@icusawme2]

I'm pretty sure the carb solenoid is out on my mower. I'll have a new one tomorrow to confirm. Thanks for the great video.

[@baldeagle242]

+@icusawme2 Thanks for watching! Here’s a link to other videos I’ve posted that you may find useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@masonreppeto882]

Holy crap THat's a lot of switches.

[@baldeagle242]

There are more than most people realize.

[@zachjones8092]

This video was extremely helpful, thank you! Thought I knew what my problem was and replaced both the starter solenoid and brake interlock switch with no luck. I was about to disable the seat safety switch when I found this video. I went through the test procedure and found that my seat switch was good. My problem seems to be the PTO. Do you have any other videos that cover diagnosing/troubleshooting the PTO clutch?

[@baldeagle242]

At this time I do not. Next time I come across that issue I will make a video though.

[@dannylinc6247]

This was good but fast. You want to take notes and start and stop it or replay it to compare to your mower.

[@richardstone5241]

Just found your channel and subscribed because of the great information and the way you teach with a no nonsense simple explanation approach. BTW, I have a 2015 Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 that still runs perfect. My complaint however is the piece of sh*t seat which has fallen apart. But, try to find a good seat (so far impossible for me) and I refuse to pay Cub Cadet $249.00 for another piece of sh*t. What do you recommend? I would like a heavy duty one and NOT the thin vinyl that came with it. Any ideas?

[@baldeagle242]

It’s been a while since I’ve bought anything other than the less expensive aftermarket seats. I’ve often wondered what an upholsterer would charge to redo one but I’ve never looked into it. Thanks for subscribing. 😁👍

[@kars4me2]

54 inch white zero turn mower not cut off

[@baldeagle242]

+@kars4me2 Thank you for sharing your comment! We hope to see you around in the future as well. youtube.com/@baldeagle242 Wishing you all the best! 😊👍

[@frankbyers9719]

Good job thank you, if i take my foot off the brake the motor stop if I engage mower deck the motor stop. I guess I need to buy two switches ?

[@baldeagle242]

That’s probably a seat safety switch. It doesn’t realize your sitting on the seat.

[@jordanbarg1553]

Picked up a little tractor off the side of the road I’ve been trouble shooting. The problem I’m having now is that when I engage the PTO lever the engine cuts off. I suspect the safety switch is the issue but not certain. I have the mower deck removed so there is no binding. When I hold the lever in the off position it will start but will kill the engine when it starts to move to the on position.

[@baldeagle242]

That sounds like a safety switch. The video below will show you a quick and easy way to troubleshoot the switches without knowing much about the electronics of the mower. 👇 kzbin.info/www/bejne/moWle5xod7SfjMk

[@tomkurz6884]

This is great advice! But I’m not sure which black wire I am starting with. Mine looks a little different. If I use the black wire off of the starter solenoid then I am getting the beep constantly. Should I just start unplugging switches to see if any stop the beeping?

[@baldeagle242]

If your unsure you can follow the wire up to your coil(s) and attach your test lead there. You may have to remove the plastic cover on the engine to get to it this way.

[@jayjackson597]

my J Deere has lasted so long that all my wires have gone bad. and each one failed halfway thru mowing. to the point the only thing worth saving is the engine. but not before i wasted my time re wiring everything. tranny was final straw. thanks for the tips , i have started same scenario with another mower so....

[@baldeagle242]

I've had a few like that myself over the years. Unfurtenetly all good things must end at some point. Good luck with the other mower. Hopefully nothing too serious. Thanks for watching.

[@frankdavidson9675]

i have 21 yr old mower its not a john deere but thats no problem i use it weekly during summer no problem i can not fix bought it new

[@ohio2473]

Great video. I have a question. I've got a snapper nxt2346. It has the push button start/stop switch. When I shut the mower off, the switch and the dash stay turned on and drain battery. Only way to kill the power is to pull the fuse out that's under the dash. Any clues or help?? Thanks in advance.

[@baldeagle242]

+Ohio 24 without any further diagnosis i’d say you have a bad switch.

[@DefensorFortis]

Excellent and out of the box thinking. I have a Cub cadet where when you turn the switch to start it, the starter gear rises up but it doesn't turn the flywheel it just seems to run out of momentum. Will any of those switches affect that?

[@baldeagle242]

None of the safety switches will have an effect on the starter gear. I would however double check to make sure the positive and negative cables are not reversed on your battery.

[@DefensorFortis]

@@baldeagle242 will do today and also the fuses.

[@DefensorFortis]

@@baldeagle242 it's a brand new starter

[@JQUICK21]

Happy Thanksgiving! I started having trouble with PTO/blades suddenly stopping working during mowing. Then at same time had troubles starting tractor back up. I have put almost all new parts on it. New starter solenoid, new ignition switch/key, new battery, new fuel filter and fuel pump. I cut wires going to seat switch and joined them, taped them. I have the brake switch button permanently pushed in with a zip tie. After all that could not get tractor to start. Today I found I did not have the seat switch wires grounded to anything. When I took the black ground wire and placed it on a bolt and turned the key the tractor tried to start and turn over. After going inside for a while I came back out and tried to start it again but this time nothing! Dead again. Pulled the fuse out and it was broke. Put another fuse in and same thing, tractor tried to start. Tried again a second time and nothing. Fuse broke again. So I am blowing fuses. Besides figuring out why fuses are blowing I will have to figure out the PTO situation. I know that the clutch can be free spinning or faulty and also there is a wire or two going to the clutch which could be a problem, maybe shorting out or something. So sorry about this long message here. I would gladly pay you for your assistance!!!!

[@baldeagle242]

Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. I would check the clutch and clutch wires. A shorted safety switch or seat switch will keep the mower from starting but there is no voltage running through the safety circuit to blow a fuse. The clutch itself and the wires going to it should have 12 volts when engaged. I would first unplug the clutch and the engagement switch. With both unplugged that should eliminate the no start issue if something is shorted out. After you determine that is the issue I’d plug the clutch back in to see if the problem returns. If not plug the switch back in and check again. Doing this through process of elimination should help to narrow down your issue. It could be as simple as a pinched or shorted wire or a component failure. You can also put a volt meter directly on the battery and watch for rapid voltage changes as you push and pull on the wiring harness. Either way, if a fuse is blowing you have a short, smoothing hooked up backwards or a failed component.

[@JQUICK21]

@@baldeagle242 Very grateful!

[@francisjames57]

Hello! Great video! Very understandable and you get right at it! I have a Poulan similar to what you used for the video,hit a cable rope in grass which wrapped around blades and stalled motor. Removed cable,turn key to start,nothing. No attempt to start whatsoever. In your opinion do you think I twisted the motor out of timing? I would think if I did so the mower would at least turn over.

[@baldeagle242]

It probably sheared (or partially sheared) the flywheel key.

[@francisjames57]

@@baldeagle242 thanks eagle!

[@baldeagle242]

@@francisjames57 Any time my friend. Good luck with it. Let me know what you find.

[@francisjames57]

@@baldeagle242 Eagle! Man o man.. I`ll tell you what. Last year I had this no start issue which you tried to help me with and I did numerous things to check it out. Even took it a repair fella I grew up with but "luckily" he was closed that day and I brought mower back home. So I went and bought a new JD120 from Home Depot brought it home ...looking it over in the garage and my son comes over to check it out. After shooting the breeze for awhile....son goes over to the "broken" mower ....the old Craftsman Polan....and I`m bellie aching on about it and he says..."Dad...you know the blade activation lever is in the "on" position right"??? I about fell over right there! He pulls it down in the off position and turned the key and it fired right up!! Now ....I can NOT explain....how completely freekin stupid I felt and STILL do!! I couldn`t bring myself to muster up the courage to touch base with ya and tell ya about it. But now.....a year later....before I die.....had to come clean ol boy. As a kid during summer vacations we used to tear old mowers apart and put them back together. So...the know how is there.....but perhaps the common sense is starting to slip in this old 67 yr old knucklehead. Anyhow Eagle....hope this at least brought a smile! Signed....Idiot

[@baldeagle242]

@@francisjames57 That’s funny. I’m happy to hear it was nothing serious. 😁👍 I’ve went to pick mowers up in the past from people who have had the same issue. I politely ask them if they’ve tried to start the mower with the blades disengaged. It’s something I need to start asking before I go down a rabbit hole. 😉👍

[@leemurrieta9628]

So it could be the switch on the clutch side seat one works but as soon as I put it in gear and release the clutch it dies

[@baldeagle242]

Have you checked to see if the reverse safety switch may be engaged?

[@johnverkler3962]

Sir. Very precise indeed! Have you done this on a Snapper 2013 RER 210, as it's called, "Turtle"? I'm trying this same idea myself. I don't know if I've found all the safety swithes. Thank you.

[@baldeagle242]

This should work on any mower. They all use a pretty similar safety switch system.

[@johnverkler3962]

​@@baldeagle242Thank you very much. I will thoroughly be using this as a guide.

[@inthedarkwoods2022]

So the black sire going to the starter from the key switch is a "kill wire" and if it has a connection than it is killing the starter.

[@baldeagle242]

The black wire goes to the coil. If it has a connection to ground it will kill the spark.

[@leonardweidig1274]

I have an 2007 John Deere X300. When I drew up the. Wiring diagram for the starter relay I left something out can you help me find the right schematic. Every one I find is for a different model.

[@baldeagle242]

If you have a local dealer they will usually help you with what you need and can print a diagram for you.

[@user-ug7dw1zh3y]

I don't have a negative to pull in the solenid relay

[@baldeagle242]

Some are grounded through the frame and mounting bolts.

[@MrLMJohnson]

Great videos. If the engine turns over when key is turned, does that mean all 3 safety switchs are operating properly. Hence, I can eliminate safety switches as reason mower won't start. In other words, does a bad switch always present itself as a disconnected battery.

[@baldeagle242]

On most AYP and MTD mowers this is true. When you get into some of the higher end John Deere or commercial fuel injected models you will still be able to crank them with safety issues but no fire. On must residential mowers if it cranks the safety switches are normally good. Most common issue with a crack and no fire is the carb solenoid followed by a shorted wire (mouse?)

[@MrLMJohnson]

@@baldeagle242 Thanks. I've replaced the carb, plug, coil, and gas and cleaned all the dirt from safety switches and can only manage a short, halfway start when gumout is sprayed in the carb, then it quickly dies. Don't know what to do next. Murray 425000 with B&S motor.

[@baldeagle242]

@MrLMJohnson If it’s firing with gum out sprayed directly into the carb I’d suspect the solenoid on the bottom of your carburetor is stuck shut. First check to see if it possibly came unplugged. It requires power to open the solenoid to allow fuel into the main jet of the carburetor. I don’t recommend disabling it but there are plenty of videos on KZbin showing you how to cut the stopper off. If you choose to do this I would suggest replacing it after you confirm it’s bad.

[@MrLMJohnson]

The solenoid on the old and new carbs are engaging. The old one was slow at first, but not the new carb. I found a bent push rod on the exhaust side. Aluminum. Just received the replacement today and will install tomorrow.@@baldeagle242

[@jeffreykatsopolis9642]

Hey i'm a 70 year old gentleman trying to figure out whats going on with my daughter's mower. Please help! She has a craftsman 944.602600, 24 inch. When she puts it in drive it'll drive for a bit, then it'll start going backward all of a sudden while the lever is physically still in drive. And sometimes it doesn't even move when you put it in gear. One guy said to replace a switch Do you know what the issue is? Much appreciated!

[@baldeagle242]

+Jeffrey Katsopolis with the information you’ve provided I’m stumped. I’m not sure what would cause something like that.

[@55chevytruck]

Did all your test and seem good. Not getting any voltage on the white wire on the sol. Jumping with a screw driver with kill wire off it stars right up. Any ideas? Sol is good and test of brake and seat switch seem good.

[@baldeagle242]

We will need to check a few more things before I can answer that. Are you getting 12 volts on the solenoid engagement wire when you turn the key? If not you possibly have a loose wire on the key switch or a bad switch. If you are it’s probably a bad connection at the solenoid or a bad solenoid itself.

[@55chevytruck]

@@baldeagle242 Got it running and noticed sparks down by the shield. It was the + wire going to the carb sol. Think that was why I keep blowing fuses. thanks for responding!

[@baldeagle242]

@@55chevytruck Yes, that will do it. Should be 12 volts on that wire when running to engage the solenoid. I’m glad you were able to figure it out. 😁👍

[@thomasperry313]

My father has an old Craftsman 917.271060 that I'm trying to fix-up for him. Already replaced mower deck components, but noticed while testing that the parking brake won't engage. I looked under the hood and can see it's just a half-inch shy of where I believe the lever would be able to engage it. I was going to order a new rod brake hydro (part #169498) because I thought it must be damaged (one of the old spindles was bent, along with a really bent blade, so I know he hit something HARD). I'm wondering now if maybe the nuts near the brakes just need to be adjusted one way or the other (?) Thanks if you have any suggestions. I will continue to browse your vids but coming up with nothing on finding any 'parking brake adjustment' or 'rod brake hydro' help. Thank you!

[@baldeagle242]

Without seeing it myself it’s difficult to say exactly. There’s not much to it. If you look underneath as you (or a helper) try to engage it, that may give you a better understanding of what’s going on under there. It’s definitely possible that something is broken off or bent to where it doesn’t catch.

[@thomasperry313]

Thank you for the reply. Very kind of you. Yeah, I'm trying to wrap my head around it. With the brake pedal fully engaged, the lever is just barely shy of being able to lock it in, so my initial thoughts were that the brake rod must've got bent by the deck during a collision with a tree root or whatever. I hoped maybe it was something you had seen a time or two. Thanks again. I like the way you present your vids! Best wishes- @@baldeagle242

[@baldeagle242]

@@thomasperry313 thank you.

[@garyhonaker2242]

Why is my deck blade safety switch work backwards

[@johnvotaw9490]

IMy son has a Troy Bilt TB30R (the small rear engine mower). There is one connector that is in the vicinity of the battery and starter, that is not connected. It is just a 2 wire connector, red and green. I assume green is ground and red is power, and the wires are part of a large wire bundle. The leads on the connecter are fairly short, so it could not go very far. Any ideas what might be going on? Obviously, we do not see any corresponding connectors that are not engaged. The mower will not start, much like if a safety switch is not working. Any help appreciated

[@baldeagle242]

I don’t recall the colors for the wire connections but generally the safety circuits are black wires. It’s possible the connection your talking about would be for the charging system. Without tracing the wires down it would be difficult for me to be certain what that plug is for. I would start by checking to see if either wire connects to ground or power before trying to connect it to anything. Hooking it up someplace it shouldn’t be could cause damage somewhere else.

[@DianneDarlin-et2it]

Which safety switch is bad if the riding mower engine dies when put into gear?

[@baldeagle242]

Without checking them it’s difficult to say. It’s best to test them before you start blindly replacing them.

[@louisbrown8319]

I'm having trouble with the solenoid at the carb. It only clicks once. Could that affect my other three switches?

[@baldeagle242]

The solenoid on the carb will have no effect on the other switches. It is supplied with 12 volts DC when the key is on. All other safety switches work strictly with continuity to ground out the ignition coil and prevent it from creating spark. Here is another video I posted earlier this year that may help to troubleshoot your problem. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moWle5xod7SfjMk

[@seaghodwyer432]

@@baldeagle242 the link is to this video

[@JQUICK21]

Can't we just cut the wires right before the switch, connect the two wires together and tape them up? And do this on all safety switches?

[@baldeagle242]

I’d advise against doing that.

[@dlc2724]

I found the black wire traced it back to the engine block attached with a bolt. Would that be the same wire?

[@baldeagle242]

No, that would probably be the larger negative ground wire for the battery or starter solenoid. The black wire your looking for will trace back under the shroud cover on the top of the engine and attach to the coil(s) with a quick connection.

[@dlc2724]

@@baldeagle242 I found a white wire coming from the connector that has a larger barrel connector with heat shrink wrap that connects to a black wire that runs under the plastic. Looks like the manufacturer wire (scag )that connects to Kawasaki engines wiring

[@JimW-op1fg]

Didn’t see you mention seat safety switch on DGT 6000

[@baldeagle242]

You should be able to test them on any mower with this type of safety switch system.

[@JimW-op1fg]

Bought mower used , switch is broken and cant get the new switch installed

[@RaySweeney-mh5hi]

engine starts and runs, engine stops when engage trans or mower, LX173 mower, gear drive, thanks

[@martindonell2521]

Newbie here. I wanted to know would this process work on a zero turn?

[@baldeagle242]

Yes, it will work the same way. You will have extra switches on the control arms but you can test exactly the same way.

[@martindonell2521]

@@baldeagle242 thanks. Hope to learn more from your videos.

[@otisman22]

The brake safety switch has no plug, nor could I find one. There is a female spade white wire leading from brake safety switch that is disconnected. Where does is go? Also the red wire leading to the engine is hot all the time even with the ignition is removed. The is no click at ignition switch, however there is a click at or near the magneto. The machine ran fine last week.

[@baldeagle242]

There are a lot of variables when troubleshooting something like this. It’s difficult for me to say without seeing what you have there. It’s possible someone may have already been in there and worked on it from what you’ve said above.

[@TomSmith-tb7bj]

My LT1000 has new-working battery, new solenoid, new starter, good battery ground, turn key and cranks to compression point and stops. battery meter shows battery at 12 volts but drops under load to 8 or so. Any guesses as to my problem/fix?

[@baldeagle242]

It sounds like the compression release has broken on your camshaft. I mentioned it around the 1 minute and 15 second mark in this video and show you what it looks like. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bofbhYWnf7-cZrM

[@baldeagle242]

Also, pull the spark plug and turn the engine over by hand to make sure it’s not hydrolocked

[@gregorynewkirk6371]

Mower will start but when you let go of the brake it cuts off did the test and could not get the continuity sound to stop

[@baldeagle242]

You may have a damaged wire that’s grounded out or a switch that has failed in the closed state. At that point you’ll need to test individual wire for continuity to ground and switches.

[@pajonrosamontri2344]

My lt1000 transmission can not be shifted if the engine is running. What could have caused it. How do I fix this problem. Thank you.

[@baldeagle242]

Difficulty shifting a riding mower while the engine is running could be due to issues with the clutch, transmission, or the belt tension. Ensure the clutch is fully disengaged, and check for any debris or damage around the shifting mechanism.

[@JimW-op1fg]

Where is seat safety switch on DGT 6000 ?

[@baldeagle242]

I’m not sure. There should be wires running to it that you can follow unless someone has cut them off and bypassed them.

[@Spooky_lollipop9]

I am having issues with my craftsman riding mower. I have done everything I can think of. Engine start right up every time,new pto switch, good fuse, no brake switch found, runs but when brake is released engine dies. I have checked seat and works fine also belt are in good condition. Can you contact me. I need help please??

[@baldeagle242]

Is there any chance the reverse safety switch is engaged?

[@ronaldrafe1692]

Bald eagle, do you give advice on specific pieces of equipment. I have a Husqvarna rider 155, 2003 version residential zero turn unit. I got it running for the season ran for five minutes while I was getting ready to cut and it all of a sudden died out. I put my tools away sit on it and I have no click I’ve replaced the solenoid tested all the kill switches and I still have no click. I just saw this video of yours but I don’t know where that black wire for the coil is and it also distinctly says don’t cut this and try to run your unit so that’s a little confusing help the grass is getting long. Ron

[@baldeagle242]

You don’t want to cut that wire and try to use your machine. Cutting it is for testing components only. If it died and won’t click that could be a few things. Are you sure the battery is still good?

[@ronaldrafe1692]

I am sure battery is good, 1) it started with the battery first thing this season 2) I can jump the solenoid terminals and it turns over

[@ronaldrafe1692]

I just bought a short-test light but am unsure what do with it. At this point I’m thinking it’s a short.

[@ronaldrafe1692]

I have a mult- meter too

[@baldeagle242]

Id first clip your test light onto a good ground point and then test the starter solenoid for power on the small solenoid wire(not the battery wire) It should have power when you hold the key in the start position.

[@chuckh6852]

I have a craftsman rider seat switch is working opposite the way it's supposed to. Shuts of when I sit on it.

[@baldeagle242]

+Chuck H there are different types of switches. Some are normally open and some are normally closed. You may be able to reverse the plug but you'll probably need to locate the correct switch.