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Craftsman/Kohler (CV22) won't start

14 years ago

I have a ~13yo 22HP Craftsman garden tractor with a Kohler CV22 engine. If the mower blades are engaged, it clicks once. With the mower blades disengaged and I turn the ignition key on nothing happens. No clicking sound, no humming, nothing. The starter doesn't turn at all. I have changed the battery, solenoid, and starter. The fuse has not been replaced but looks good and the headlights turn on. No cables appear loose. The ignition switch was replaced 8-10 years ago and the lights turn on so it appears to be working. I am ordering a new seat kill switch and another ignition switch.

What am I missing? What have I overlooked? Any suggestions are appreciated.

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Comments (7)

bill_kapaun
14 years ago
What's the 917.xxxxxx number?
Craftsman schematics can vary, so being able to look at the correct schematic is nearly priceless.

A "typical" Craftsman cranking circuit utilizes a WHITE wire from the key switch S terminal, through the brake/clutch swith and then the PTO/attachment switch to the starter solenoid.

You can disconnect the latter 2 switches (1 at a time) and jumper the White Wires together, to bypass that switch for troubleshooting.

You might also try jumping 12V direct to the small terminal on the starter solenoid. The engine should crank.

You are pushing in the clutch pedal???
txdurk
Original Author
14 years ago
The tractor model number is 917.257740.

I jumped the two leads on the top of the solenoid and the starter cranks but the engine doesn't. It must be a switch.

Bill: Yes, I was pushing in the clutch pedal. I'll jumper the white leads to see if I can get it to start as you explained. I've just ordered all new switches: ignition, seat, pto, and clutch/brake. The tractor is old enough that it makes some sense to me to replace all the parts. It may save me from going through this again any time soon. If I can get it to start by jumping the white leads then I can get the grass cut sooner.

Thank you.
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The only way the battery can discharge with the key off is if the diode off the alternator is shorted. That's assuming the ignition switch is functioning properly. Try unplugging that connector after using the mower to see if the battery stays charged. IF you have a voltmeter, do the following- Test leads across the battery & engine at high speed. Measure DCV AND ACV. There should be 14ish DCV and negligible ACV. IF you are getting noticeable ACV, it would verify the diode is shorted. The diode could be marginally bad I guess???, but they tend to be good or bad. IF you don't have a meter, a 12V test light MIGHT show a bad diode. Unplug diode connector and insert leads in series with the diode. IF it lights, diode bad. IF you don't know what a diode is, it's basically an electric check valve. Current can only flow one direction.
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rodeobob51
14 years ago
i have a craftsman model # 917.273403 and I can't get it to crank. It is a 2004 model and I have purchased 3 new batteries. Sometimes I can jump it off, but most of the time i just hear a clank. does anyone else have this problem? if so, what did you do about it.
txdurk
Original Author
14 years ago
Well,thanks to everyone who responded. I got the last switch today (the brake switch) and still no joy. I'm afraid at this point it is beyond my capabilities. I'll have to call Sears to bring out a technician.
corvetteguy
14 years ago
When you say YOU JUMPED THE 12 VOLT DIRECTLY TO
THE STARTER IT TURNS BUT THE MOTOR DOES NOT.
This sounds like the plastic gear on the starter
may be shot. This should have been your first
test before spending money on switches.
Can you easily turn the top of the motor screen
by hand?
henry701
13 years ago
My 22.0Hp 50" mower will not starter. Battery is in good shape.
txdurk
Original Author
13 years ago
Henry701:

Check that your ground strap hasn't rusted off from the solenoid. It attaches to the frame. That is what happened to me. When I replaced my solenoid I didn't pay much attention to the little stub of wire that was left. I replaced most everything only to discover the ground strap was missing.

Good luck.

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