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craftsman 917.271140 makes loud click, but won't start

11 years ago

I have carefully checked brake/clutch mechanism and parking brake, but still only get loud click when I turn ignition key. About 20 hours of mowing ago, had key module replaced with slightly different version than original, but repair guy assured me no bad consequences if upon reinstallation, key worked, along with other functions. btw, the headlights are strong. Is it worth $23.00 to replace solenoid as opposed to having service guy charge $35 for diagnois? The engine is a kohler 16.5 and no electrical problems until now (assuming it is electrical)./

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Comments (8)

walt2002
11 years ago
Well the first thing to do is some checking. Use a small jumper wire between the positive battery cable terminal on the starter solenoid and the small terminal on the solenoid where the wire from the ignition switch connects. There MAY be two small terminals, if so, one will be connect to ground.

Now, does the starter run OK? IF so, solenoid is good. IF not, solenoid MAY be bad OR battery may not be good but you said the lights were strong. Battery cable connections may not be good. Were the ground cable connects to the frame is often overlooked. Use a good set of jumper cables and jump directly to the starter and see what happens.

More if needed after this.

Walt Conner
bill_kapaun
11 years ago
When it clicks, do the headlights dim?

IF so, that indicates a low battery or bad battery cable connection.
If NOT, it indicates a bad starter solenoid.
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Tomplum is spot on there. I have repaired "worst case" problems (where plastic connector melts or breaks) by replacing the connector assembly with individual, insulated wire spade terminals. But using the individual terminals means you have to be absolutely certain you understand exactly where each wire is supposed to go. To release a spade terminal from the connector body, insert a small screwdriver into the business end of the connector (in the direction indicated by red arrow) to depress the locking tab that secures the terminal to a lock notch in the plastic. While holding the locking tab down with the release tool (screwdriver), gently pull on the wire at the back end of the connector. If the release tool is in place properly, and the connector is not melted, the wire and terminal will slip easily out of the connector. I have also had success with just cleaning and tightening the terminal by ever so slightly closing the gap of the terminal with a small pair of pliers. Cleaning can be done using a small, stiff sliver of sand paper inserted into the open end of the terminal, but it requires patience.If the terminal has a dark or blackish appearance, don't even try to clean it.....it has been hot and is no good now. Replace it.
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bill_kapaun
11 years ago
Looking at the schematic more-
Lights are part of the key switch, so that test isn't going to work very well.....

So-
with the headlights ON, jumper 12V to the small solenoid terminal as per Walts suggestion.
Then observe headlight results.
vandtbear1
11 years ago
Have you tried checking the safety switches? I had one do the same thing you mentioned and it turned out to be the pin switch under the seat had come loose. Connected it back up and used a nylon zip tie to make sure it didn't happen again.

Also try and jumper them out if they still appear to be connected properly.
bill_kapaun
11 years ago
Seat switch has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the crank circuit on this tractor.

I've yet to see a tractor where it did.
vandtbear1
11 years ago
Sorry, I did not look up this model number and view the wiring schematic.

Well in my case the clicking I heard was the relay working. Pin switch not engaging = no crank. Just thought it couldn't hurt to check those pin switches. Doesn't apply here I guess.
dr_mike
11 years ago
the solenoid is the most commonly replaced part that has nothing wrong with it. if it is clicking it is working. it simply an elctromagnetic switch that when energized (the click) simply connect the two battery cables together to spin the starter. if this is clicking then all of the related safety switches are working. it is either the ground as a previous poster stated. have tryed to spin the engine by hand? put you hand on the screen on top of the engine and see if turns. if it does not the engine could be seized.
tomplum
11 years ago
A click from the starter solenoid DOES NOT automatically mean it is good. In MOST cases it tells you that the trigger/ safety circuits are ok.

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