One day last week my tractor wouldn't start. It cranks and begins to run, then dies after one or two seconds. With the stop solenoid removed, it starts fine. I tested the solenoid outside the tractor, and energizing either pin caused it to retract (as it's supposed to). I convinced myself that none of the safety switches were bad (e.g. PTO switch and HST accel pedal switch block the starter motor when on (which isn't happening), seat switch supposedly is bypassed if tractor is in neutral). So, out of ideas, I decided to replace the solenoid in case it had some erratic behavior. Unfortunately, the brand new solenoid behaves exactly the same.
I now paid closer attention to what happens when I turn the key. When I turn it to "On", the solenoid clicks once, then clicks again about two seconds later. If I then move the key to "Start", the engine won't even begin to fire. However, if I quickly move the key from Off to Start, the engine will start and run for about one or two seconds, then die.
So it seems to me that the solenoid is first being retracted in the On position, then released after about two seconds. This happens with the new solenoid too.
Any ideas what could cause this behavior?
I now paid closer attention to what happens when I turn the key. When I turn it to "On", the solenoid clicks once, then clicks again about two seconds later. If I then move the key to "Start", the engine won't even begin to fire. However, if I quickly move the key from Off to Start, the engine will start and run for about one or two seconds, then die.
So it seems to me that the solenoid is first being retracted in the On position, then released after about two seconds. This happens with the new solenoid too.
Any ideas what could cause this behavior?
