Testing safety switches

[Mike_B]

What's the best way to test or eliminate safety switches for a "no start" problem? I don't have an voltmeter but could probably borrow one after the weekend. Would bypassing them be a plausible way to eliminate them as the problem? Would using a piece of wire to jump between the weird connected to the switches work or is resistance needed? My problem is: B2320 HST has electrical power & everything works but the starter doesn't turn. This is what makes me want to eliminate the safety switches first. Any help would be appreciated.

Sent from my XT1080

 

[lsmurphy]

Without knowing your machine, I can tell you that the switches loop to a relay, cut the two wires and connect them to each other.

I too have no tolerance for mindlessness.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

A $5 test light goes a long way with problems like this!

 

[lsmurphy]

A $5 test light goes a long way with problems like this!

The switch loop is likely a ground........all switches when closed complete the ground circuit to the relay.

He needs to understand that is a ground and he'll need to attach test light to the positive post on the battery.

 

[Mike_B]

I don't have much knowledge of electrical stuff. I finally got my googlefu tuned in last night & found more info strung about the internet. I will be starting work on it in a little while.

Sent from my XT1080

 

[bandaidmd]

you can make a temporary jumper wire with a short piece of wire (any gauge will work) and a couple crimp on male spade ends. If you want to see what its looks like i will lift my seat and take a picture, my seat switch is in permanent test mode.
unplug your wire and plug in your tester loop and if it starts you found your prob.
Any cheap ohm meter or continuity tester will also work (there less than $10 at walmart or HF). set the meter to ohms or preferably continuity and touch the tips together the reading on the meter with the tips together is the same reading you want when you stick the test probes into the safety switch and press in its button. All you need to know is if its completing the curcit.

 

[bandaidmd]

What's the best way to test or eliminate safety switches for a "no start" problem? I don't have an voltmeter but could probably borrow one after the weekend. Would bypassing them be a plausible way to eliminate them as the problem? Would using a piece of wire to jump between the weird connected to the switches work or is resistance needed? My problem is: B2320 HST has electrical power & everything works but the starter doesn't turn. This is what makes me want to eliminate the safety switches first. Any help would be appreciated.

Sent from my XT1080

It could be as simple as one of you levers or pedals is not centered, wiggle everything to make sure there where they need to be to start. Just a little off and one of the safety's could be activated.

 

[Mike_B]

I found the gremlin! I was going to check the slow blow fuse at the starter. The one wire on the starter solenoid with a spade connector just popped off. Pushed it back on & it completed the electrical loop. Shut the tractor off & crimped it to tighten it up for a better connection. Problem solved! Thank all of you for your help. For good measure I guess buying a ohm meter is in order.

Sent from my XT1080

 

[Mike_B]

you can make a temporary jumper wire with a short piece of wire (any gauge will work) and a couple crimp on male spade ends. If you want to see what its looks like i will lift my seat and take a picture, my seat switch is in permanent test mode.


The only reason my seat doesn't get out into permanent test mode is my 14 year old son cuts grass for me sometimes. I would rather have to be annoyed occasionally than think of the safeties not cutting the tractor power if something went sideways with him on the seat.

Sent from my XT1080

 

[skeets]

Mike a question,,, How do you get a 14 year old to cut grass?

 

[BAP]

14 year olds are easier to get to mow than 16 year olds with a license.

 

[Mike_B]

Mike a question,,, How do you get a 14 year old to cut grass?

Actually, I called his bluff. He said he would cut a 5 acre field if he had his granddad's lawnmower. I pointed to the tractor & said use that! He said if you show me how to work it, I'll do it. Wide open field, cruise control & headphones; it ain't a bad job to do. Plus I paid him.

Sent from my XT1080

 

[bandaidmd]

you can make a temporary jumper wire with a short piece of wire (any gauge will work) and a couple crimp on male spade ends. If you want to see what its looks like i will lift my seat and take a picture, my seat switch is in permanent test mode.


The only reason my seat doesn't get out into permanent test mode is my 14 year old son cuts grass for me sometimes. I would rather have to be annoyed occasionally than think of the safeties not cutting the tractor power if something went sideways with him on the seat.

Sent from my XT1080

in that situation i totally agree. theres a time and place for everything.