Z421 only starts jumping across solenoid

Cop56

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Kubota z421
Aug 2, 2023
8
0
1
Tennessee
I have a z421 zero turn. Kawasaki fp730v motor. Started clicking with battery at 12.7 v. So I shorted across solenoid, everything runs and operates properly. So ordered new solenoid, installed and same results. So started checking grounds and cleaning terminals. Checked all fuses under seat. I have ordered safety switches. I checked with ohm meter all 3 on brake and both hand control seemed to operate as intended. No/nc. What am I missing? I hear there’s a 30a fuse, I don’t see one, and starter relay where would these be? Any help if someone have easyier wat running process of eliminatinion let me know! At a loss! Thanks!!!
 

Henro

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Sounds like you probably have an issue with your safety, interlock circuit which supplies voltage to the starter solenoid when everything is set properly.

Just a guess. I have no knowledge of the specifics of your zero turn.
 
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Dave_eng

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M7040, Nuffield 465
Oct 6, 2012
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I have a z421 zero turn. Kawasaki fp730v motor. Started clicking with battery at 12.7 v. So I shorted across solenoid, everything runs and operates properly. So ordered new solenoid, installed and same results. So started checking grounds and cleaning terminals. Checked all fuses under seat. I have ordered safety switches. I checked with ohm meter all 3 on brake and both hand control seemed to operate as intended. No/nc. What am I missing? I hear there’s a 30a fuse, I don’t see one, and starter relay where would these be? Any help if someone have easyier wat running process of eliminatinion let me know! At a loss! Thanks!!!
In my collection of documents I have 2 which may OR may not apply to your machine.
I will attach them and insist you do your homework before making any changes based upon these documents.
Dave
 

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Lug66

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LX2610HSDC, Z422KWT
Jun 7, 2023
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Did you test the ignition switch? A loose, corroded, disconnected wire or faulty switch will halt the start sequence. You can determine if the fault is from the battery to the switch or downstream from the ignition switch.
 
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jaxs

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B1750HST
Jun 22, 2023
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I don't have the same machine but troubleshooting is pretty much the same ,give or take a few safty switches. I sugget you listen and feel for where the CLICKING is coming from while attempting to start. NOT THE CLICK when key is turned to run,that's fuel cutoff and has nothing to do with starter. When you find clicking device,chances are you will find a bad contact inside device. File/sand to clean contact or replace relay.
 
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Cop56

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Equipment
Kubota z421
Aug 2, 2023
8
0
1
Tennessee
In my collection of documents I have 2 which may OR may not apply to your machine.
I will attach them and insist you do your homework before making any changes based upon these documents.
Dave
Thank you sir!! I’ve been trying to get schematics from kubota and Messricks. Thank you so much! I’ll look at these tonight and try to trace tomorrow morning on my machine.
 

Cop56

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Equipment
Kubota z421
Aug 2, 2023
8
0
1
Tennessee
I don't have the same machine but troubleshooting is pretty much the same ,give or take a few safty switches. I sugget you listen and feel for where the CLICKING is coming from while attempting to start. NOT THE CLICK when key is turned to run,that's fuel cutoff and has nothing to do with starter. When you find clicking device,chances are you will find a bad contact inside device. File/sand to clean contact or replace relay.
Wow never heard that. I’ll try to listen closer. I’m hard of hearing, may have to find someone to listen for me! Thanks!
 

Cop56

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Equipment
Kubota z421
Aug 2, 2023
8
0
1
Tennessee
Did you test the ignition switch? A loose, corroded, disconnected wire or faulty switch will halt the start sequence. You can determine if the fault is from the battery to the switch or downstream from the ignition switch.
Well kinda. I tried taking the dash off but couldn’t digure out to get a couple things loose without breaking. I’ve worked on 2 days in a row, was frustrated, checked continuity to what I could figure out what goes where. Couldn’t find a schematic to check nr test light. But a fellow sent me one tonight. Hopefully tomorrow I can figure it out! Got to be simple. Mower does great. First little issue. I bought new 3 years ago for our farm. Got 20 acres Thanks
 

Lug66

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LX2610HSDC, Z422KWT
Jun 7, 2023
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SW Michigan
Did you have a chance to do a load test on the battery? The amperage may be dropping off.
 
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Henro

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B2910, BX2200, KX41-2V mini Ex., Beer fridge
May 24, 2019
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No sir. But why can I jump across with screw driver and no issue starting? If that would be issue.
Since the engine starts and continues to run after you jump between the main power lug on the starter and the starter solenoid terminal, you have proven that the issue is not related to the main power circuit to the starter, which includes the battery.

The problem is almost certainly in the circuit which supplies voltage to the starter solenoid. This could be due to a failed safety switch, or a switch that has become loose and it’s not functioning properly. It could be a broken wire. But it’s very likely something in that safety circuit that is causing the problem.

Edit: If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key to the start position, and this could indicate that you have a issue with resistance buildup on one of the switches in the safety circuit. If you have a voltmeter measure the voltage on the terminal of the starter solenoid when you turn the key to the start position and see what you have. You obviously don’t have 12 V. If you see some voltage there, when you turn the key to the start position, this would indicate you have either a poor connection somewhere, or resistance, building up across the contact tips of one or more of the safety switches.
 
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Cop56

New member

Equipment
Kubota z421
Aug 2, 2023
8
0
1
Tennessee
Since the engine starts and continues to run after you jump between the main power lug on the starter and the starter solenoid terminal, you have proven that the issue is not related to the main power circuit to the starter, which includes the battery.

The problem is almost certainly in the circuit which supplies voltage to the starter solenoid. This could be due to a failed safety switch, or a switch that has become loose and it’s not functioning properly. It could be a broken wire. But it’s very likely something in that safety circuit that is causing the problem.

Edit: If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key to the start position, and this could indicate that you have a issue with resistance buildup on one of the switches in the safety circuit. If you have a voltmeter measure the voltage on the terminal of the starter solenoid when you turn the key to the start position and see what you have. You obviously don’t have 12 V. If you see some voltage there, when you turn the key to the start position, this would indicate you have either a poor connection somewhere, or resistance, building up across the contact tips of one or more of the safety switches.
Thanks I’ll check it again. I don’t think I had anything across the solenoid when I turned key. But will check again. I know I have pack voltage coming in of course.
 

Cop56

New member

Equipment
Kubota z421
Aug 2, 2023
8
0
1
Tennessee
In my collection of documents I have 2 which may OR may not apply to your machine.
I will attach them and insist you do your homework before making any changes based upon these documents.
Dave
The 2nd diagram isn’t my mower. My brake switch is on left side, under seat. It’s on rail beside/ over gas tank. I did remove and check with ohm meter yesterday. Unless it has more than one switch on bake system.
 

Lug66

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Equipment
LX2610HSDC, Z422KWT
Jun 7, 2023
116
67
28
SW Michigan
No sir. But why can I jump across with screw driver and no issue starting? If that would be issue.
Sorry, I'm OCD with troubleshooting. I have Z422KWT with a Kawasaki engine . If I take the parking brake off and try to start it,I can hear one single click. If I then move the arms inboard, one at a time, or leave the seat empty with the brake on results in no sound at all
My 30A fuse is located between the battery and the engine. It's covered up in orange electrical tape.