ZD 331 Starter Not Always Cranking

[Trkr]

Mower has had intermittent cranking issues. Usually, 4th or 5th time it starts. Solenoid kicking in, but not cranking. All connections clean, good battery. Got 10.28 volts, at the solenoid start wire.
Thought I read about starter relay issues?
Thanks.

 

[GeoHorn]

YEp... bad relay or safety switch... is reducing current to the starter solenoid. You should see full battery voltage AT the solenoid. I.E., if batt voltage DURING crank-effort is more than at solenoid ...it’s a defective circuit, usually relay or terminals or terminal-to-cable connection.

 

[Trkr]

Where is the relay located? Is it just a matter of checking voltage til I find the problem?

 

[lugbolt]

Relay is under the seat behind a plastic cover as I remember.

Check voltage at the starter "trigger" wire. If under 10v, trace it back using voltage drop test to isolate where the problem lies.

I've seen relay fail, but more commonly corroded or damaged wiring.

 

[Trkr]

Cleaned switches, still have the problem. There are 3 relays, side by side, under the cover under the seat. Which one is the starter relay?

 

[lugbolt]

if I remember right, The book doesn't say which of the 3 relays are which. You have to figure it out by tracing the wirings, and matching the wire colors to the WSM's wiring diagram.

 

[dearbobf]

My L2600 just would not turn over this AM after running fine with 3 starts. Bench test, solenoid kicks in intermittently, or not at all. Are there other issues I should be looking at?

 

[CGMKCM]

Hold the key in start position and kick/pump the park brake. In my case a safety switch was sticking that would not allow start if brake was not applied. After switch was replaced, no more problems.