John Deere L110 starting issues

[Thumbcocker]

We have an older JD L110 with a 17.5 Kholer engine. It runs and cuts great thanks to regular maintenance and new deck spindles. There is one minor issue. It wont start with the ignition key. Tried new solenoid and checked the switch. I have been starting it by turning the ignition to on and shorting across the solenoid terminals with a screw driver. Fires right up and runs great. At this point it is a minor inconvenience since I just keep a screw driver in the mesh carrier on thee side and we only mow once a week anyway. On the other hand it might be nice to be able to start it with the key. any suggestions?

[Winger Ed.]

Is there a fuse between the key and the battery?

If power is getting to the key switch, and it works on/off, and the headlights come on with the key,
but power doesn't get to the selinoid, it might be a fuse.

Or if no power gets to the key switch it could be a fuse.

Not sure about yours, but my JD E130 mower has a yellow plug in fuse near the battery.
Not sure what it protects, but might be worth looking at.

[pcolapaddler]

Is there a switch that gets tripped when the blades are engaged?

If there is, that switch could be stuck in the open position, out of adjustment or just bad. That can cause the starter to not engage.



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[jcren]

Safety switch or solenoid.

[Winger Ed.]

Is there a switch that gets tripped when the blades are engaged?

I forgot about all those.
Mine has so many safety switches, ya darn near can't operate it.
One on the seat, the blades, the reverse thing, the parking brake, and even the brake pedal.

Mine hasn't given me any trouble yet, but if it does:
The first rule of MAN LAW will be applied, and it clearly states-

Rule #1.
Disconnect, remove, bypass, or otherwise defeat all safety devices, and throw away the instructions.

[.429&H110]

I feel your pain! Never again any lawns for me!
Away back when I mowed things, seat switch broke.
Clever little hiding place... but I found it after awhile.

[Petrol & Powder]

Thumbcocker - you sure seem to have a lot of small engine problems :bigsmyl2:

The solenoid is just a big relay. The first place to look is at the solenoid and then you work your way back to the ignition switch.
Using a jumper wire, energize the solenoid and see if it cranks when you do that. (obviously exercise some care when you do that)
If the starter works when you energize the solenoid, you now know the solenoid is good. If it doesn't work, the solenoid is suspect.

Then trace the small wire that energizes the solenoid back towards the key switch. As stated, there will probably be one or more safety interlocks before you trace that circuit all the way back to the key switch. Any fuse, safety switch or relay that's bad along that circuit will cause the failure your describe.

Now, there's a second option. You can just bypass all of the safety devices by wiring a separate starter button to the solenoid. Install a momentary button (push button switch) in a convenient place. Run a wire from the battery to the button and from the button to the solenoid. I would put a fuse on the battery side. Now you just turn the key to the "run" position and press the button to engage the starter. Whatever the failed safety interlock is, It will become unimportant. And just like that, it's 1950 all over again [smilie=s:

[NC_JEFF]

Definitely check that seat, blade and brake safety switches aren't malfunctioning. We use a lot of Grasshopper mowers and they have cranking fuses as well as starter relays that you may need to check. Good luck and mow on!

[gwrench]

I'm not familiar with that mower but it's possible it has a neutral switch too. Safety switches is where I would start looking.