Spartan Zero Turn B&S 25 HP 724cc No Crank

[Buckaroo5]

Went to start the mower today at the remote cabin and got a no crank. Spartan mower (only about 40 hours) generated a #12 error code that indicates battery issue or solenoid wiring short. Battery was just charged but jumped it just to make sure without success. Was scratching my head if it was the solenoid, wiring or starter. It is a 3 pole solenoid which means the ground is through the solenoid bracket to the frame of the mower. Fortunately determined it was a bad ground so I backed out the solenoid bracket anchor screws and retightened which fixed the problem - apparently just some corrosion during the winter. If I had decided it was the solenoid, I would have removed those screws to replace it and coincidently it would have started fine. Never would have known it was just a bad ground.

 

[Firebrick43]

When it comes to odd acting electrical problems on vehicles, I bet 80 percent of them are bad grounds.

 

[kbeefy]

When it comes to odd acting electrical problems on vehicles, I bet 80 percent of them are bad grounds.

Maybe not just grounds, but bad connections and corrosion for sure.

 

[RTM]

When it comes to odd acting electrical problems on vehicles, I bet 80 percent of them are bad grounds.

And if a trailer connection is involved, it's either ground or crappy aftermarket installation

 

[Firebrick43]

And if a trailer connection is involved, it's either ground or crappy aftermarket installation

Most non semi trailers the factory installation is a meth head with a bag of 3M scotch locks. I sort of wish scotch locks were heavier so you could put a handful of them in a sock and beat people that use them and it would actually hurt.

 

[Buckaroo5]

It seems to me that the 3 pole solenoid design is a problem on lawn mowers which see a lot of moisture. The 4 pole with a dedicated ground would be more reliable, When I replace it, I'm going to put in a 4 pole.

 

[Firebrick43]

It seems to me that the 3 pole solenoid design is a problem on lawn mowers which see a lot of moisture. The 4 pole with a dedicated ground would be more reliable, When I replace it, I'm going to put in a 4 pole.

Use a conductive anti-seize like cop graph on the mount screws and you probably will never have a repeat.

 

[zimman]

Remember it takes "AMPS" to start anything. Lawn mower batteries only have a 90 day or 1 year warranty mostly because junk. LOL I'd clean every ground surface and put a lock washer under it to insure continuity.
This is the second time I've posted this pic today.
If that don't work, buy a battery.
Zim

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

Most non semi trailers the factory installation is a meth head with a bag of 3M scotch locks. I sort of wish scotch locks were heavier so you could put a handful of them in a sock and beat people that use them and it would actually hurt.

Damn scotch locks should be illegal. Nothing but trouble. Especially when it concerns trailers