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I have acquired a Craftsman LT2000 riding mower. I have replaced the solenoid and the key switch. I have tested the seat switch, the PTO switch and the brake switch. All are good. I jump across the starter and it cranks and runs but I can’t do this every time. I want to be able to crank it with the key switch. I noticed that the headlight Assemly has been removed and the connector has been cut off of the existing wires under the mower hood. Would this be a reason that the mower will not crank with the key switch? Would this cause a grounding break in the electrical system?
Hi, What is the model number of the mower? LT2000 is the model series and there’s a few different models within the series. Not the easiest but try this link and click on Models and then the relevant model number > Shop parts. Scroll the different sections to the right to find the schematic diagram for the mower. Here’s a poor copy from model #917289106
(click on image to enlarge) There’s not that much in the start circuit. To get the solenoid to operate, power goes from +ve battery terminal, through a fuse, thru an ammeter (if applicable), through the ignition key start position (n - s terminals connected), through the brake switch operated, the PTO switch normal, through the solenoid coil and back to -ve terminal of battery. Since you have checked the brake switch and PTO switch that only leaves a fuse, the ignition key or the solenoid. Can you hear the solenoid click when you operate the ignition key? It is the solenoid operating that connects power to the starter motor
