Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - JD 318 starter/electrical

JD 318 with Onan serial#J833714931
Before Winter I had problems with the starter sticking. Now, I don't even get a sticking noise - nothing - like I have a saftey issue. Battery is good. Saftey switch is poor but, I it would kill only when put in drive or reverse, at times. Not actually prevent starting. I do have ignition/dash lights working.

And/or, how about a good small engine/electrical repair book.

Thanks,

Lance

Lance,

With the key in the run position check for battery voltage on the purple wire at the brake switch, If you have power then go to the other wire and push the brake pedal and it should have power as well if the brake switch is working properly.

It almost sounds like you could have two switches acting up....

I don't know of any online Deere PDF service manuals, I bought mine in CD format.

The starter does engage when I jump it directly.

Jumping at the starter or the brake switch ?

Thanks,

The purple wire at the solonoid was off.

Now the mower deck won't engage. But, it engages when I take a hot wire to the single blue wire comming from the front of the tractor. The switch itself has a hot wire going to it but nothing hot comming out. And when I turn the switch on it won't allow the tractor to start. Any suggestions would be helpfull.

Thanks,

Lance

Well Lance, Sounds like maybe the pto switch or seat switch may be acting up. Below is the test procedures for the various switches;


http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m314/Restrorob/Deere/Deere318SafetySwitchTest1.jpg
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m314/Restrorob/Deere/Deere318SafetySwitchTest2.jpg



After each test/repair it states to go to group 05, That is just a overall system test. Trying to crank without pushing brake or with the pto switch on etc....