Exmark Lazer CT Won't Start

[shick]

I have a Lazer CT Model # LCT23BV603 with a 23hp Vanguard engine. Mower has been in the garage since October. When I parked it it was starting fine. This past week end I tried to start it to no avail so I bought a new battery believing that it was no good(3 years old). Still would not crank. I traced the wiring back to the solenoid and was able to crank it by jumping across the solenoid with a screw driver. Is there a way to check the ignition switch? I checked the fuses and the wiring looks good. Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks!

[RidGFieLdPoWERMeChanIx]

best bet is get out the trusty test light and just follow the power from the battery to the switch then from the switch to the solenoid and then to the starter good luck deano

[Bill Kapaun]

Serial# would help insure I'm looking at the proper schematic
http://www.exmark.com/manuals.htm#lazerzct

Did it make any sounds, namely the starter solenoid clicking? (fuel solenoid will make a small click when the key is turned on)
When the key is in the crank position, 12V is supplied to the SMALL terminal of the starter solenoid. It appears your solenoid may have 2 small terminals.
IF that is the case, the other will be the ground.
It appears BOTH go through relays- (safeties)

For an initial test, Disconnect both wires to the small terminals and jumper 12V to one and ground the other. This bypasses ALL safeties-
IF the engine cranks, it means the battery, solenoid & starter motor are good.

We now have to isolate if it's the ground side or the 12V side.
You can leave the ground jumper wire attached and re-attach the 12V side and see if it cranks. IF it does, the problem is on the ground side.
IF not, repeat the test with the wires configured in the opposite way.
You may need a helper to go through the start procedure while seated.

[RonAyersMotorsports]

If you don't have any experience with doing what Bill said before, I highly suggest you take it to your dealer or mechanic. I have to many times seen my customers spend money on replacement parts, quessing at what the problem is. To only bring it in to me and I find the problem in 15-20 minutes and it only be a $15 safety switch when they already spent $100 on non refundable electrical parts. Sometimes they get it right, most of the time they don't.

[greenbaylawns]

$15 saftey switch and an $85 shop charge?

[RonAyersMotorsports]

Man your dealers are getting over on you. Maybe not his. A safety switch dianostic and replacement usually only cost between $25-50 in labor depending on time involved.

[shick]

Thanks!
Bill
I am out of town so cannot send the exact serial # but I do know that it is the manual 600,000 and higher. I will go through the steps you have outlined and let you know if I can find the problem.

[ricky86]

More often than not, it's the circut, not the component.

[jeffex]

check your safety systems first. I haven't use my lazer in a month and went to move it in my garage and it wouldn't start. i first thought the battery was dead . I was puzzeled for a minute then went back to basics. A$$ in seat, check , parking brake on, check. It was that one side of the steering paddles was moved in to the opperate position just enough to prevent starting .

[Gem Tang]

It is your solenoid it happens to my machines one to two times a year , It is cheap and easy to fix good luck it will only take you about 15 min to change