Craftsman Mower Problems

[fcvulcan]

I have a Craftsman Kohler Command 42" mower, model # 917.258555.

I started the mower after a couple of months of not using it, the problem is when I try to release the brake/clutch while in neutral the mower stalls. If i release it in forward or reverse it stalls. It will run only if the brake clutch is depressed.

I was thing it was a seat safety switch is defective, how would I check to see if this is the problem?

[sawinredneck]

Find the black wire running under the cowling of the engine, there should be a connector on it, disconnect it then try it again. This removes the kill function on the coil, you will have to choke the engine to stop it if that is the problem. DO NOT RUN THE MOWER LIKE THIS, IT IS FOR TESTING ONLY!!
Then find the problem and fix it. Get to know your DVM really well, then learn how to use it really well. It is your friend!

[fixer67]

Does it stall or die? They are not the same thing. An engine stalls from a overload. It dies from a fuel or spark failure. If it is stalling you could have a stuck belt or pulley or even a locked transmission. You need to check your wording of this. If it is stalling out and what sawinredneck does not find the problem then take the drive belt loose somehow somewhere. The easy place to do this is to remove the ilder pulley on the drive belt which you need to check any way.

[shop22]

Unplug the seat switch with the unit not running. Take a multimeter and test the switch. The meter should have a position on it for testing continuity. Put each probe on one leg of the safety switch and operate the switch. The meter should beep when there is continuity. If the meter does nothing at all, I'd say you're switch is bad.

[RonAyersMotorsports]

Check for continuity through the seat safety switch. And pto Safety switch. If they both have continuity there is a relay on most Electrolux machines that causes this issue 95% of the time. You will find it near the steering shaft. Trace wires you'll find it. Then replace it.

[fcvulcan]

There were two fuses that were underneath near the steering column that were broken. I mean broken not blown, I replaced the fuse holders and fuses and the mower runs just fine now..

[RonAyersMotorsports]

I knew it had to be a fuse or broken relay. :clapping: Glad to hear it.