Fastrak 20/52 Won't Start (Just Clicks)

[jdwhite86]

In intermittent start problem has unfortunately evolved into a dead mower. Attempted ignition results in the engine light coming on and the fuel solenoid clicking. Besides that, nothing. No noise/life coming from the starter. Previously, I could sometimes walk away and come back minutes later, and all would be good on the first start attempt. Or on rare occasion, a few repeated key turns might would have done the trick. Now there are no tricks that appear to work. Any suggestions?

I am electrically challenged and have not done a thorough checkout of safety switches (seat, levers, etc.). Mechanically they appear to be OK. The battery checks out OK. Charged it anyhow, reaching full charge in under an hour at slow trickle. Research has lead me to believe that the problem most likely centers around the starter solenoid or in a relay. Fuses pass the visual check, but I still plan on replacing them to rule out the possibility that there is something faulty there since they are cheap.

I used to have a Honda Civic hatchback with a bad relay. Very similar symptoms. Might start there... Next, I will disassemble the starter and look for issues. After that, who knows. I'm essentially looking for recommendations. Thanks so much.

[mowerconsultant]

Double check your battery and its connections and the ground cable connections.
Then check fuses and the relays, the relay is likely your issue.

Pj

[jdwhite86]

Pj,

I can start the mower by jumping the battery and ignition terminals on the starter solenoid. So solenoid and starter seem to be OK. And all safety switches are temporarily bypassed, thus they are not the problem.

Upon further troubleshooting, I find that the wire running from the start relay to the starter solenoid (red) goes from 0V to 12V upon key turn, but only when disconnected from the solenoid. Upon connecting, I get no appreciable voltage reading at either end on key turn - thus no start. Puzzling to me. Make any sense to you?

Still think it might be a bad relay? The start relay does not seem to click as hard as the kill relay for whatever it is worth. Before spending the $10-$15 on a relay, would switching out the start and kill relays as a checkout work?

I notice that 12V five terminal relays appear to be sold in local auto parts stores. Same part? The look identical. Same numbering a the terminals I believe.

[mowerconsultant]

Sounds like the relay, swap the 2 and you will see.

Pj

[User Name Taken]

Originally Posted by mowerconsultant

Sounds like the relay, swap the 2 and you will see.

Pj

Then what if it doesn't shut off ?

[DeltaTee]

Thanks for all of the information posted in this forum--it has saved me $500+ (the cost that was quoted to me for a new starter). (I just wish I had searched for the problem sooner, so I wouldn't have had to gone through the past season of aggravation.)

Now for the finale piece of the puzzle: which relay is which? I swapped them so I know one of them is bad, but neither is labeled. Can I just pull one of the relays and see if it starts?

[jdwhite86]

Success! Swapped the start and kill relays out and got ignition. Off to AutoZone I go tomorrow. Think the 12V one I have seen in the parts store is the same type as in mower? Again, looks identical and has same terminal numbering I think.

[mowerconsultant]

Originally Posted by jdwhite86

Success! Swapped the start and kill relays out and got ignition. Off to AutoZone I go tomorrow. Think the 12V one I have seen in the parts store is the same type as in mower? Again, looks identical and has same terminal numbering I think.

Sweet!!!
The relays you get from Hustler are of marine grade to prevent moisture from entering them, I would stick with OEM.

Pj

[Faded87T]

I was having the exact same problem last season with my mini-fastrak 42/17. I was tired of jumping the solenoid with a screw driver and was determined to get it fixed for this season. One Bosch 0332209138 standard automotive relay later and it fires right up.

I have had this mower since 2006 and cannot imagine a better mower for my needs.

Good luck.

[rx7145]

Sounds like the battery cables have corrosion. Take them off and clean with a wire brush.