Craftmans rider, will not start?
Question:I HAVE A CRAFTMAN RIDER DLT-3000. IT WON'T START WITH OUT A JUMP. IT'S NOT THE BATTERY BECAUSE I JUST REPLACED IT IN THE SPRING. WHEN I JUMP IT, I CAN USE IT AS LONG AS I DON'T TURN IT OFF. IT SEEMS AS IF IT'S NOT CHARGING THE BATTERY. I CLEANED ALL THE CONNECTIONS LEADING FROM THE BATTERY TO WHAT APPEARS TO BE A SELENOID. CONTINUING TO THE STARTER, I ALSO CLEANED THE GROUND WIRE.
I KNOW I'M MISSING SOMETHING BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS. PLEASE HELP.
Answers:
It sounds like the alternator is bad. The alternator is what actually charges the battery when the mower is running. If it is not working properly, the battery will not charge, hence the reason why you have to jump it every time. If it requires a jump to start it even if it was just shut off and the battery is good, it is definitely the alternator.
If it will turn over and start with a jump, it very well could be the battery. Just because you replaced it this year, doesn't mean it's any good, as new batteries have been known to fail the first day.
Take to any battery shop or dealer and have them check under load for starting amperage, not volts but amps.
I just went through the same thing. My battery showed a full 12.5 volts but would not turn over the engine, after cleaning the posts, wiring connections and solonoid with no results, I took the battery to the nearest Wal Mart and they found the battery lacked the necessary amperage. New battery, no problems. That battery was new last fall.
Once you get the engine started, check the voltage with the engine running, it should be around 13 to 14 volts, if not the charging system is not working.
It can only be a few things. First, I'd have the battery tested to make sure that it's OK. Next, I'd suspect the starter solenoid. If the solenoid is OK, then it's either the starter or the keyswitch. The solenoid would be a good place to start if you find that the battery is OK. All Sears stores carry the solenoid and it's inexpensive. Try this. If it still doesn't start, then it's either in the starter or the key-switch. If you need service, call 1-800-4-MYHOME. If you need an Owners Manual, call 1-800-341-2516 and give the operator the model number of your tractor (it's a 3 digit number, a period, then a 6 digit number). There is a nominal charge for a new Owners Manual.
Yeah-take the battery out and have it tested. The parts places do this for free. If it checks okay-then your alternator is bad, if it checks bad-then its the battery. I have had bad batteries from the start.
More Related Questions & Answers...