OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions On Ride On Mowers Questions on Greenfield Ride On Mower Frames Greenfield Not Starting - Wiring Issue?

Sounds like we are on the money. Any good mower shop will have one in stock, or ebay or online seller are plentiful, should be around $20.

Just have a quick check if yours has 2 small terminals or 1. Either will work but you would need an extra wire one way so it is easier to go like for like.

Oh and just for future reference. In this case we established that by turning the key, there was a click by the solenoid but no cranking. The test i got you to do should be done with key off to remove the chance of starting, blades disengaged and in neutral as norm said. We simply tested that the battery is good, as is the starter motor and that the solenoid is the problem.

Not that i have a problem with mower shops, (i worked at one for 6 years) and i always support local where i can, but this is now like a $20 repair instead of a $100+ repair depending on the shop.

Hi Nath,

Thanks for all your help mate, I really appreciate you taking the time to explain everything to me.

And for Norm K and Gadge for helping out too.

I've learnt plenty and it's really good to get to know a bit more about the machine, rather than just hand it over and get it back without any context.

Cheers,
Rich

UPDATE: So I disconnected the solenoid so I could get a proper look at it (I got my son to film me so I could put it back together) and make sure I ordered the right one. After I'd done that, I put it all back in and connected it up and thought I'd just give it a go.... Started First Time!!! Haha, I wondered if it was just a loose connection somewhere?

I'll order a new one anyway, but just finished mowing the front paddock and kept the wife happy!

Cheers,
Rich

Great!

So inside a solenoid like that is a moving plunger with a set of copper contacts. Over time these get dirty as they arc much like it does with a screwdriver (to a lesser extent). Now you have pulled it out, the dust inside will have moved around and the contacts will be working again.

Good idea to replace it as it will likely fail again.