Mention of an improper switch blowing fuses reminds me of the issue I had with my 1999-vintage Yard-Man garden tractor. Two replacement switches would not fix a no-start problem; I finally realized they were blowing the ignition fuse. But the original switch was, too. There were no issues with shorts anywhere in the system. I finally violated the never use a bigger fuse rule by going up one small increment in fuse size and the problem was permanently cured. That was three years ago, and I use the machine every day. I wouldn’t recommend that with an automobile, but it sure worked with my old tractor.
Good video. For me after seeing this, I'm going to buy new correct switch. Cheaper than replacing more expensive pieces of the engine, ex. coil, PTO clutch if wrong switch. Good advice!
You saved me BIG TIME. I have a john deere z track m665 and I knew the keyswitch was bad. The G terminal was corroded and loose. I put what I thought was the same 5 prong key switch in it. I was getting no spark out of either cylinder. It's a kohler 25hp commercial engine. Checked the wiring, fuses,coils,relays,plugs. Took the "new" switch out and looked at the letters from the new and old switch. The first prong was an S on the old switch. The new switch first prong was a G. 2 of the 5 prongs were right. It would turn over fine but didn't have spark. Thank you so much. I'm going to buy a john deere switch Today before I get home. Thank you thank you thank you
Excellent video. I used the information to search Amazon for the "correct letter diagram" not just the same plug pattern. Saved me a lot of potential problems . Thank you very much!
Some great tips here. Also, if you can't source the correct ignition switch, you might be able to change the terminals on the socket to match the new switch, or make a short jumper cable to match the wiring.
This gives me some hope, I bought a new ignition for my kholer and finally found one that had the matching 6 prongs and nothing when I cranked it. It blew a inlin fuse instead
Awesome video! Thank You So Very Much for making this video and for all of the Awesome information in it!! this Realy explains how i once melted all of the wires on a ride on mower that was given to me without a key switch. i shared this video on my facebook wall and with everyone that i know. :) :)
Great video, I also like the video style change. Funny things switches can do. Just last week spent a lot of time troubleshooting a Husqvarna tractor not charging the battery. In the end it was the ignition switch! Go figure. Take care.
Ty for the tab tip; I did not even think about cross-checking that issue on my Snapper mower I have been trying to diagnose the key on “no PTO/battery return voltage through the key switch” issue. Typical DIY mistake, never would thought prong order could be different but is same pattern; I had my issue traced to the key switch since PTO clutch bench tested good power and ohm wise; also explains why PTO clutch only “clicks on” (with engine off and switch pulled) when key is turned to “engine start” only. Clutch should click with key turned to “on” and mine was only doing the latter.
I had it where it actually fried the switch.on this particular switch it was a 20 amp and someone installed a 10 amp .didnt even work it caught fire the instant they turned it on.I build garden and farm pulling tractors and most of my customers ask for a more simple way to start there stuff. I use push button start switches at 20 25 30 amps. Still use the switch for the charging purpose.but the main start is a 25 amp push button. Hey great video.
The general basics are, maybe some variance.... G- ground M- magneto ( usually a grounded kill wire when switch is off) B-battery (hot wire from battery to feed power through switch) L- lights S- start (wire goes to solenoid to power starter) I -ignition (some engines require a hot wire to the coil so engine will run)
I've converted lawn & garden tractors for years from a failed magneto ignition system to the more reliable battery-powered ignition system. In doing so, I had to replace the magneto key switch with a battery-powered ignition key switch, and I had to rewire the tractor & relocate the wires to the terminals on the battery switch. I also mention this in my ignition websites so my more reliable custom-made battery-powered ignition conversion kit will work with 12 volts.
Good Morning DB73, at one point I thought you were going to break out the multimeter. Guess that's a lot more work. Thanks fer what you do here. Have a good day, stay safe.🙏 👋😎👍
Another great video. Thanks so much. My question is if there is no way to tell the lettering on the pins before you take off the switch. Can one by elimination take off the wires, the ground, the lights. Thanks for your comments.
Perfect timing. I'm not sure if someone tried to steal my mower, but the key slot seems all gouged and there aren't real definite positions any more...especially when you back off they key to be able to mow in reverse. It still works, but I need to buy a new switch assembly just in case.
The switch on my '67 Wheel Horse is a high-current switch as it doesn't have a solenoid. Sorry for the change of subject, but what's the rubber/plastic "nose" cap for on the starter gear for a Tecumseh H60.
Very enlightening, thanks Found a similar problem with matching up those small square relay switches for auxiliary lights on machines, they have the starts sticking out in the same pattern but they have different functions, also like your video where you put a rectifier on a snow blower for a LED light bar, the starts or pins on the one I bought weren't identified. Thanks again
I watch your videos all the time and they have been invaluable on many occasions and I thank you for that. Could you maybe let me know how to get the ignition switch out of a john deere gx335 that is on with 2 nuts (one either side of panel), that is attached to a small square circuit panel without breaking that as they are expensive, or am I looking at it incorrectly. The key was broken off and we can't get it out so the only choice is to get it out.
This is very critical if you are working on a 70's tractor with a Tecumseh that has the solid state ignition (Sears suburbans was a big user of these). If you get the wrong switch and accidentally hook 12+ voltage to the kill wire.....you've fried the ignition module, a module that is no longer made.
Just Made that exact mistake lol my buddy said I got the wrong one just like you said however he didn't say which one to buy that's what brought me here lol right on problem i got now is i believe i chucked the old ignition switch out lol inee minie mynie mo lol
Good video. If your old switch has the letters marked on the tabs, could you use a DVM or continuity checker to figure out if your new (unmarked) switch matches? Put another way, what functions do the letters represent? Maybe a follow-up video?
I've had to do that. It's laborious, but eventually you get the answers you're looking for. It's also possible to match up the wires at the connector to the tabs and do it that way. That's a pain too, though.
I just bought a snapper zero turn ND looks like someone replaced the ignition .. doesn't want to turn off when turning the key . Also I have no spark if I connect the ground wire to the coil ?
Hi, I have a worldlawn diamond back xe 60” zero turn, I need to know if the ignition switch part number is 423027 is the right one I found it on Amazon and do you have an install video for it? Thank you so much in advance!
Well.. I trusted orginal parts number and got new one from B&s, Well the g and m are opposite in New and lights work different and engine wont turn down. Need to swap those.. Or get new one
I had a toro ss 42" and I just grabbed a switch that is on the lawn equipment rack at autozone that matched the tabs, had no idea about letters needing to match. The power wire to the starter was getting hot when I would crank it after replacing the switch but I never noticed it and eventually it got to the point where the power wire would just spark and start smoking so I figured it was a starter. It's been sitting in my yard for 3 years now and after seeing this video I feel like a dummy because I almost bet it's that freaking autozone switch that was the issue. I almost don't want to buy the right one at this point and see if that's the issue cause it'll just make me sad since it's been sitting for so long.
Hey Dony i have a question. Hoe you conect the right cables on the starter, you didn t mentioned zhat, otherwide grest videos👍 i have a honda 2232 old mowner
at last count there was 5 different metal switches. i made a tester years ago to test and identify the switches. anything with a kohler k sent juice to the coil. makes for a bad day if you get one of them on a magneto machine.
Always informative and easy to understand Dony Boy. I need a switch for my K301 Kohler on my old Wheelhorse 1257. Is it better to just put a new one in or is it a good idea to wire brush the old terminals and spray wit contact cleaner to see if it still works first? Should this switch be easy to get if I need a new one? Thanks/Pat B. Il. 61008
Dony, are aftermarket diaphragm and gasket sets for B&S pulsa-jet carbs o.k. to use, or should a stay with genuine OEM? You must have experience with both. Thanks.
Would it be wise for me to rewire to a new switch I have a five post switch that does not work I looked all over the Internet and could not find the proper ignition switch with the part number on it I went ahead and bought one ignition switch ended up blowing a fuse
Help? Cub Cadet 2000 Series 2155/17 HP Kohler command. I replaced the ignition switch. It's starts & runs. Won't shut-off, No Headlights, No PTO? I throwed away the old ignition. Help?
Do yourself a HUGE favor, NEVER EVER go to an auto parts store for lawn mower parts. I can guarantee you they WILL sell you the wrong parts EVERY TIME. No one working in an autoparts store knows ANYTHING about lawn mowers and many do not even know about automobiles.
Strange Issue | poltergeist? : Starter engages with key off. With key on, the Bendix will not disengage even once the engine is running. I pulled the ignition module and went to reconnect the battery and it started without an ignition module. John Deere L110. Ever had this happen?
Bought a new john deere lawnmower ignition switch. The key will not turn inside the switch. Once in a great while the switch key will turn. Sometimes can't get the key out of old switch. Puzzled? What?
1:26 the back of the switch is clearly labeled M= motor run S= start B=battery L=light's G=chassis ground Its that simple, and i'm not a lawn mower mechanic. You do not need to buy the correct switch just figure out how to wire it
In your video you stated that on the plastic switches they will always be engraved in the plastic. That may have been true 2 years ago when you made this video, but not anymore. I have one I recently purchased that is not marked. Not even on the blades.
I SWEAR I got a switch that actually matched up with what came off but when I plugged it in & turned the key my wiring melted, I think the new switch was made wrong internally, that mower has been sitting for 5 years now
Watch my video on the top 5 reasons your lawn tractor won't start after winter storage here;🚜
ruclips.net/video/obLqNeGz0Ps/видео.html
Make sure you watch out for the ones that are accidentally not marked right
This should be the number one lead video regarding lawn mower key switch replacement ...it is that prescient !
Always great advice man. Thank you again.
Top stuff Donny mate cheers from Australia to Canada and stay safe.
Mention of an improper switch blowing fuses reminds me of the issue I had with my 1999-vintage Yard-Man garden tractor. Two replacement switches would not fix a no-start problem; I finally realized they were blowing the ignition fuse. But the original switch was, too. There were no issues with shorts anywhere in the system. I finally violated the never use a bigger fuse rule by going up one small increment in fuse size and the problem was permanently cured. That was three years ago, and I use the machine every day. I wouldn’t recommend that with an automobile, but it sure worked with my old tractor.
Thank you so much I blew a fuse trying to use another switch and then I found your video
Great information sir Everytime I watch your videos I learn something new thank you
Thank you Don , for making me aware of potential problems to look for in doing a “simple” 5 minute job.
I really like your videos. They've been very helpful. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
It's easy to see how this could lead to major damage overall. Great info. as always Don. Thanks so much for your work and videos. God bless. Rev. D.
Good video. For me after seeing this, I'm going to buy new correct switch. Cheaper than replacing more expensive pieces of the engine, ex. coil, PTO clutch if wrong switch. Good advice!
I don't have a lawn tractor but I am saving this video in case I get one. Thanks.
You saved me BIG TIME. I have a john deere z track m665 and I knew the keyswitch was bad. The G terminal was corroded and loose. I put what I thought was the same 5 prong key switch in it. I was getting no spark out of either cylinder. It's a kohler 25hp commercial engine. Checked the wiring, fuses,coils,relays,plugs. Took the "new" switch out and looked at the letters from the new and old switch. The first prong was an S on the old switch. The new switch first prong was a G. 2 of the 5 prongs were right. It would turn over fine but didn't have spark. Thank you so much. I'm going to buy a john deere switch Today before I get home. Thank you thank you thank you
Great video.
donyboy73 has always been as real as it gets and I am pissed because I thought that I subscribed years ago wtf man. Always keeping it real in Canada.
Great tip again. Its great to have all your content to refer back to in case i need it. Great work
Glad to hear it!
Excellent video. I used the information to search Amazon for the "correct letter diagram" not just the same plug pattern. Saved me a lot of potential problems . Thank you very much!
Great tip,, always something New to learn
Fantastic tip Thank you again
Good video. You have some great tips to help us find the correct Ignition switch for the right mower!!
Great tip. Thanks Don!
Some great tips here.
Also, if you can't source the correct ignition switch, you might be able to change the terminals on the socket to match the new switch, or make a short jumper cable to match the wiring.
That’s a great Tip awesome video Enjoyed watching it 👍
This was a good to know video. Is there a assignment chart showing what each letter means/does?
Thanks for this video!! All my tabs are coated in a heavy layer of dilectric grease and I didn’t notice the engravings until you pointed them out 😂
Thank you so much for this info. Luckily it matched up. But before I saw this video I was just matching it up by looking at the prongs.
Great info!! I learned something new this morning.
Good day Interesting video. Did not know that. Thanks
This gives me some hope, I bought a new ignition for my kholer and finally found one that had the matching 6 prongs and nothing when I cranked it. It blew a inlin fuse instead
Nice video. Information and information to know.
Great advice there Young Man 😎 I believe it is the same way for the ignition coil the wrong part can cause a lot of people big problem,s
Awesome video! Thank You So Very Much for making this video and for all of the Awesome information in it!! this Realy explains how i once melted all of the wires on a ride on mower that was given to me without a key switch. i shared this video on my facebook wall and with everyone that i know. :) :)
Great video, I also like the video style change. Funny things switches can do.
Just last week spent a lot of time troubleshooting a Husqvarna tractor not charging the battery. In the end it was the ignition switch! Go figure. Take care.
good tip, thanks for sharing!
Great great great advice
Ty for the tab tip; I did not even think about cross-checking that issue on my Snapper mower I have been trying to diagnose the key on “no PTO/battery return voltage through the key switch” issue. Typical DIY mistake, never would thought prong order could be different but is same pattern; I had my issue traced to the key switch since PTO clutch bench tested good power and ohm wise; also explains why PTO clutch only “clicks on” (with engine off and switch pulled) when key is turned to “engine start” only. Clutch should click with key turned to “on” and mine was only doing the latter.
Excellent video!
Your video has helped me big time my switch is opposite of new one ty
I had it where it actually fried the switch.on this particular switch it was a 20 amp and someone installed a 10 amp .didnt even work it caught fire the instant they turned it on.I build garden and farm pulling tractors and most of my customers ask for a more simple way to start there stuff. I use push button start switches at 20 25 30 amps. Still use the switch for the charging purpose.but the main start is a 25 amp push button. Hey great video.
Nice! Thanks
I would like to know what the letters on the switch are for?? I know nothing about the electric system on lawn tractors. Thank you!
The general basics are, maybe some variance....
G- ground
M- magneto ( usually a grounded kill wire when switch is off)
B-battery (hot wire from battery to feed power through switch)
L- lights
S- start (wire goes to solenoid to power starter)
I -ignition (some engines require a hot wire to the coil so engine will run)
I've converted lawn & garden tractors for years from a failed magneto ignition system to the more reliable battery-powered ignition system. In doing so, I had to replace the magneto key switch with a battery-powered ignition key switch, and I had to rewire the tractor & relocate the wires to the terminals on the battery switch. I also mention this in my ignition websites so my more reliable custom-made battery-powered ignition conversion kit will work with 12 volts.
Please tell us more about your custom ignition systems. Link to website??? Search terms to find related videos to "custom ignition."
Good Morning DB73, at one point I thought you were going to break out the multimeter. Guess that's a lot more work. Thanks fer what you do here. Have a good day, stay safe.🙏 👋😎👍
I try to show you the easiest way in my videos!
@@donyboy73 I understand !! 👌
Yep seen that!!!
Great info! Thanks. 😀
Brilliant!
Never knew great information 👍
Great information. Thank you for sharing. ❤️🇨🇦
Another great video. Thanks so much. My question is if there is no way to tell the lettering on the pins before you take off the switch. Can one by elimination take off the wires, the ground, the lights. Thanks for your comments.
Excellent
Perfect timing. I'm not sure if someone tried to steal my mower, but the key slot seems all gouged and there aren't real definite positions any more...especially when you back off they key to be able to mow in reverse. It still works, but I need to buy a new switch assembly just in case.
Good video interesting
Great video Don, always good advice and helpful to us do it your self guys
have a good weekend Barry!
Great video!!!!!
The switch on my '67 Wheel Horse is a high-current switch as it doesn't have a solenoid. Sorry for the change of subject, but what's the rubber/plastic "nose" cap for on the starter gear for a Tecumseh H60.
Thanks Dony 🏆🤓👍
Very enlightening, thanks
Found a similar problem with matching up those small square relay switches for auxiliary lights on machines, they have the starts sticking out in the same pattern but they have different functions, also like your video where you put a rectifier on a snow blower for a LED light bar, the starts or pins on the one I bought weren't identified.
Thanks again
I watch your videos all the time and they have been invaluable on many occasions and I thank you for that. Could you maybe let me know how to get the ignition switch out of a john deere gx335 that is on with 2 nuts (one either side of panel), that is attached to a small square circuit panel without breaking that as they are expensive, or am I looking at it incorrectly. The key was broken off and we can't get it out so the only choice is to get it out.
This is very critical if you are working on a 70's tractor with a Tecumseh that has the solid state ignition (Sears suburbans was a big user of these). If you get the wrong switch and accidentally hook 12+ voltage to the kill wire.....you've fried the ignition module, a module that is no longer made.
Can you not rewire the harness to match the switch terminals as well?
Just Made that exact mistake lol my buddy said I got the wrong one just like you said however he didn't say which one to buy that's what brought me here lol right on problem i got now is i believe i chucked the old ignition switch out lol inee minie mynie mo lol
Maybe you could show us where the fuses are? Thanks
Good video. If your old switch has the letters marked on the tabs, could you use a DVM or continuity checker to figure out if your new (unmarked) switch matches? Put another way, what functions do the letters represent? Maybe a follow-up video?
possibly yes
I've had to do that. It's laborious, but eventually you get the answers you're looking for. It's also possible to match up the wires at the connector to the tabs and do it that way. That's a pain too, though.
usually b=battery
s=starter
i= ignition(on battery style ignitions)
g=ground
L= lighting or load
m=magneto
Do you have any videos on adjusting RPMs on a walk behind lawnmower?
Any vids?
@Text me on telegram👉@Donyboy73 any vids on rpm adjustments
I just bought a snapper zero turn ND looks like someone replaced the ignition .. doesn't want to turn off when turning the key . Also I have no spark if I connect the ground wire to the coil ?
Hi, I have a worldlawn diamond back xe 60” zero turn, I need to know if the ignition switch part number is 423027 is the right one I found it on Amazon and do you have an install video for it? Thank you so much in advance!
Well.. I trusted orginal parts number and got new one from B&s, Well the g and m are opposite in New and lights work different and engine wont turn down. Need to swap those.. Or get new one
I had a toro ss 42" and I just grabbed a switch that is on the lawn equipment rack at autozone that matched the tabs, had no idea about letters needing to match. The power wire to the starter was getting hot when I would crank it after replacing the switch but I never noticed it and eventually it got to the point where the power wire would just spark and start smoking so I figured it was a starter. It's been sitting in my yard for 3 years now and after seeing this video I feel like a dummy because I almost bet it's that freaking autozone switch that was the issue. I almost don't want to buy the right one at this point and see if that's the issue cause it'll just make me sad since it's been sitting for so long.
Hey Dony i have a question. Hoe you conect the right cables on the starter, you didn t mentioned zhat, otherwide grest videos👍 i have a honda 2232 old mowner
I have a switch with no writng on the tabs or the switch itself, any ideas?
at last count there was 5 different metal switches. i made a tester years ago to test and identify the switches. anything with a kohler k sent juice to the coil. makes for a bad day if you get one of them on a magneto machine.
Top info I put wrong switch on a lawn tractor and burnt out the wiring loom
Always informative and easy to understand Dony Boy. I need a switch for my K301 Kohler on my old Wheelhorse 1257. Is it better to just put a new one in or is it a good idea to wire brush the old terminals and spray wit contact cleaner to see if it still works first? Should this switch be easy to get if I need a new one? Thanks/Pat B. Il. 61008
Dony, are aftermarket diaphragm and gasket sets for B&S pulsa-jet carbs o.k. to use, or should a stay with genuine OEM?
You must have experience with both. Thanks.
oem better but stens and rotary kits are good
Would it be wise for me to rewire to a new switch I have a five post switch that does not work I looked all over the Internet and could not find the proper ignition switch with the part number on it I went ahead and bought one ignition switch ended up blowing a fuse
I have had 2 John Deere switches that will make the motor start cranking when the key is just in the on position
Help? Cub Cadet 2000 Series 2155/17 HP Kohler command. I replaced the ignition switch. It's starts & runs. Won't shut-off, No Headlights, No PTO? I throwed away the old ignition. Help?
Hey Don. What would be the best penetrating fluid that you know of ?
It's VERY important to have the CORRECT switch not just one that fits!!
Do yourself a HUGE favor, NEVER EVER go to an auto parts store for lawn mower parts. I can guarantee you they WILL sell you the wrong parts EVERY TIME. No one working in an autoparts store knows ANYTHING about lawn mowers and many do not even know about automobiles.
Daddy Don
Strange Issue | poltergeist? : Starter engages with key off. With key on, the Bendix will not disengage even once the engine is running. I pulled the ignition module and went to reconnect the battery and it started without an ignition module. John Deere L110. Ever had this happen?
Bought a new john deere lawnmower ignition switch. The key will not turn inside the switch. Once in a great while the switch key will turn. Sometimes can't get the key out of old switch. Puzzled? What?
great vid! Why do you wear cat hat and cat shirt but you don't have a cat phone?
1:26 the back of the switch is clearly labeled
M= motor run
S= start
B=battery
L=light's
G=chassis ground
Its that simple, and i'm not a lawn mower mechanic.
You do not need to buy the correct switch just figure out how to wire it
In your video you stated that on the plastic switches they will always be engraved in the plastic. That may have been true 2 years ago when you made this video, but not anymore. I have one I recently purchased that is not marked. Not even on the blades.
I SWEAR I got a switch that actually matched up with what came off but when I plugged it in & turned the key my wiring melted, I think the new switch was made wrong internally, that mower has been sitting for 5 years now
I learned this from youtube
👍❤️👍👍👍
L,G,B.....t q It is good you are respectful to that gruop aswell Daddy Don
Rainbow Steamroller, crushing everyone in their path.
So what's the right switch for a JD 2040 old farm tractor?