Why does husqvarna tractor only start by jumping across the solenoid

Most lawn tractors require brake on and PTO off to enable the starter circuit. Some require operator in seat.

You must troubleshoot the circuit to determine root cause.

You need to make sure you have 12 volts on the solenoid wire. Sounds like it may be a wiring issue.

Have you tried to jump across the solenoid? It could be different things causing your problem. It could be a broken wire, the switch, the solenoid or even as simple as a blown fuse. What have you tried?

I have checked my part listings, I do not see a fuel solenoid on this model tractor.
If it is equipped with a solenoid and to operate the mower you must "jump" the wiring, you probably have a safety switch malfunctioning.

It takes 2 things to make it run. Spark, and fuel. Jumping the solenoid will not guarantee spark at the plug. I suggest that you pull a spark plug, turn the ignition on, and spin the motor over while checking for a spark from the plug lead. If you have spark, make sure the plug is in good condition and re-install it. Don't forget to connect the plug wire.
Next check for fuel. Is there a valve that is turned off? Sometimes these motors need priming, especially if they have been sitting for a while. Pull the air filter and give it a shot of starter fluid (or a VERY small amount of gas) and try to start it. Odds are if you have spark and gas you'll be cutting grass in no time.

check brake and safety switch some wont start unless you are holding the brake

Check your blade ingage switch. Sometimes they stick. You can jump start it by jumping across the solenoid switch beside the engine. I sometimes have to engage and disengage my blade switch and it starts. Hope this helps.

On my Ariens, had the same issue, where, with a new battery, mower would not start, unless I jumped across the solenoid. Figured the switch was fine, because it would only start if turned on, and would power off when I turned it off. Had no idea there was a 20amp fuse in the mix. Thanks to Tim Whalen for his response from years ago. Replaced the fuse, dangling in a harness near the solenoid, and it started right up. So much better if it's something simple, even it was still a pain.

hi there dolson894

here is web site for owners manual

http://lawnandgarden.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/husqvarna/yth180.html

download owners yth180 manual it has a wiring diagram in it - may help

sounds like a starter solenoid problem, check for good grounding of the negative bat cable and grounding of the solenoid to the frame , check for 12 volt at the solenoid tab ( not the heavy contacts)

this wire solenoid tab wire comes from the S marked terminal from the main switch and power from the battery is taken from the HOT post of the starter solenoid up to the B terminal of the main switch, from there when contact made between B + L + S @ SWITCH voltage sent to solenoid for start

basic connections for switch in start mode is B + L + S

run / light B + L and Makes A + Y

run B + L off G+ M +L

check seat switch and brake switch - bypass with jump wire if need
across white to wjite wires on brake switch

see what hapens , the try a jump wire across the seat switch wires green to green and retry

if stil no good - replace solenoid as you mentioned with a jump cable straight on start motor turns over good


check out website

cheers hope it helps pauly46

dont forget the thumbs rating

Usually if all you hear is a clicking noise, it is the solenoid itself that has gone bad...if you can jump the solenoid and the mower turns over, it is the solenoid.