Murray lawnmower #42544x8b year 1998 - got on tractor to start it, it was hard to start--I just put a new batery in. I noticed there was a red wire loose on the sylenoid going to the starter. Got back on the tractor and tried to start but it just clicked. I changed the 15 amp fuse still nothing, just a click. What do you think is wrong?

Roger Nagy, June 2009

Start by checking ground connections. Clean neg battery cable at both ends. A clean, tight, connection is probably OK. Try jumping big terminals on relay, see if it cranks [ disconnect plug first ! ]

If it cranks ok when jumped,Relay may be bad.

Trailer Trash Tractors, June 2009

The solenoid, when it clicks, is effectively connecting the positive battery lead directly to the starter motor. So, if it just clicks, but the motor doesn't turn, then the battery is down on power or the starter motor itself is faulty. So, check the thick wires to the solenoid for tightness before condemning the solenoid itself.

John, June 2009