it starts fine, but when i let out the clutch it dies, what do i do? craftsman riding mower, model # 917 273634. Its done it before and i cleaned the deck off and it worked, but this time its not.

Rick, August 2006

There are three switches. The one under the seat, and two on the frame usually below the PTO lever. The clutch switch is to keep the engine from starting if the brake is not depressed. The PTO switch is to keep the engine from starting if the PTO is engaged. And the seat switch will shut it down if the PTO is engaged and there is no weight on the seat, or if the brake is not depressed and there is no weight on the seat.

Rick, August 2006

My mower was doing the same thing yesterday, it would die when I let off the clutch. The switch under the seat was loose.

Gwen, August 2006

is there more than one safety switch?

Rick, August 2006

I checked the switch under the seat. It is connected and depressed when there is weight on the seat.

The mower dies when I let out on the clutch.

Rick, August 2006

May be a saftey switch issue.
Check the switch under the seat to be sure it's connected and the button is depressed when there is weight on the seat.

Rick, August 2006