Tried to start my Craftsman Tractor 14.5hp (Briggs and Stratton) model 917.271530. No joy. Twas ok last summer, but now no movement at all. The seat switch and ignition switch are good. Battery is good (new battery) and has volts at the solenoid. Problem is no voltage at the control circuit of the solenoid. Last stop is the ignition switch, but don't know where the power comes from to the switch. I don't have any schematics, so I don't know where to trace it back to. Any help?

Tony C., March 2007

I just had the same problem and replaced the battery and solenoid and traced the wires and still nothing. Called Sears out and all it was was some VERY slight corrosion (not even enough to see) on the battery connections that was preventing full voltage to get to the starter. The tech cleaned these and it started right up. $160 please!

Clayton, June 2008

Go to Sears.com on line and get a wiring scematic for starters.
You will find this in the parts section I just purchased a new mower and was trying to figure out how to install a on off override for the seat safety switch. Got it figured out now after much fussing .The connecter that connects to
the seat switch has a hidden shorting bar built in to it so if you disconect the switch it shorts out everything just as if you were not setting on the seat. I cut the wires on the in side of the harness and am ready to install override switches for the seat switch.
FYI I will be using my mower to pull a trailer in the yard to clean leaves and having to start and stop the tractor just seemed plain dumb. THIS IS TAMPERING WITH THE SAFETY FEATURES IF YOU DO THIS I have also made several other mods but thats for another day

Larry, March 2007

It may also be the Brake/Clutch or PTO saftey switches.
If they are not reading the brake to be fully depressed and the PTO disengaged you will not get current to the control side of the solenoid.

Rick, March 2007