Engine will run when jumped @ solenoid but switch does nothing but turn on lights. Switch does have to be in on position to jump @ solenoid. Switch tests as good...wires are good. What else could it be?
Have you checked the earth (ground) connection to the solenoid coil?
Power for the solenoid comes through the switch (from the solenoid contact terminal - the same terminal that the battery lead connects to, not the solenoid contact terminal that connects to the starter motor) to operate the solenoid.
As you said that the switch is OK and have replaced the solenoid with a new one then the problem is either the wire to the switch from the solenoid contact, the wire to the solenoid coil from the switch or the earth connection to the solenoid coil.
If so check that when you operate the switch that you get power to the solenoid coil terminal. If not check that you have power on the switch coming on the wire from the solenoid contact terminal where the battery lead is connected to and then that there is power leaving the switch on the wire going to the solenoid.
To check the earth connection, if you have an Ohmmeter you can test for continuity between the earth and the solenoid coil terminal or simply run a temporary connection from a good earth point on the mower to the solenoid coil earth terminal and see if it operates with the switch operated.
crwdns2944067:02crwdne2944067:0
The earth ground wire was good but when I changed it's position from bottom to top of post...it worked...thanks for the tip!
crwdns2957956:0crwdnd2957956:0 Ed Vernon crwdne2957956:0
Does it matter if what side the ground goes on. I have it hook up going from the sol. too starter ,
crwdns2957956:0crwdnd2957956:0 Larry Farley crwdne2957956:0