Update: FIXED IT!

Apparently the kill switch is corroded. I flooded the switch housing with aerosol contact cleaner and after a dozen switch flips between off and on the problem was resolved.

Before the cleaner injection, flipping it did nothing. I’ll leave this post up for others who might experience this …

origunal post:


Weird electrical problem. Machine won’t start. Starter won’t turn and there is no spark, so pull rope won’t start it either. Ran fine Thursday evening. Friday am, starter turned for 3-4 seconds, then quit. I’m in neutral. Brake applied. Starter button pressed - nothing.

it’s got fuel.

The speedometer / dash unit appears normal when key is turned on. Headlights light up when turned on. Winch works.

I have checked all of the 10-15 and 30 amp fuses and the diodes in the fuse box - all are good.

I swapped the relays around since they’re all the same type - no change.

Swapped the 30 amp fuse anyway. No change.

I bypassed the entire starter control system with a jumper cable and turned on the ignition key and the starter worked - cranking away - but no spark when I tested for high voltage at the plug.

The battery is fully charged - connections are tight.

What’s common to both the starter circuit and ignition besides the key switch? I haven’t pulled that apart yet to check for a loose wire - since all the indicator lights and the display are working normally. Another fuse somewhere?

This machine has been and is my snowplow and I’ve got a foot of it to plow with more coming Wednesday. Without it I’m snowbound.

All help appreciated!! Help!