Login|Contact Us
Question and Answer

Small Engine

Ask a Small Engine Question, Get an Answer ASAP!

  • Ask A Question
  • Browse Answers
  • Meet The Experts
  • How JustAnswer Works

I have a exmark lazer z e-series with a Kohler engine. It

 
Ranwell1's Avatar
  • Answered by:Ranwell1
  • Small Engine Technician
  • Positive Feedback: 98.5 %
  • Accepted Answers: 5037
Verified Expert
in Small Engine

Recent Feedback

Positive
your answer was right on. The valves were not seating properly. I had reversed...
Positive
Great suggestions.
Positive
Clear advice and quick response.
Positive
You've been very helpful as I thought the same thing. It's older and the cost...
Positive
thanks will try MIB before rebuilding carb
Positive
it was great to know the problem, but it seem's to much for me to handle
Positive
Thanks for you help . Will use again
Positive
Very good. Thank you.
Positive
Thank you

Customer Question

I have a exmark lazer z e-series with a Kohler engine. It won't crank over. I replaced the battery stiil won't crank. I show 12.3 volts on the display. All the display has a mark by it seat detection, mower deck, handles in neutral and break engaged. It has fuel. I only have 16.5 hrs on the mower. Itried to jump it and no change. Do you think a bad relay?

 

Optional Information:
Make: Exmark
Model: lazer z

Submitted: 313 days and 21 hours ago.
Category: Small Engine
Value: $25
Status: CLOSED

Accepted Answer

Picture
Expert:  Ranwell1 replied313 days and 21 hours ago.


Ranwell1 :

hi

Ranwell1 :

I will be glad to try to help

Ranwell1 :

this actually sounds more like a safety switch issue.

Ranwell1 :

It could be that one of the safety switches on one of the handles is not being pushed all the way.

Ranwell1 :

It also could be a connection to any of these switches.

Ranwell1 :

The battery voltage is NOT really as high as it should be, though. We like to see it above 13 volts.

Ranwell1 :

Also the cranking amps need to be at least 300 to 350 cranking amps.

Ranwell1 :

Some of the original batteries were too small and do not have enough cranking amps.

Ranwell1 :

Another issue I have with your situation is that you said that you Jump-started it.

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

The indicators on the display shows they recognize the switched. They gave me a new extreme battery.

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

I followed the manual how to jump it

Ranwell1 :

These electrical system are not compatible with the charging systems of a car or truck and if you "JUMP-START" the mower with the car or truck running, you will usually ruin the charging system of the mower.

Ranwell1 :

If you jumped it with the car or truck OFF, then you may have not caused the problems I am worring about.

Ranwell1 :

In any case, there can be other safety switches that will cause this problem as well.

Ranwell1 :

One in particular is the mower PTO switch.

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

I checked the fuses they looked good.

Ranwell1 :

This switch controls TWO different things.

Ranwell1 :

The first thing is that it turns the mower PTO on .

Ranwell1 :

The second is that it is connected to the safety system and when it is engaged, will not let the starter on the engine turn over.

Ranwell1 :

So there is a possibility that the PTO switch itself could be bad.

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

There is a display by the key and it recognizes the PTO

Ranwell1 :

There si also a possibility that you have a bad connection somewhere..such as at any of the safetys witches or at the solenoid ir the starter or even the ground wire where the negative cable connects to the frame.

Ranwell1 :

Have you tried turning the PTO switch on and off?

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

yes

Ranwell1 :

I am still guessing that it is one of the safety switches on the control arms.

Ranwell1 :

Yes it could be a bad relay or even a bad solenoid.

Ranwell1 :

There are not very easy things to trak down and the whole electrical system may have to be checked out.

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

the owners manual talks about check the fuses

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

then it says could be a bad relay

Ranwell1 :

When you said that this had only 16.5 hrs on it, does that mean that it is only a few weeks old since you purchaese it NEW?

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

yes

Ranwell1 :

OK,

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

Can relays go bad easily?

Ranwell1 :

I don't want to sound like I am trying to cop out on this, but the ONLY thing that you should do in this instance is to take it bask to the dealer and have them fix this under warranty.

Ranwell1 :

If you try to fix this yourself, then it is very possible that they will VOID the ENTIRE warranty because you worked on it yourself.

Ranwell1 :

You have a warranty to take care of suff like this so I suggest you use it.

Ranwell1 :

You actually could cause yourself a much bigger and more expensive problem by trying to do this yourself.

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

I wa strying to see if I overlooked something

Ranwell1 :

To answer your question. Relays can go bad at any time wor no reason at all.....but it doesnt; usually happen this soon

Ranwell1 :

Seems to me that you have checked about all you can check without actually testing everyting one circuit at a time...which we can do if you want to spend that much time....

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

I wasn't going to work on it just trying to understand the problem

Ranwell1 :

But it is best to have the dealer do it so you do not risk voiding the warranty

Ranwell1 :

OK

Ranwell1 :

No problem,

Ranwell1 :

I was not trying to accuse you of anything.....

Ranwell1 :

Just giving good advice.

Ranwell1 :

Everything has to have a comlete circuit.

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

The only thing I really did was pull the fuses and change the battery

Ranwell1 :

And every circuit has many different points to check...form the starter switch, to the safety switches to the relays to connections on the switches. to ground wires, and many other things.

Ranwell1 :

It could even be a problem with the ignition switch.

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

The trying to jump did nothing and the mower behaved as before nothing changed.

Ranwell1 :

OK. We are good.....Just trying to help......Sometimes I get a little too blunt with my information because I care about what happens to the customer and his equipment.

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

I'll call the dealer tomorrow

Ranwell1 :

Ok,

Ranwell1 :

I wish I could have given you something that would have fixed it for you.

Ranwell1 :

But electrical issues are things that take a lot of testing

JACUSTOMER-0a5p4hny- :

no problem thanks

Ranwell1 :

Let me know if you need more help on this or anything else. i will be happy to try to help anytime.

Ranwell1 :

"Please leave a GOOD rating for me as that is the only way I get paid for my time. If you cannot give me one of the highest ratings, then please do not rate me AT ALL until we discuss this answer further and you are happy with my answer".

Expert TypeSmall Engine Technician
Category: Small Engine
Pos. Feedback: 98.5 %
Accepts: 5037
Answered: 8/10/2012

Experience: I Own a Lawn Mower Sales and service business (37years). Have 2-cycle and 4-cycle certification.

Ask this Expert a Question >
Picture
Expert:  Ranwell1 replied307 days ago.

I was just checking to see if you have been able to solve your issue. Please let me know if there is anything else that I can do to help you.

 
Tweet

8 Technicians are Online Right Now

Ask Your Question Now
Ask A Technician
Type Your Small Engine Question Here...
characters left:

Top Small Engine Experts

See More Technicians

In The News

Nbc
Washington Post
New York Times
Cnn
Learn More

How It Works

  • Ask an Expert
  • Get a Professional Answer
  • Ask Followup Questions
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Learn More

Ask a Technician

Get a Professional Answer. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
182 Technicians are Online Now
Type Your Small Engine Question Here...
characters left:
Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.
Truste
Contact Us | Terms of Service | Privacy & Security | About Us | Our Network
© 2003-2013 JustAnswer LLC
  • Pearl.com
  • JustAnswer UK
  • JustAnswer Germany
  • JustAnswer Spanish
  • JustAnswer Japan