JD 310SG good bat, won't start

[Armymutt]

My hoe has sat for about a month. I went out to start it tonight, and it won't start. The battery has 13+ Volts - I thought it might be bad, so I put it on the charger. When I turn the key to the first position, I hear a relay close, but no panel lights turn on - no self test, that sort of thing. I turned the key to start and heard another relay close, but nothing turns over. It's been sitting out in the rain, so I don't know if water got in anywhere. The previous owner didn't have it under any cover. The last time I ran it, it had some issues starting that were similar, but it went away after turning the key to off and then back on. I looked at the service manual and understand the starting theory of operation. What is not clear is where the rest of the systems get energized. Thoughts on where to start?

 

[mitch504]

All connections, start at the battery posts and go from there.

 

[mg2361]

Serial number?

I agree with Mitch, I would first check all your cable connections at the battery and at the starter (+) and (-), block and frame (-).

1st solenoid click (key on) sounds like the accessory relay and the 2nd click (crank position) sounds like the starter relay.

 

[DMiller]

Sitting a month, outdoors? Likely rat(Mouse) squirrel or chipmunk damage as the little furry woodland friends seem to enjoy nibbling on wires.

 

[Armymutt]

Turned out to be the key switch. Cheap eBay one. Must have rusted inside or something. I ended up shorting it by accident and the panel came to life. Popped in my old switch with a worn out key hole and it started right up. Got one coming from a JD store. Thanks all.

 

[JL Sargent]

Glad you got it sorted out. I had the same symptoms, but it was the battery post clamps not tight enough.

 

[boone]

I had an issue where the panel lights would come on, but go out if I turned to start position. Turned out to be corrosion on the battery clamp.