Murray-Solenoid-Replacement

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Murray-Solenoid-Replacement Instructions

Murray-solenoid-replacement is a good place to start if your riding lawnmower won't start. Chances are a I've had my Murray riding lawnmower, model number: 405000x8C, for about 4 years with relatively minimal problems. I've replaced the battery once, fixed a flat tire, and have the blades sharpened & change the oil regularly. Other than that, it's been a really good investment as far as I'm concerned.

Recently I went to start it for a morning of smelling freshly cut grass when to my chagrin... it wouldn't start. At first I thought is was the battery so I put it on a charger but soon discovered that wasn't the problem.

Time to troubleshoot... since I knew the battery was good my next thought was that my key switch was bad but a quick check with a multi-meter eliminated that problem.

The function of the Solenoid switch is to complete a temporary connection, sending power from the battery to the starter. The key is what triggers the Solenoid to make the connection. Once the motor has started... you release the key from the start position and the connection is broken once again.

One of my first jobs growing up was at an auto parts store so I had experience with the old Solenoid switch on Ford cars and trucks. Well, just like an old Ford... I decided to jump the connection across the top of the solenoid switch on the Murray Lawn mower and to my delight... the mower's engine turned over. With that I knew a Murray-Solenoid-replacement was in order.

Murray Riding Lawnmower Solenoid location

Do your homework to make sure you get the correct part. Refer to your lawnmower's owner's manual since they always have a replacement part diagram somewhere in the manual. Once you are armed with the part number you can begin to do a search on the internet. Once you find a good price on the part, call your local lawnmower repair shops to see if they have one. Knowing the price will make you a better shopper when going to your local lawn mower shop. Chances are if you add the shipping and time it takes to get the part, you may decide to purchase the part locally for the convenience.

STEP ONE: Begin the Murray-solenoid-replacement by disconnecting the battery. Once the battery is disconnected you can safely begin to remove the Solenoid switch. I like to use a ratcheting box-end wrench in tight spaces like what you will encounter on a project like the one show in the photo.

STEP TWO: Remove the wires first noting where each wire goes. On the Murray riding lawnmower, model number: 405000x8C you have a large gauge wire coming from the battery & one going to the start motor, a smaller gauge black ground wire at the mounting point, a small gauge red wire and an orange wire from the key switch. Remove all the wires prior to loosening the bolts holding the Solenoid switch in place.

Install The New Solenoid Switch

STEP THREE: Since the orange wire is in the back of the Solenoid switch, I attached it prior to securing the Solenoid switch to the mower deck. Make sure you re-attach the black ground wire when securing the new Solenoid to the mower deck. Simply thread the bolt through the round end terminal when bolting the new switch to the mower's deck

STEP Four: Attach the small gage red (hot) wire and the positive wire from the battery to the proper location on the Solenoid switch. The other large gage red wire that attaches to the other side of the switch goes to the starter motor. Once the wires are placed over the terminals secure the nuts, check all your connections... and give it a try!