GX70 John Deere mower

[Wotknot]

Ok, got my mower out this evening to wack down some grass now that it's half-way dried out around here. Cranks up fine, idles fine. BUT when I put it in gear it's like turning the key off and it begins to die. I'm sure it's probably in some kill-switch that the transmission activates......but where?...... Anyone got an idea?

 

[Mike722]

Re: GX70 John Deere mower

Don't know if you fixed it yet, however, it sounds like the mower thinks you are not on the seat. Depending on the year, the seat switch is either in the seat or under the seat support near the battery. I believe the transmission switch is on top of the transmission.

The transmission switch is only for starting. The seat switch will turn off the engine if you get off the seat in gear or with the blades running.

 

[Wotknot]

Re: GX70 John Deere mower

I was hoping it might be the seat switch too. Unfortunately, I ohmed it out this evening and it's working......sooooo guess it might be the transmission switch.....and from talking to a repairman at John Deere today, the one on top of the transmission is gonna be a beeeeyach to get to......that's about par for my luck. Any suggestions for the easiest way to do it are most gratefully welcomed.....

 

[Mike722]

Re: GX70 John Deere mower

I am not there, but I believe, if you can start the mower up, the transmission switch is good. That switch only determines what position the gear shift is in.

Gear shift in N and you can get off the seat with engine running as long as the PTO blades are not engaged. You must be on the seat with the PTO engaged or the Transmission out of N. Try leaving the gear shift in N and turn on the blade. If you can turn on the blades, then the seat switch is good. The transmission switch or wiring is damaged or bad.

If I remember right, the GX70 does not have a brake switch.

If you have a black seat switch, the circuit should be broken open when you set on the seat and closed when off the seat. The gray switch is the other way around. Also, if you are testing it by pushing the button in by hand, watch the meter as you do it. Slowly push the button in. I have seen some go closed or open only if the button is pushed all the way in.

If you do take the transmission out to replace/test the transmission switch, take a good look at the drive belts. The transmission has to be lowered to replace these belts as well.

 

[Wotknot]

Re: GX70 John Deere mower

Thanks for your help, Mike. I actually lucked out and got it going this evening. I reminded myself that over 50% of the time it's a loose or broken wire......but the trick is to find it. The mower gods were smiling on me this evening as I began tracing the wires from the seat switch (on my mower switch is normally closed, then opened when sitting on the seat) and found that a wire was broken inside the insulation......no hint at all that it was bad by looking at it because the insulation around the break wasn't damaged. Anyway I got it wacked down this evening...... I sure wasn't looking forward to push-mowing it. Thanks again.