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Craftsman Riding mower #917.270912 dies when I let off clutch?

My Craftsman riding mower starts & runs great. As soon as I let off the clutch or start to engage the blade, the engine dies. It's definitely a switch problem, but I don't know where. I bypassed the seat switch, even though it checks good with a meter. I bypassed the clutch switch, but it died as soon as I engaged the blade. I bypassed the blade switch, but it died as soon as I let off the clutch. Could the ignition switch have anything to do with it? There are definitley no shorted wires anywhere. I disconnected the ground from the seat switch under the seat & everything works great, except you can't turn the engine off then. HELP!! I'm going crazy!

Gary Bell
April 2006

Craftsman Garden Tools, Lawn Mowers Let Off Clutch

I also had a similar problem, inspected the wiring for the seat switch and it appears to be fine.

Gary, did you replace the entire switch along with the wiring?

Thanks.

Kelly

Kelly McLaughlin
April 2008

I've got the exact same problem. Havn't gotten as far with my diagnostics. I did discover wear & bare wire on one of the seat safety switch wires (plastic loom worn thru from deck belt contact) right above the deck belt pully (right hand side). I'd love to to hear any solutions provided. Thanks a bunch! Vic

Vic Mastronardi
April 2008

I fixed it. It was the seat switch. Even though it checked good & I bypassed it, There is a slight amount of resistance in a good switch, but mine was either open or full continuity.

Gary Bell
April 2006