G1800 Intermittent Starting Issue

vurjt91

New member

Equipment
G1800, M7040
May 30, 2015
7
0
1
Leoma, Tennessee
I have a 2000 year model G1800 with 958 hours on it. I’ve been having starting and shut off issues. I’ve installed a relay built by the dealer that attaches to the starter. I’ve replaced the starter, ignition switch and shut-off solenoid. I’ve cleaned all connections I can find. I have not cleaned the ground wire connections to the frame. The mower will start after sitting over night; however sometimes when you try to start it again after running it for a brief or even long period it will not start. The last two times this “no start” has occurred I kept turning the ignition key from “off” to “start” repeatedly and she’ll fire right up on about the 5th or so try. Like it’s having to build up enough charge to crank. Again, this no start only occurs after it has previously been started. The last thing on my list to replace is the combination box and that’s a fairly expensive piece to replace if it’s not the culprit. Would appreciate any insight. I’ve read the other G1800 starting issue threads but nothing described seems the same as my issue.
 

Daren Todd

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
Massey Ferguson 1825E, Kubota Z121S, Box blade, Rotary Cutter
May 18, 2014
10,973
8,802
113
Vilonia, Arkansas
I would replace both battery cables. After 15 years of use they are probably do :D
They will run you between $15 and $20. I just had to replace a five year old ground cable the other day. Was having an intermittent starting issue. Had another person try to start it while i was by the cable. Cable would alternate between jumping and smoking :eek: gave the cable a quick wiggle and the unit would start. New cable for $7 and it was back up and starting with out issue :D
 

vurjt91

New member

Equipment
G1800, M7040
May 30, 2015
7
0
1
Leoma, Tennessee
I would replace both battery cables. After 15 years of use they are probably do :D
They will run you between $15 and $20. I just had to replace a five year old ground cable the other day. Was having an intermittent starting issue. Had another person try to start it while i was by the cable. Cable would alternate between jumping and smoking :eek: gave the cable a quick wiggle and the unit would start. New cable for $7 and it was back up and starting with out issue :D
I replaced the positive cable last year. I will replace the negative cable and see how that works...that would be an inexpensive thing to try. Thanks!
 

Ascott172

New member
Apr 14, 2015
12
0
0
Carolinas
I had this problem and found a solution. You need a low voltage starter relay. As the wiring and safety switches get old the resistance increases and you cannot always get enough voltage (less than 12 volts) to the starter contactor. The solution is to add a low voltage starter relay and it will close the contactor with a lower voltage like 9. John deer sells a kit for this($ 40-$50) but I bought one off eBay that was for a vw dune buggy for $13.

I had previously replaced the battery cables , cleaned ground connections and replaced the ignition switch and did not fix the problem. The low voltage starter relay is the solution.