If this is test didn't work, but direct to the battery did......

AND all this is true.....

Then it IS the solenoid. They don't cost that much. You can get one from a parts store. Take the old one in. I used to have the number for a Napa one. It's an old Ford solenoid.

From Advance Auto I think the solenoid is the GP Sorensen SS94Z for about $10. It has four studs for connecting wires, but you only use three of them for the Cub Cadets.

Come on people, the quickest & easiest way to troubleshoot electrical problems like this is with a simple test light. You should be able to go through the WHOLE starting system in less than 5 minutes.

Start at the battery cable, go to the solenoid, check to see if you have power to the small terminal when the key is in the start position.
If you do, check the other large terminal. No power, bad solenoid
If you do not have power to the small terminal, check the brake switch, ignition switch & wiring & connectors.

From what I have seen in many posts here, some people way over think basic electrical circuits. The Electrical systems on these machines are very basic, not like the systems in newer automotive, Thank god!!!

There is no shame in asking questions, but remember that the electronics used today were not even dreamed of when these machines were built.

Thanks for the gentle smack upside the head.:Forgot:

I did not intend to smack anyone upside the head, but I have seen many posts where a problem could be solved with simple tools ( like test lights) but some how VOM meters, and other test equipment seem to enter into the topic. Much of the equipment was not even around or had very limited use when these machines were built. We used adjust carbs with glass of water on the hood, no ripples ment the engine was smooth no tach. needed! Remember, Keep it simple!!

It was a gentle, friendly, fatherly slap. :)

LMAO! I read these threads, and often times roll my eyes and laugh to myself... Not because someone doesn't understand (there is absolutely NO shame in not understanding) but because those who do, sometimes seem to put way too much thought, effort and technology into figuring out that there is power on this side but none on that side.

As far as the Cubs go, I almost never break out a meter. When troubleshooting an electrical problem, a test light will tell you everything you need to know. Light on when it should be... Light off when it should be. Sometimes you will get a dim light (it doesn't matter if you are getting 5.6 volts or 9.8, if the light ain't bright, something ain't right!) it isn't that hard to tell the difference.

I would suggest we NEVER laugh at or sway anyone away from learning a new skill or learning how to use a new tool (especially a multimeter).

A simple test light will find the "hard" failures but will never pick up subtle voltage drops in starter cables, broken ground wires to coil points, dim headlights caused by 19 of the 20 strands of the headlight wire corroded away without additional "guesswork" on the part of the person using the test light. That one strand of wire left in the headlight circuit will make the little test lamp glow brightly enough but still have the more powerful headlights starving for power. This scenario may even avoid quick fool diagnosis with a multimeter. Understanding how a circuit or system works is always the best troubleshooting tool.

An ohmmeter will easily show a 2k ohm trigger terminal to ground resistance that will prevent a starter relay from engaging. A person using a multimeter will can diagnose a corroded ground connection before even taking the relay off the tractor !! A test light would have sent you driving off to the store to pickup a new starter relay as the test light would have turned on full brightness on that same trigger terminal.

Excessive voltage drop on the SG wiring? How you going to tell where the voltage drops excessively without a meter? Battery cable? Starter relay contacts pitted? Bad wire from relay to SG? Put down the light and pickup the meter.

YOU must understand what the tool is telling you AND ITS LIMITATIONS. TEST LIGHTS HAVE PLENTY !!

As someone learns and masters the use and interpretation of multimeter they will be more capable of diagnosing subtle issues a test light can't touch. Learn to use the tool and in turn learn more about the electrical system your working on. Never stop learning. Never stop acquiring more understanding about the hobby you have chosen.

p.s. When you reach a point of total understanding of the electrical system, even a test light is not needed. Give me a piece of wire with alligator clips on each end and with the understanding I gained from using a multimeter, I trust I can locate any issue in record time.

I remember when I was in the Air Force we were taught how to use multimeters and it has served me well over the years but I also remember having to troubleshoot a problem were when the electronic cabinet door was close the equipment didn't work , open the door and everything was great. There was no short concerning the door. Or something would work if you leaned on it, otherwise no go. Those drove up crazy. Another was when our shift got the problem 99% solved and the following shift made things worse than before...:bash2:

Swapped in a used solenoid and we are back in business. Thanks Lew.