JD X-340 Lawn Tractor issue

I hope this is the correct forum for this question.

My JD X-340 will start right up but as soon as I release the brake pedal, the engine dies immediately (in an electrical way, not a gasoline issue way.) This does this even with me in the seat so I'm thinking that it may be a seat safety switch issue. Previously, if I got off the tractor with it still running (and with the parking brake NOT engaged) it would continue to run for several seconds- so that might indicate a problem right there. But now, it appears the seat switch may be totally inop. I'm trying to figure out how to override the switch - for diagnositc purposes only, not permanently.

I've done research on-line but have only found generic suggestions for various makes of lawn tractors, not this one specifically. Some suggest plugging a short jumper into the connector cable. If the tractor starts and runs fine, then the problem must be in the seat switch. Others have suggested cutting the wires in the cable and wire them together, completing the circuit, just as if someone was sitting on the seat.

The problem with this is that I do not know if the seat safety switch on this tractor COMPLETES the circuit when someone sits on the seat, or BREAKS the circuit. I guess if the switch BREAKS the circuit, just cutting the wires to the switch would do the job?

I understand the safety issues. I just want to determine for sure if the seat switch is the issue before throwing money at parts.

Thanks for your help!

Try the appropriate forum on weekendfreedommachines.com

I think you're looking the right place, investigating the seat switch. How about taking the switch out of the seat, operating it manually to try it, putting a continuity tester on it, or just looking it over.

There is also a brake pedal switch that contacts the pedal under the foot plate - make sure the button in the switch is moving properly -I have seen these stuck in as well
Remove the seat switch from the seat and operate the pad to check operation while still connected
you should be able to jumper the connector to test operation, but some have four wires so that makes it difficult.

It turned out to be the seat safety switch, indeed. Apparently it was just a loose connection with the cable. I tweaked the prongs in the switch to make a tighter connection and it works great now.

Thanks for the help!