How to Do a Resistance Check for a Mower Seat Switch

Modern riding mowers and tractors are equipped with a seat switch as a safety feature. If the individual operating the equipment gets off the seat while the engine is running, the tractor or mower shuts off automatically to prevent injury. Doing a resistance check on the seat switch involves testing for circuit continuity to verify the switch is not shorted or burned out. Use a multimeter to conduct this simple test.

Multimeter

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the mower. The engine does not need to be running to check the seat switch.
- 2
  Reach under the seat to pull the release lever that unlocks the seat so it can be lifted forward or backward, depending on your model.
- 3
  Grip the plug with two wires attached to the underside of the seat. Pull the plug from the socket below the seat. The safety switch is built above the socket underneath the mower seat.
- 4
  Set the multimeter to test for resistance, which is usually labeled "Rx1" on the device.
- 5
  Touch the two multimeter rods to the two contacts inside the socket below the seat. The multimeter will display a zero reading if the switch is operating properly in the open position.
- 6
  Recruit an assistant to press the padded surface of the seat firmly with both hands while you continue holding the multimeter rods to the switch contacts. In the closed position, the switch will register a slight resistance reading on the multimeter. If the display continues to register zero, the switch is defective.

How to Mount Chains on a Snowblower

How to Make a Mount for an ATV Plow

Lawn Tools