I just got a semi-new, in good condition Craftsman II rider from my Grandma with no key. How can I tell what wires do what so I can bypass the key ignition with a switch?

Hi! Priebem1, and welcome to AMHD :)

Not sure, but I don't think its built to run like that you might end up burning the wiring out of it.
I've always been able to go an buy generic keys from sears, one time to fit my toro.

Hang in there, one of the fella's will be along in a few to validate me or not.

The attachment shows an older model switch, to give you an idea, but unless the numbers match I wouldn't fool with it.

K

Wow, that's a simple solution. I've got a Sears outlet just down the road. I didn't realize lawn mower keys were universal. Thanks!

You will need 2 switches one an ignation on off switch, the other a starter push button. Your current ignation switch shoulh have 3 wires on it. Your current switch has a battery lead, ignation lead and a starter lead. With a volt meter you should have 12 volts on one leat all the time. With a jumper wire you can jump from that lead to one of the other leads. If starter turns over engine that is the starter lead which will go to the starter push betton switch. The other lead will be the ignation lead. That wire will go to the ignation on switch. Make the battery lead common to each of the comon leads on each switch. The starter push buton switch should be at least a 20 amp switch. The ignation on switch should be at least a 10 amp switch. Hope this info will help. It might be easier to buy a new ignation switch with a key from sears though. It will probily be cheeper and less work. Good luck.

You will need 2 switches one an ignation on off switch, the other a starter push button. Your current ignation switch shoulh have 3 wires on it. Your current switch has a battery lead, ignation lead and a starter lead. With a volt meter you should have 12 volts on one leat all the time. With a jumper wire you can jump from that lead to one of the other leads. If starter turns over engine that is the starter lead which will go to the starter push betton switch. The other lead will be the ignation lead. That wire will go to the ignation on switch. Make the battery lead common to each of the comon leads on each switch. The starter push buton switch should be at least a 20 amp switch. The ignation on switch should be at least a 10 amp switch. Hope this info will help. It might be easier to buy a new ignation switch with a key from sears though. It will probily be cheeper and less work. Good luck.

I think I want to try all that switching stuff just for fun. We'll see what Sears says. Thanks for the info.

I think I want to try all that switching stuff just for fun. We'll see what Sears says. thanks for the info.Sure that's how you learn, but think' about putting a fuse or two in your design somewhere, it'll cut down on the damage.

Hi,
I would not recommend "butchering" your machine; does not how much "fun" it sounds like. There are two keys that work on almost all. Metal body switch, key on left (made by Indak); plastic body switch, key on right (made by Delta.)
Peace,
Clarke