I own a craftsman riding lawn mower and when I started it back up this spring, everything started up on it just fine. Everything accept the mower deck. When I pull the lever up to engage the mower, it does nothing. No bog down, no hesitation, no nothing. It just doesn't turn on the blades. I noticed a little switch just under the lever when I removed the gas tank from out of my way. Could this be the issue, Any way to try it and see?

The black shielded wire that is attached to the lever, sticks up about a half inch from the part of the lever that pulls it up. Is that normal? When I pull the lever up, it takes the end of that wire and pulls it up to the lock position.

Anyone have any ideas where I should start?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi,
You did not provide the model number, but a common occurrence with Craftsman machines is for the pivot for the engagement idler to rust or corrode and stick without engaging the deck. It would need to be disassembled, cleaned lubed lightly and reassembled.
Peace.
Clarke

Is the cable which engages the blades attached at both ends? On top of the deck it "unbrakes" the blade system, allowing them to spin

Hi,
It attaches to the lever on the top side inside the dash.
Peace,
Clarke