I have a John Deere 316 tractor which will start sporadically. Scenario: Engage the foot pedal to start tractor. No solenoid click, no turning over of motor. The first time it occurred, I cleaned the seat switch and it started. Happened again and in attempting to get it started, I leaned forward pushing the seat back to the limit and it started. Then it got to where it wouldn't start at all. Checked the seat switch with multimeter and switch is good. Moved the seat forward and back, tried to start again and it started. Ran for 3 hours bushhogging my pasture. Put it up. Attempted to start again a few days later and same situation. Checked battery which was low on water. Topped it off and tried again. Still no solenoid click or attempt to turn over. Put in brand new battery yesterday and still no solenoid click or attempt of motor to turn over. Lights work.

Is there some other place to check that the 'deadman's' seat switch is working correctly?

Hi,
Best guess is a bad key switch and the other things are throwing you off.
Peace,
Clarke

Thanks, we were going to try that next, but my husband has health issues and we haven't been able to get back to it yet.