My Toro Wheel Horse Ignition Switch Keeps Going Bad

Ignition Switch Condition

• The Toro Wheel Horse’s ignition switch has positive and negative leads. When the key ignition is turned to “on” or the electrical start button is pressed, the switch’s relay connects two poles that create an electrical charge. The charge flows down the positive lead, while the negative lead keeps the electricity grounded. If the negative lead is disconnected or broken, the charge can escape and short out the ignition switch. A broken positive lead can also discharge and not pass the electricity down to the magneto starter.

Magneto

• Damage to the magneto starter can affect the ignition switch. The magneto receives that electrical charge from the ignition switch and starts the flywheel moving. The flywheel has a magnet attached to it that spins around an armature and two metal coils inside the magneto. When the magnet passes the armature, the electricity generated flows through the first coil. When the circuit breaker trips to stop the flywheel, the first coil releases the electricity into the second coil, which increases its potency and sends the charge to the spark plug. Broken coils can release electrical charges back to the ignition switch. Damage to the magneto wires can also arc onto the ignition switch wiring.

Spark Plug

• The final electrical part of the Wheel Horse’s starting system is the spark plug. The electricity generated in the magneto travels through a wire to the spark plug. It is then discharged from the spark plug tip into the combustion chamber, where it ignites fuel vapors. A gap must exist according to the operating manual’s standards between the spark plug and the chamber for this to happen. If the gap is too close, it will discharge on the tip or the spark plug wire. A shorted wire can send the electricity back up through the magneto and possibly the ignition switch.

Safety

• Before working on any Work Horse electrical systems, take safety precautions. Ensure the ignition is turned off completely and that the spark plug wire is disconnected. Always “ground” yourself by touching a metal part before touching electrical parts so that you get rid of any built-up static electricity. Also, inspect surrounding electrical wires for damage or loose ground wires because that could cause arcing onto your ignition system.