Testing Switches - Cub Cadet RZT-S Professional Shop Manual

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RZT-S

Testing switches

• Refer to the "Components" section of this chapter that describes the function of the individual switches to
be tested.
• Switches can be tested "hot" by looking for voltage at the appropriate posts. This is not definitive, since
the source of the voltage is not always confirmed. Checking for voltage does not work on switches that
provide a ground path to the magneto primary windings or a solid state control device.
• The most valid way to test switches is a continuity test.
1. Understand the internal functions of the switch. Key switches and PTO switches can be fairly complex.
2. Isolate the switch from the rest of the circuit.
3. Test each pair of terminals for continuity in all modes of switch operation: at-rest, and actuated.
4. Many switches on Cub Cadet equipment are typed by their at-rest state: Normally Open, Normally Closed,
Common.
• Normally Open (NO) contacts do not complete
a circuit when the switch is at-rest (plunger
extended). They close to complete a path
through the switch when the plunger is
depressed.
• Normally Closed (NC) contacts complete a cir-
cuit when the switch is at-rest (plunger
extended). They open to break the path through
the switch when the plunger is depressed.
• Some Cub cadet switches contain more than
one pair of contacts. The same switch housing
can contain normally open and normally closed
switch elements.
• When testing a switch that contains more than
one set of contacts (elements), the male spade
terminals associated with Normally Closed con-
tacts will be stamped "NC"
• Associated male spade terminals are posi-
tioned with their broadest surfaces facing each
other. See Figure 7.46.
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Normally Closed
switch element:
Spades marked: "NC"
Figure 7.46
Normally Open
Normally Open
switch element:
Spades blank