As an FYI, not all seat switches make contact when the operator is present. Some are normally closed and then open when you sit down. Many of them have a little spring like device that shorts the two terminals together should the switch be unplugged so not to simply bypass the system. Sometimes these fail as well.

Sounds to me like it "thinks" you are not in the seat. Find and disconnect the Kill Wire at the engine IF you are needing to mow then have more time to find and correct the problem.

Walt Conner

I'm using a gravely for backup. I disconnected the switch thinking that the normally closed switch could be bypassed that way. No luck though. I also hooked up an ohmmeter to the clutch, and got 4 ohms so I assume the wiring for the clutch is good as well. Perhaps I should check out the ignition switch?

Do you have a Service Manual for a Dixon Ram? IF not , I think I do. IF you would like a PDF copy, contact me at address below, put in proper format and remind me what you want, bad memory and lots of requests.

I don't remember for sure but I think the Ram still has an "Interlock Module" which is the only other safety device involved in the PTO circuit which might cause the symptoms you describe that I can think of.

As mentioned above, some seat switch connections have a builtin device to prevent you from defeating the seat switch. I THINK the Ram is new enough to possibly have this. You should be able to tell by examining the plug.

Walt Conner

wconner5 at frontier dot com

Thanks Walt,

Is the service manual different from the owners manual?

I think I'm going to order a seat switch as they are pretty inexpensive.

There is a wiring diagram online, I didn't see an interlock switch. Where approximately would it be located?

After checking, what I have is the Owner's Manual and yes, a Service Manual would be very much different. I don't know if it is available online or not but if you have the wiring diagram I am not sure the Service Manual would help.

On the Dixons I have had the Interlock Module was mounted under the Control Panel right next to the Ignition Switch and Electric Clutch Relay. A black plastic rectangular box with a bunch of wires running into it. In years of owning and working on Dixons, I have never had to replace an Interlock Module, other mowers, yes

Walt Conner.

A service manual would be cool as I would like to know how to change the fluid in the hydrostats. Pretty sure this model doesn't have an interlock. Wiring is pretty simple.

Thanks! I sometimes miss obvious things like that.