All, Got a 96 Snapper Rider (280915BE) with a 10 hp B&S with electric start which does not work. I've bench tested the battery/starter and they are good. I don't know how to test a solenoid and am not sure if it's bad because it makes a thump when I try to start the mower. Using a test light, I never get any power to the stater power cable. How do you test a solenoid? Any suggestions? Thanks for any help.

Remove the wire that is plugged into the tab on the side of the solenoid. Get a jumper wire, attach to solenoid where battery cable is attached. Touch jumper wire to terminal on side of solenoid, this will activate solenoid and starter should engage. If starter does not engage chances are the solenoid is bad. You should hear a "click" when the solenoid engages and disengages.

If it works when jumped then the problem could be in the starter switch, wiring, or interlock (if this model has a safety interlock)

30 yaer, Thanks for the response to both this and my Husqvarna questions. Just out of curiosity, does it hurt to jump start a riding mower (with a 12 V system) with a automobile? Thanks

As long as the electrical system is in proper operating order, then no it won't hurt anything to jump start your rider from an automobile.