Turn key - NOTHING on a 982
 

982 was running fine. turned it off a few minutes. Went to restart, turned over, minor backfire, then nothing. Turning the key does nothing. No starter, no gauges, no lights, no sounds. Nothing.

The ignition switch had been 'iffy' in the past; sometimes I'd reach around to wiggle the wires and it would start. Not now.

So, should I order a new switch? Can I test the old switch [any diagrams out there?] Or is there a fuse or something somewhere else I need to check?

I had the same issue with a 2072 not too long ago, it would occasionally start when the wire plug was wiggled on the back of the switch, replaced the ignition and all is good, had to replace the black plastic plug too, mine was melted and the prongs weren't in too good of shape, check the spade connectors too.

Replace the Ignition Switch.

Seems so obvious to me.....

It wouldn't hurt to see if the battery terminals are clean and tight.
Not unheard of for them to cause a problem and it costs nothing.
But it does sound from your description, like the switch is bad as others have suggested to replace it.

I've had to replace the one on my 2072 and 982. If its corroded do yourself a favor and replace it.

Doggone it......I thought this was about "Turkey" and I am hungry!!! Come to find out, it is a thread about "Turn key". Need to see my optimist and get some better specs.....Oh well, another ignition switch and that 982 will be the cub it once was.

Cub Cadet 123

All right. I'll get a new switch. Figured I'd ask first, just in case it was something else. Thanks!

Could be a safety switch problem also.
Make sure they are all functioning properly.
The one on the rock shaft may be out of adjustment
Just a thought.

I have always found it best to check the obvious first....