Need some clarification on electrical testing. continuity to ground?

Mikee gave you some good suggestions except he got the test backwards. When you set the meter to any Ohm (resistance) scale and touch the leads together, it should read zero (no resistance). You use this to check that a particular wire or series of wires and switches are making good connection. Make sure there is no voltage in the wire before you check for continuity. When checking for continuity, you can use any part of the mower frame/engine or the negative terminal of the battery if it is still connected. Once you understand the concept of continuity, you will be using it to test everything from old light bulbs to switches.