Need help diagnosing mower issue. Lx279 John Deere.

I've got an LX279 John Deere. (Engine KAWASAKI FD501V)
That won't start. The (gear) in my New Starter Motor won't connect to my flywheel gear ~ to turn my mower over.
Things to note: I have to wedge needle nose plyers against my Ground terminal and Positive Terminal on my starter soulinoid, to make the gear in my starter motor spin.
My ECU does not light up unless I do this ;along with my other
Idiot lights. ( Don't know what that's about)
My ignition Boxes both have two exposed wires
( See picture below.)

Really I don't know or understand what's up with my mower.
I'll submit pictures that way, my problem is more clear.

I've got an LX279 John Deere. (Engine KAWASAKI FD501V)
That won't start. The (gear) in my New Starter Motor won't connect to my flywheel gear ~ to turn my mower over. Just spins  or doesn't engage?  What was the issue with the old starter?
 
Things to note: I have to wedge needle nose plyers against my Ground terminal and Positive Terminal on my starter soulinoid, to make the gear in my starter motor spin. You should have a thinnish wire to the solenoid, from the ignition switch.  That should have 12 volts to it when turning the key to crank. I suspect the solenoid is bad as "jumping past " the internals of the solenoid gets it cranking.  You may hear it click, but the contacts inside are burnt up and do not pass the full 12 volts to the starter
 
My ECU does not light up unless I do this ;along with my other
Idiot lights. ( Don't know what that's about)
My ignition Boxes both have two exposed wires
( See picture below.)   Pic's didn't post but address the solenoid in the mean time.

Really I don't know or understand what's up with my mower.
I'll submit pictures that way, my problem is more clear.