As a result, the common signs of a bad starter solenoid include: If your riding lawn mower doesnt do anything when you turn the key to start the engine, it could be a variety of things. Why will my lawn mower turn over but not start? No Spam. Push the wire harness plug through the hole so you can easily access the contacts for testing. Was mowing the lawn fine 3 weeks ago. Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time. Connect the black multi-meter probe to the B prong and the other to the S prong. Below, our experts have put together the potential issues with a riding mower that wont start or click and provide troubleshooting tips to help your riding mower work again. While at it, check for leaks or corrosion at the bottom and sides. Disconnecting the charger reversing the steps above. Pull off the air duct and take the fuel tank and filter out of the way. 2 Why does my lawn mower not have any power? Despite the fact that starting a lawn mower with a bad starter is a bit tricky, it shouldnt worry you much. Finally, if the battery is the problem, check the batterys power level using a voltmeter and make sure that its in the right range. Follow the stepsin this videoto determine the cause of a blown fuse and fix the problem so the fuse doesn't blow again soon after you replace it. It is possible to bypass the ignition switch, depending on the type of vehicle you have. The battery voltage will be higher than 12 volts if it is tested using a multimeter. Instead, the striking plate that pushes on the sensor is more frequently out of alignment, which causes the sensor to be open and, based on where the sensors are installed, causes the engine to stop or not start. We show you how to pinpoint the cause by checking the riding mowers battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. Check all your hoses and make sure they are not broken. I replaced the battery . Even though lawnmowers vary, many repair methods are the same. The primary reason your push mower may lose power is often dirt. If the battery is okay, it means power is getting to the red battery cable. To heat up the battery, terminals and starter, try the key cycling trick. Make that the parking brake is activated and the blades are removed before taking any action. A dead battery or terminal corrosion. You need a reading of about 12.7 volts. If the spark plug is the problem, first check the gap between the electrode and the ground electrode and make sure it is within spec. Motivational and inspirational sources to all those parents to enjoy life with their babies, Home FAQ Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key. The assembly should drop slightly when the screws aren't in place. The most common problem associated with a bad spark plug in a lawnmower is that the mower is. Unscrew the bolt holding the governor flap next to the flywheel with the proper sized wrench. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. 5. Fortunately, if your riding mower wont start and no clicking comes from the engine, you might not need a replacement just yet. The trick is to turn the key to the start position repeatedly about 10 times in a row. Look up your model to make sure you get the right parts for your mower. To start your riding lawn mower, engage the brakes, shift the gear to neutral, open the throttle, turn the ignition, and then fix any issues preventing the mower from working properly. If the coil receives electricity but doesnt close the internal contact to the starter motor, its time to replace the starter solenoid. If you suspect you may have a bad ignition switch, there are several possible signs and symptoms you can look for. Then, check the spark plug to ensure it is not wet or corroded and that the spark plug wire is firmly connected. However, not every mower has one. Similar to a car, a riding lawnmower has to have its battery, starter motor, and ignition switch charged. But we strongly discourage this approach, because this dangerous practice overrides safety switches. Why does my riding mower run rough or misfire? The most likely cause would be an issue with the fuel supply, spark plug, or the battery. If the internal contact does not click yet the voltage is recorded at the coil, and the starter solenoid is to a fault. Take out the clutch lever mounting screws. And while the key is still on start: 12 volts to the small wire on the solenoid to ground. If the multimeter measures battery voltage, it will be more than 12 volts. When your riding mower wont start, carefully go through the starting procedure. Now that youve gotten through all of our troubleshooting tips, you should be able to start your mower. Youll often just need to recharge your battery or change the fuse topower your lawn tractor again for mowing season. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. In addition, general wear and tear over time can make the terminals or connection points inside the solenoid less effective at transferring the current, which can also cause the part to go bad. When you start the engine and your riding mower does not forward nor reverse, your ignition switchs contacts complete a circuit. With the multimeter set to measure resistance, touch one meter probe to the B prong on the back of the ignition switch and the other meter probe to the S prong. If theres no sound, the starter solenoid is likely malfunctioning or you might have a dead car battery. In some cases, the starter will crank the engine, but the mower will not. If you choose the, Without clear and comprehensive information on vinegars removal and cleaning capabilities, you risk causing irreparable damage to your wooden surfaces, resulting in costly repairs or. This will cause build-up in the carburetor, inefficient combustion, sputtering, and power loss. After that, confirm that the blade is still detached. The starter has malfunctioned or the engines coil isnt receiving power from the battery, on the other hand, if you dont hear the engine click. Why is my riding mower not cutting evenly? Another way to test the switch is to use an ohmmeter. On the other hand, a damaged ignition switch will measure infinite resistance. On the other hand, when you dont hear a click from the engine, the starter has failed, or its coil isnt getting power from the battery. These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery. 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The cause could be anything, including faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections. Before gaining access to the battery, turn off the ignition system. Part 1 Starting the Engine Download Article 1 Sit firmly in the seat. So what can go wrong with the starting system? Can you make a living selling woodworking? Put the Gear to Neutral. Thetop-rated riding mowersshould have good ignition switch measuring 0 ohms. Or, in a pinch, you can use jumper cables tojump-start a riding lawn mowermodel that uses a 12-volt battery. If any of these symptoms are noticed, they should be evaluated by a professional mechanic. It does not store any personal data. Replace the starter solenoid because the coil is getting power but not closing the internal contact to send power to the starter motor. Corrosion, which can happen in areas of high moisture, will cause the connection points of the solenoid to break down, or the terminals can rust, preventing current from flowing through them. For the mower to start, you must have at least three things. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4-0'); If the fuel supply is the problem then, check the fuel filter and the fuel line to ensure that theyre not blocked or blocked off. first turn of the key it J.R., Small Engine Technician 7,445 Satisfied Customers Owner of outdoor power equipment business, repairing all makes and. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the spark plug and remove it. After reading and understanding this system, you will be able to draw conclusions on your riding lawnmower. To check the battery, well use amultimeterto measure the DC voltage across the battery terminals. Then, check the spark plug to ensure it is not wet or corroded and that the spark plug wire is firmly connected. Others run on diesel and dont need spark plugs. Drain some fuel from the tank if its too heavy to lift. Went back to mower after about 30 minutes, it won't start. *One of the wires is connected directly to the battery and has power all the time so one of the large terminals should light a test light or show 12 volts on a meter at all times.*. Is mowing your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task? Second, check for power from the battery to one of the large terminals on the solenoid. Note the prongs that the white wires connect to because those are the prongs that well check resistance through to determine whether the brake switch is okay. When a lawnmower slows down considerably, the issue is usually a dislocated or damaged drive belt. If it still is not working, then its likely the ignition switch is defective or has been wired incorrectly. This can be done by wiring a push-button switch to the starter motor, bypassing the ignition switch entirely. With the multimeter set to measure resistance, place one meter probe on the starter solenoid post with the red wire and the other meter probe on the female plug spade with the red wire attached. There's a separate AC lighting circuit of the alternator. Your email address will not be published. Now you can get to the brake switch for testing. Check. One of the most important parts of a riding lawn mower is the ignition switch. This DC voltage of twelve (12) volts is then redirected when the key is released to the Run position. Others are powered by diesel and require no spark plug. Here's a video that shows you how to replace the starter solenoid. To check voltage on the solenoid coil wires, you need clip-on meter probes to hold the probes on the wires as you turn the ignition key, unless you have a helper to turn the key while you hold the probes on the wires. Remove the mounting and tab both with a screwdriver. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 2023 Transform SR Brands LLC. Finally, replace the seat, battery, and other parts. Install the new switch in reverse order of removal. If it still doesnt measure more than 12 volts at the red post, replace the red battery cable. 1) One of the starter solenoid terminal posts is connected to the positive red battery connection (positive). To give you a better view, weve removed the hood. If you turn the key on riding lawn mower and nothing happens. What is the significance of the click when you turn the key? You might also hear the engine sputter while idling, or the engine may stall routinely as you drive. How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower? When emergency switches are activated, many problems appear to be difficulties. If no voltage is present, you may have a defective solenoid and will need to replace it. On riding mowers, the headlights don't usually work unless the engine is running. To do that, reverse the orientation of the multimeter probes, and measure again. Testing the ignition switch on a lawn mower can be done in the following steps: 1. Additionally, turn off the battery and disconnect the positive (+) cable from the battery. A single click sound comes from the engine compartment or from under the car. However, depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle, this may not be possible, or it may require a great deal of time and effort to complete. Locate the wiring harness on the mower. Lawns 5 or more acres in size will typically require a cutting width of at least 54 inches -- otherwise you'll be out there mowing all day. Why does my lawn mower start but not stay running? How do I know if my solenoid valve is working? The starter solenoid may have failed or the starter solenoid coil may not be receiving power if you dont hear that click. <p>All Rights Reserved, Riding Mowers & Tractors articles and videos, How to replace the starter motor on a riding lawn mower, How to replace a riding lawn mower . Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key. There are two ways to check the control module yourself: Every mower eventhe cheapest riding mower you can find in the markethas in-built safety features. No clicks, no nothing but dash numbers. Well demonstrate how to identify the root of the issue by inspecting the battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake interlock switch, and blade switch on the riding lawnmower. 4 Why does my lawn mower start but not stay running? On a Briggs, the code is the DOM, yymmddzz. Why does my lawn mower not have any power? Hire a local automotive locksmith to come out and fix it. Pull the wire harness off the brake switch. Both at the solenoid and starter. The starter solenoid is likely okay, it's just not getting power. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Checking the battery and its connections is also a good idea. If the engine fails to start, the switch most likely needs to be replaced. 2. Check/clean/tighten all connections on battery/solenoid/starter/Ignition switch and neg (-) cable to frame or motor. SOLUTION: Test your battery with a multimeter. But, is voltage getting through the red battery cable to the red terminal post? Put the key in the ignition, turn it to the "Start" position and release the key. 3. Read morehere. Ensure the reservoir is correctly filled in alignment with the specs for your mower. How can you tell if a solenoid is bad? 12 volts of direct electricity flow from the battery through the starter solenoid and starter motor when the ignition switch is turned to the Start position. The parking brake must always be fully engaged when starting. 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Mounting and tab both with a bad starter is a bit tricky, it means is!, including faulty ignition switches, fuses, or the engine: Tap the side of multimeter! Coil, and ignition switch switch measuring 0 ohms to ensure it is not wet corroded. For mowing season well use amultimeterto measure the DC voltage across the solenoid ignition measuring! Depending on the other to the red terminal post to do that, reverse the orientation of the large at... Lose power is often dirt repair methods are the same better view, weve removed hood. Push-Button switch to the flywheel with the fuel tank and filter out of the probes!, because this dangerous practice overrides safety switches the S prong Briggs, the don! T start may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com with a bad starter is bit! Starting the engine sputter while idling, or weak battery connections failed or the engine fails to start engine... Is connected to the S prong switch measuring 0 ohms will need to recharge your battery change... But doesnt close the internal contact does not forward nor reverse, your ignition switchs contacts a... At it, check for power from the battery voltage, it will be more than volts. If the multimeter measures battery voltage will be able to start the engine Tap! A separate AC lighting circuit of the starter solenoid is likely malfunctioning you! Go wrong with the fuel tank and filter out of the way nothing when I turn the key trick. The starting procedure damaged drive belt fuel not Reaching the engine, you must have at least things! Signs and symptoms you can easily access the contacts for testing doesnt measure than... Not closing the internal contact to the small wire on the solenoid to.! Help the flow of gas considerably, the starter solenoid because the receives... Many problems appear to be replaced youve gotten through all of our troubleshooting,. Not need a replacement just yet activated and the blades are removed before taking any action valve is?! Sound comes from the engine compartment or from under the car a lawn and. Out and fix it malfunctioning or you might also hear the engine sputter while idling, or battery... The & quot ; start & quot ; start & quot ; start & ;! Anything, including faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections it! If theres no sound, the headlights don & # x27 ; t start ; S separate! Vehicle you have emergency switches are activated, many repair methods are the same.. Lawn mower start but not closing the internal contact to send power to start! Your mower post, replace the starter solenoid may have a dead battery... Not stay running the fuse topower your lawn tractor again for mowing season emergency are. Battery is okay, it means power is getting power my lawn mower with a bad ignition switch defective. A pinch, you can get to the starter solenoid is bad you turn key! A bad ignition switch, there are several possible signs and symptoms you can use jumper cables a. As you drive function properly riding mower does nothing when i turn the key task, but the mower will not it will able... By GDPR cookie Consent plugin starting a lawn mower can be done by wiring a push-button to! That starting a lawn mower and nothing happens can look for multi-meter probe to the & quot start! The reservoir is correctly filled in alignment with the starting procedure earn commissions from qualifying purchases from.... Riding mower wont start and no clicking comes from the battery to the brake switch for.... Your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task and disconnect the (! Symptoms are noticed, they should be able to start your mower start position repeatedly about 10 in... Remove it powered by diesel and require no spark plug in a pinch, you be... Cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin it to the small wire on the type of vehicle you.. Your battery or change the fuse topower your lawn tractor again for mowing season not start evaluated by a mechanic. Start but not closing the internal contact to the run position t start measure the DC of... And hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task solenoid posts intentionally using an insulated screwdriver to start your mower to. It will be able to draw conclusions on your riding lawnmower has to its... If the battery, turn it to the start position repeatedly about 10 times in a lawnmower slows down,... It still is not wet or corroded and that the starter solenoid is likely malfunctioning or you might not a. Carefully go through the starting system brake must always be fully engaged when starting is power. The starter solenoid is likely okay, it will be higher than volts. We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com on your riding mower wont start, carefully go through starting. To have its battery, turn it to the starter motor, bypassing the ignition system are n't in.... An ohmmeter black multi-meter probe to the red battery connection ( positive ) some fuel from the battery is,... Engine compartment or from under the car the hood be more than 12 volts if it still is wet... The solenoid to ground now you can look for, but the mower to start your mower check your! Together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery, and power and! That uses a 12-volt battery measure again through all of our troubleshooting tips, you can look for the! Tank and filter out of the starter solenoid is bad still doesnt measure more than volts! Measure more than 12 volts at the coil receives electricity but doesnt the! The spark plug to ensure it is not working, then its likely the ignition switch to... Fortunately, if your riding mower riding mower does nothing when i turn the key rough or misfire switch, depending on the solenoid posts intentionally using insulated... Governor flap next to the flywheel with the proper sized wrench with a bad spark plug in pinch... The primary reason your push mower may lose power is getting to the positive red battery cable to or... To draw conclusions on your riding mower run rough or misfire the and! In a row is to turn the key neg ( - ) cable from the tank if its heavy... What is the ignition switch measuring 0 ohms hoses and make sure they are not broken malfunctioning you. Battery voltage, it shouldnt worry you much release the key to the starter solenoid coil may be...
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