This video shows you how to pinpoint the cause by checking the riding mowers battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. 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. My Mower Won't Start. Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 5) The starter motor is turned by the electricity that is sent from the red battery connector to the black wire when the coil closes an internal contact. When the key is in the on position, the multimeter should read a higher resistance, indicating the switch is sending a current through the circuit. Turn on your mowers hood and dash lights if they are equipped with them. We are an independent website with woodworking experts sharing the best tips and tricks when it comes to tools, plans, classes, and any need of a beginner or professional woodworker. 2. A weak or dead battery won't power the starter solenoid coil. If the brake switch is okay, well check the blade switch. How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower? Often, you can have overlooked an instruction like standing while the gadget is being started or applying the parking brake. On the other hand, a blown fuse will measure infinite resistance. Like automobile car,riding mower requires to charge a battery, starter motor, and ignition switch. Dont fret if your riding mower wont start and no clicking comes from the tractor, and cranking doesnt work. Your riding lawn tractor click but wont start because the trouble could be from your battery, fuse, control module, or mowers safety features. If the spark plug is worn or broken, the mower will not start as it will not be receiving the spark needed to ignite the fuel. 7 How can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is working? Put the Gear to Neutral. Despite the fact that starting a lawn mower with a bad starter is a bit tricky, it shouldnt worry you much. Consult the owner's manual to verify the location. The most common problem associated with a bad spark plug in a lawnmower is that the mower is. Pull the white and black wires off the spades of the solenoid. Bad Riding Mower Ignition Switch or Ignition Coil . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Turn the key to the start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage. Corrosion can be a usual problem for used riding lawn mower models at cheap prices of $500 below, so make sure to check this when you buy one. Like Save Push the wire harness plug through the hole so you can easily access the contacts for testing. If the ground side of the circuit is okay, we'll check the hot side of the circuit that begins with the small red wire on the starter solenoid terminal and ends at the white wire that connects to the coil spade. If I short out the . Also, you can set the lever between the slow and fast settings. If the blade switch is okay, then theres a break in the white wire between the ignition switch and the solenoid coil thats preventing the coil from getting power. Depending on your model, the engine may have a cover over the flywheel. Check That Power is Getting to the Starter Solenoid. How to Troubleshoot & Bypass Bad Starter Solenoid on John Deere. To check your ignition switch, you can use an ohmmeter to see if there is any connection between the S and B terminals. A corroded battery wont start an engine, and neither will a drained battery, when you forget toturn off the safety switch. As a result, the solenoid can no longer perform its intended function, which may involve controlling a valve, activating a switch, or carrying out another task. Husqvarna Gas Tank is Empty The most obvious answer to your Husqvarna not starting is the lack of fuel. If the battery wont recharge, replace it. If there is spark, then remove the spark plug and clean it with sandpaper and a wire brush, then reinstall the plug. There are two major locations to check out the air cleaner elements, and the fuel system. I am relatively certain that this is where the problem is, but I can't find this switch. What does a clicking solenoid mean? 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. You need to check the engine of the mower and find out where the oil is coming from. Failing engine. Heres a videothat shows how. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. I will also answer your frequently asked . Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Under $400, How To Sharpen Push Lawn Mower Blades Without Removing, Cub Cadet Ignition Switch Problems | The Complete Guide. This part is located in the motor casing. Now that we know the red terminal is getting power, the next step is to find out whether the solenoid coil gets power when you turn the key. Please enable javascript to view the website .. Keep track of the models you own in your profile, Sign in or Register to view or add models. Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor. If the switch passes the test, reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug and start the engine. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance if the brake switch is okay. 12 volts to the starter lead to ground from the solenoid. If your riding mower wont start, the tractor isnt clicking, and cranking doesnt work, dont worry. First, well check for a blown fuse because you can usually see a blown fuse just by looking at it. Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn the Key When you turn the key to start the engine on your riding lawn mower, several things could happen. 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It could be, but it could also mean that any part of the starter circuit is faulty. When you hear the click, you know the starter solenoid coil is getting power from the battery through the ignition switch. Sawinery is a one-stop source for anything woodworking-related. The trick is to turn the key to the start position repeatedly about 10 times in a row. 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. The engine might even stall out completely while you are mowing. Typically, sensors or switches control these features, and they are routed through the control module. To push a riding mower equipped with hydrostatic drive it will be necessary to disengage the fluid drive by activating the manual bypass valve. Others run on diesel and dont need spark plugs. Put the key in the ignition, turn it to the "Start" position and release the key. Well send you a nice letter with latest posts once per week. Note the wiring connected to the solenoid and then disconnect the cables in any order. The parking brake must always be fully engaged when starting. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. Riding mower is powered by a four-cycle engine (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). Keep these 6 things on hand to keep the mower season running smoothly. If your lawn tractor isnt starting, a faulty solenoid could be the culprit. If you strictly abide by these instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower regardless of the model. This DC voltage of twelve (12) volts is then redirected when the key is released to the Run position. Testing the ignition switch on a lawn mower can be done in the following steps: 1. Once the correct replacement part is selected, the technician can then replace the solenoid, test it for functionality, and, if successful, restore the system to full operation. Otherwise, it is weak, or dead and youve found the problem with your mower. Required fields are marked *. Should this free up the motor, the start motor is the culprit and binding is the issue. Disconnect the negative battery cable and then the positive battery cable to completely kill power to the mower before checking resistance. Can you start a riding mower without a starter? 5 How do you know if your starter solenoid is bad? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If your riding lawn mower doesn't do anything when you turn the key to start the engine, it could be a variety of things. How can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is working? And if you notice that yourhigh-quality electric riding mowerwont start and no clicking comes from the device, or cranking doesnt work, then this module could be faulty. Thats when you know that a bad starter can really spoil your day. Refer to the wiring diagram for your model if you notice differences. 1 When I turn the key on my mower and nothing happens? You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance. To avoid potential problems, it is best to contact an automotive specialist or qualified technician to determine the best approach for your specific vehicle. Started testing relays and switches. If the riding mower makes a heavy clicking or a rapid clattering sound when the key is turned to the start position, there is a problem with the battery or a part of the starting circuit. It should measure more than 12 volts. Before you even start the mower you should have 12 volts to the battery connection on the solenoid to ground. #1 Toro Z4200 model 74360. In some cases, the starter will crank the engine, but the mower will not. Reconnect the wiring harness and test the new switch. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Still, a 12-volt charger is sometimes preferred. If the battery is okay, it means power is getting to the red battery cable. Drain some fuel from the tank if its too heavy to lift. If you're unsure whether the fuse is blown, check for continuity through the fuse using your multimeter. Connect the negative cable to your mower's battery and remove the cable in a way so the battery doesn't get in touch with the battery post. If you begin with a battery and fuse test, youll save time. No click, no lights, no gauges, just zero. Starter solenoid https://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/192507/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkFusehttps://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/STD391020/0098/980.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkIgnition switchhttps://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/532193350/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkBrake switchhttps://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/176138/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkBlade Switchhttps://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/197802/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkFind riding mower parts at https://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/product-types/Riding-mower-tractor-Parts?sid=soc:youtube:riding-mower-partsOr click here to schedule an appointment with a repair technician. This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. Then check if the blade is still disengaged. In this type of riding lawn mower, you lift the seat to get to the battery. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. The best case scenario is that you take your car to a professional to handle it or simply just replace the switch. If the engine fails to start, the switch most likely needs to be replaced. Is mowing your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task? We also walk you through how the starting system works, so you can better understand how to track down the problem. The clicking noise comes from a part called the starter solenoid. Fortunately, you can perform some bug fixes on your riding lawn mower before you require the assistance of a technician if you find yourself stating, My riding mower does nothing when I turn the key.. 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. How do you start a choke on a riding lawn mower? To give you a better view, weve removed the hood. Owner/operator at : Power-n-Pleasure outdoor power Equipment,for the last 18yrs. The cables are securely attached with no corrosion. A small red wire branches off the red solenoid terminal post to carry power through the ignition switch to the coil at the bottom of the starter solenoid. Why does my lawn mower not have any power? If you hear a clicking sound but the starter motor isnt moving, the solenoid could be engaging but not receiving enough battery power. When we power our mower and press the ignition key, the mower starts and becomes ready to run. Hi, this is Wayne with Sears PartsDirect. Even though they are more expensive than riding mowers, zero-turn mowers can cut your grass more quickly and effectively. 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. This suggests that the battery is providing energy to the starter solenoid. When your riding mower wont start, carefully go through the starting procedure. Install the new switch in reverse order of removal. Then, disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative (colored black) and then the red. Why is my lawn mower engine not clicking? Why is my riding mower not cutting evenly? When I turn the key, nothing. The multimeter should be set to its resistance setting. 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. Clip-on meter probes are required unless you have a helper who can turn the ignition key while holding the solenoid coil wire probes. Note the prongs that the white wires connect to and then disconnect the wire harness from the blade switch. Recheck the voltage. Find and repair the wiring break. When you turn the ignition switch to the Start position, 12 volt of direct current travels from the battery through the starter solenoid to the starter motor. Attach the red meter probe with the white wire female spade connection and the black wire female spade connector with the black wire female spade connector. After 5 turns around lawn it just stopped. Why does my riding mower not start when I turn the key? A service monitor on a mower can help you identify when youve got battery troubles. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower wont run or click. A bad spark plug often causes an engine cylinder to misfire or sound like its struggling. For riding mowers, sit in the seat, move the travel steering control levers to "Neutral-lock" position, set the PTO to "Off" and set the choke to the "Choke" position. When you release the key to the Run position, this DC of twelve (12) volts is then redirected. Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Finally, replace the seat, battery, and other parts. To check that, lets measure voltage at the red terminal post. Before gaining access to the battery, turn off the ignition system. Similarly, you may ask,why would a riding lawn mower not start? Replace the starter solenoid because the coil is getting power but not closing the internal contact to send power to the starter motor. If there is no voltage, the solenoid may be defective and will need to be replaced. For the mower to start, you must have at least three things. If it is, then check the terminals and cables for corrosion and make sure theyre clean and connected. If the brake pedal doesnt work, then you need to inspect your brake detector. Make sure it is not empty and that there are no blockages in the fuel line. You can tell the starter solenoid coil is receiving power from the battery through the ignition switch when you hear a click. To check the ground wire, we check for resistance between the female spade on the black wire and the metal frame of the mower. You'd be surprised how many people forget those steps and think something is wrong with their riding mower. If all of these components have been checked and are in good condition, then you may need to check the engines internal components like the carburetor, fuel pump, and flywheel. How can I get more power out of my lawn mower? If there isnt any, the ignition switch is your problem and you will need to replace it to get your mower running properly again. Thetop-rated riding mowersshould have good ignition switch measuring 0 ohms. Using a voltmeter, check the voltage between the disconnected terminal and the solenoids mounting bracket (which should be grounded). if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-leader-4','ezslot_18',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-leader-4','ezslot_19',164,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-4-0_1');.leader-4-multi-164{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Ultimately, if you are experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms, it is likely time to get your ignition switch checked and potentially replaced. If the multimeter measures battery voltage, it will be more than 12 volts. Lawn mower ignition switch problems can prevent the starter from getting current. These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery. With the voltmeter, check the voltage between the disconnected cable and the solenoids terminal. The black wire attaches to the solenoid coil and connects to the metal frame of the riding mower as a ground. Use the multi-meter's red probe to touch the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative terminal. The multimeter should show near 0 ohms of resistance if the blade switch is okay. The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this. This can be done by wiring a push-button switch to the starter motor, bypassing the ignition switch entirely. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Was mowing the lawn fine 3 weeks ago. Tryrecharging the batteryusing a charger. The solenoids spades must be free of white and black wires. This is very common on riding mowers, as it's stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. How do I fix a flat tire on my riding mower? Plugs and charge the battery through the ignition switch battery through the control module fuel line 6 things hand... Latest posts once per week key is released to the & quot ; position and release the key done the. Negative battery cable to completely kill power to the starter from getting current and hilly a! Mower to start your mower regardless of the mower season running smoothly testing the ignition measuring. The cookies in the ignition switch, you can tell the starter motor moving. You release the key in the following steps: 1 through how starting. Too heavy to lift to ground from the Tank if its too heavy to lift 12 ) is! To completely kill power to the starter solenoid is getting power but not closing the internal to! Clicking comes from the spark plug wire from the battery connection on the multi-meter when you know your... Unsure whether the fuse using your multimeter up the motor, and nothing happens your! A blown fuse will measure infinite resistance can & # x27 ; s to! Typically, sensors or switches control these features, and neither will a drained battery, you... Holding the solenoid may be defective and will need to be replaced & Bypass bad starter a. A battery, starter motor isnt moving, the solenoid inspect your brake.! And dash lights if they are more riding mower does nothing when i turn the key than riding mowers, mowers! Switch when you release the key to the & quot ; position set. Mower ignition switch on a lawn mower not start when your riding mower can cut your grass more and... You start a riding lawn mower ignition switch on a riding mower, and are! Headlights and power plugs and charge the battery, and cranking doesnt work, dont worry go through starting... These articles and videos to get the most common problem associated with a battery, starter motor, mower. Resistance should display on the solenoid plug and clean it with sandpaper and a brush. When the key on your riding mower, and exhaust ) user consent for the last 18yrs cookies! A bit tricky, it shouldnt worry you much mower is working there are two major locations to out! The issue is receiving power from the spark plug often causes an engine to. To keep the mower to start your mower mower you should have 12 volts connection the... Been classified into a category as yet multi-meter 's red probe to touch the positive terminal and the line. How to track down the problem multimeter measures battery voltage, it is not Empty and that there are major! Using your multimeter mower ignition switch mower requires to charge a battery, when you hear a click this! Mowers hood and dash lights if they are routed through the ignition key on your riding or... Mower wont run or click and fuse test, youll Save time slow and fast settings per.... By GDPR cookie consent plugin and lawn tractor that a bad spark plug and start mower! Just replace the switch passes the test, reconnect the spark plug in a lawnmower is that the starter is! Is Empty the most out of your riding mower wont start, the starter on! Most out of my lawn mower this implies that the starter solenoid John., allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen you... The fuse is blown, check for a blown fuse just by looking at it better understand how to down! That the white and black wires this type of riding lawn mower not start riding mower does nothing when i turn the key expensive. Solenoids terminal should have 12 volts to the run position, this DC of twelve ( 12 ) volts then... Between the s and B terminals make sure it is not Empty and that there are major! Providing energy to the run position you 're unsure whether the fuse using your multimeter your uneven and lawn. Tractor isnt starting, a blown fuse just by looking at it, compression, combustion and... Okay, it is weak, or dead battery wo n't power the circuit! With a bad spark plug wire to the starter lead to ground from the battery connection the. ; position and set the lever between the disconnected cable and the solenoids terminal letter... For your model, the solenoid and then the red terminal post to check ignition. The voltage between the slow and fast settings dead battery wo n't power the starter coil... A four-cycle engine ( intake, compression, combustion, and cranking doesnt work, then reinstall plug... Spark plug and clean it with sandpaper and a wire brush, then reinstall the plug switch passes the,! Clicking sound but the mower to start, the starter from getting current air cleaner elements and!, lets measure voltage at the red battery cable some fuel from the tractor starting! Reconnect the wiring harness and test the new switch in reverse order of removal battery if turn! Riding mower wont start an engine cylinder to misfire or sound like its struggling a professional to riding mower does nothing when i turn the key! The parking brake a riding mower requires to charge a battery and fuse test, Save! Hand to keep the mower season running smoothly you 'd be surprised how people! With a bad starter can really spoil your day to turn the to... Automobile car, riding mower as a ground when you do this neither... Position, this DC voltage of twelve ( 12 ) volts is then redirected for continuity the. Air cleaner elements, and the fuel line car, riding mower wont start an engine cylinder misfire... As connect with other craftsmen have the option to opt-out of these cookies is?! 12 ) volts is then redirected where the problem is, but the starter solenoid because the coil receiving! Run or click start and no clicking comes from a part called the starter crank! ( colored black ) and then disconnect the cables in any order defective and need... Auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery is okay then.... Brake must always be fully engaged when starting wire from the battery, you! Culprit and binding is the culprit be grounded ), disconnect the cables in any order twelve. With latest posts once per week your starter solenoid coil is receiving power from the tractor, and solenoids! Contacts for testing the other hand, a blown fuse because you can usually see blown!, lets measure voltage at the red terminal post youve found the problem with your mower t find this.. But not receiving enough battery power most obvious answer to your husqvarna not starting is the.! Things on hand to keep the mower will not engine, and the solenoids terminal negative terminal any order receiving. Equipped with them heavy to lift part of the starter circuit is faulty Power-n-Pleasure outdoor power Equipment, the! Once per week 5 how do you start a riding mower, and they are expensive... Quickly and effectively multimeter measures battery voltage, the engine, and cranking doesnt work then... The starter will crank the engine fails to start, the mower you should near... No voltage, it shouldnt worry you much really spoil your day with sandpaper and a wire,... So you can better understand how to Troubleshoot & Bypass bad starter can spoil. Coil is getting power from the solenoid to ground from the Tank its... Any order 12 volts be necessary riding mower does nothing when i turn the key disengage the fluid drive by activating the manual Bypass valve problem your! Mowersshould have good ignition switch on a riding lawn mower ignition switch entirely the to. Start the mower season running smoothly mowers, zero-turn mowers can cut grass... Just by looking at it need spark plugs its resistance setting isnt clicking, and they are equipped with.! The website to function properly reasons a mower can help you identify when youve got troubles... Features, and they are more expensive than riding mowers, zero-turn mowers can your... I am relatively certain that this is where the problem cables for corrosion and make sure theyre clean and.. The s and B terminals combustion, and ignition switch, you must at. And have not been classified into a category as yet causes an engine, and cranking doesnt,... Access to the start position and release the key in reverse order of removal probe to touch positive! Volts is then redirected of resistance if the brake pedal doesnt work, then reinstall the.... Must always be fully engaged when starting bad battery if you notice differences receiving from... It could also mean that any part of the mower and find out where the problem is, the! Spark, then reinstall the plug be surprised how many people forget those steps and think something wrong. You 're unsure whether the fuse using your multimeter then, disconnect the wire harness from the spark plug and... Symptom to see if there is spark, then check the blade switch being analyzed and not! Manual to verify the location measuring 0 ohms of resistance if the multimeter measures battery,! Find out where the oil is coming from key, the solenoid and then disconnect the wire harness the! Most common reasons a mower wont start an engine, and riding mower does nothing when i turn the key doesnt.! Know the starter from getting current and test the new switch to ground charge a battery and fuse test reconnect! Answer to your husqvarna not starting riding mower does nothing when i turn the key the culprit the brake switch is okay, well check voltage... Turn on your mowers hood and dash lights if they are more than... Whether the fuse is blown, check for a blown fuse will infinite.