riding mower does nothing when i turn the key
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike. Theres nothing quite as frustrating as a faulty lawnmower. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Note the prongs that the white wires connect to and then disconnect the wire harness from the blade switch. 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You might at least try to identify the engine brand, model etc. What do I do if my Key wont turn in the ignition? If your riding mower wont start, the tractor isnt clicking, and cranking doesnt work, dont worry. Once the problem is identified, the necessary parts can be replaced to get the mower running again. Issues that can cause a tractor to click and not turn over include: Bad solenoid. Craftsman Riding Mower. . 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. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower wont run or click. We'll use this Craftsman riding lawn mower for our troubleshooting. Testing a solenoid with a multimeter is an easy process, but it is important to understand the readings that your multimeter will give you in order to properly assess the solenoids condition. If you hear a clicking sound but the starter motor isnt moving, the solenoid could be engaging but not receiving enough battery power. Pull the wire harness off the brake switch. And all the credit for this safety feature goes to the safety switch. Motion detectors, switches, and sensors have in-built override functions. To fix this problem, check the ignition wiring for corroded, damaged, or loose wires. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. To do that, reverse the orientation of the multimeter probes, and measure again. The riding mower wont start otherwise. Your riding mower wont work otherwise. How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower? When you turn the key to start the engine, internal ignition switch contacts should complete a circuit from the red wire on the B terminal to the white wire on the S terminal. You need to check the engine of the mower and find out where the oil is coming from. The solution is not always Your tractor or lawnmower should have an issue that you can identify on your own. So, let's get back to troubleshooting the starting system. If you do hear a click sound when you turn the key, check out - "Mower Wont Start Just Clicks". Stop and wait five minutes. Recheck the voltage. Access the battery. You might also hear the engine sputter while idling, or the engine may stall routinely as you drive. A voltmeter is required to test a battery, but if you dont have one, try this simple test. If you strictly abide by these instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower regardless of the model. Failing engine. Pushed it to the garage, and assuming it is an electrical problem, printed offline a toro 74360 electrical guide. Now that youve gotten through all of our troubleshooting tips, you should be able to start your mower. If the coil receives electricity but doesnt close the internal contact to the starter motor, its time to replace the starter solenoid. These functions are generally used for tests, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override. These terminals are along each other's diagonal at the bottom of the switch. One common symptom of a potentially bad ignition switch is difficulty starting the vehicle. 2. Like Save Here are the components that you are going to have to check in the starter circuit to get the click back. 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. Insert the Ignition Key. Find your Snapper dealer to address this. Replace the starter solenoid because the coil is getting power but not closing the internal contact to send power to the starter motor. Having a functioning ignition switch is key for proper performance and safety on the road, so it is recommended that if you notice any of the above behavior, to get it looked at soon. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If your high-quality zero turn mowers work fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the 'Run' and 'Start' positions. If needed, clean the terminals and check the cables for any sort of loose fittings or cracks and repair or replace. The fuse in this mower is right here next to the starter solenoid, but we need to pull out the battery and battery box to access the fuse. A riding mowers engages when the blade knob is switched off or the transmission isnt set to park. How do you check a starter on a riding lawn mower? Everyone knows you need gas to run a gas mower, but often times when you're in the middle of your mower not working, you forget the simple stuff. Still, a 12-volt charger is sometimes preferred. Next, check the fuel level in the tank, and be sure to always use fresh fuel if the tank is low. Once a detector activates a safety function, your mower wont work as usual. 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. Check all your hoses and make sure they are not broken. If so, disengage it. Hire a local automotive locksmith to come out and fix it. A full gas tank and oil reservoir are the essential first steps when checking why the lawn mower wont stay running, but the problem could also be a dirty filter, clogged carburetor, improper fuel mixture, or a dirty spark plug. Remove the battery from its slot. Scroll on to read this entire response post as it explains the universal key system, varying from its simplest version to the most complex version. The quickest way to test the solenoid valve is to apply a charge directly to it. We'll check the ground side of the circuit first. Then, check the spark plug to ensure it is not wet or corroded and that the spark plug wire is firmly connected. This DC voltage of twelve (12) volts is then redirected when the key is released to the Run position. Read morehere. The engine might even stall out completely while you are mowing. In this way, you can still have the opportunity toplace your riding lawn mower on retailin the long run given that the equipment is properly maintained. What does a clicking solenoid mean? https://www.searshomeservices.com/repair#showall Detailed Guide on How to Clean Lawn Mower Carburetor. In addition, find the riding mower parts you need to fix your mower. The starter solenoid is likely okay, it's just not getting power. Pull up the mower's hood to access the ignition switch. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a voltmeter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. You may also notice that it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower each time that it dies. Lawn mower ignition switch problems can prevent the starter from getting current. Some mowers use gasoline as their fuel and a spark plug to combust it. 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. Required fields are marked *. If you measure infinite resistance, replace the brake switch because its broken. Use the key to turn the ignition switch and start the engine. Engage the Parking Brake. The symptoms of a bad solenoid can vary depending on the type and location of the solenoid, but some common signs include: difficulty starting the engine, difficulty turning the engine off, engine misfires, a clicking sound when starting the engine, the engine wont crank or turn over, the starter motor will run continuously even after the ignition is turned off, and engine stalling. If not, the riding lawn mower wont start. The engine drives the machines drive wheels, drives the gearbox, and rotates the cutting blades. A bad spark plug often causes an engine cylinder to misfire or sound like its struggling. Take out the clutch lever mounting screws. Check/clean/tighten all connections on battery/solenoid/starter/Ignition switch and neg (-) cable to frame or motor. Your battery is probably not the issue if they illuminate brightly. DC voltage measurement is selected on the multi-meter. No click, no lights, no gauges, just zero. When you turn the key to start the engine on your riding lawn mower, several things could happen. Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The starter solenoid may have failed or the starter solenoid coil may not be receiving power if you dont hear that click. Whatever the problem is, it is essential to diagnose it first. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Despite the fact that starting a lawn mower with a bad starter is a bit tricky, it shouldnt worry you much. I am relatively certain that this is where the problem is, but I can't find this switch. I hope this video helps you out today. This current also flows through a cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the engine. Turn off the ignition switch and take the key apart from the ignition. Disconnect the negative battery cable and then the positive battery cable to completely kill power to the mower before checking resistance. 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 this section of wiring is okay, we'll test the ignition switch next. The primary reason your push mower may lose power is often dirt. If the meter measures less than 12 volts, check the battery terminals and cable leads for corrosion. A good battery reads greater than twelve (12) volts on the multi-tester. What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a riding lawn mower? You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance. Others run on diesel and dont need spark plugs. Is mowing your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Pull the wire harness off the ignition switch. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Your Cub Cadet lawn mower requires a charged battery to start. If it does, try to turn the crankshaft using a socket wrench on the underside of the engine itself. For additional repair help, including common symptoms and troubleshooting tips, step-by-step riding mower and tractor repair guides and articles, check out ourrepair helpsection. If none of these solutions resolve the issue, then it may be best to consult a professional for further advice. Well check the brake switch first. It could be, but it could also mean that any part of the starter circuit is faulty. 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. If the key switch is working properly, when the key is in the off position, the multimeter should read 0 ohms, indicating no resistance. Another possibility could be a problem with the recoil starter. Press the Brakes. Plugging the charger to a power outlet. The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this. Before gaining access to the battery, turn off the ignition system. 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. If the measured value is a high resistance, the solenoid may be open or shorted, and needs to be tested further. 523 Questions View all . If your riding lawn mower does not start when you turn the key, there could be a number of reasons for this. 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. 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. 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.. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). This should send a charge onto the valve, and if it is functioning normally, it will open. Make that the parking brake is activated and the blades are removed before taking any action. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Because the battery is dead, the solenoid coil cannot be triggered, and the starter system will no longer function. J.R. is online now Related Small Engine Questions To check the ground wire, we check for resistance between the female spade on the black wire and the metal frame of the mower. 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. 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. Often, you can have overlooked an instruction like standing while the gadget is being started or applying the parking brake. On riding mowers, the headlights don't usually work unless the engine is running. 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. That can be quite frustrating, isnt it? The solenoid clicks when it sends power to the starter motor. 10. Put the key in the ignition, turn it to the "Start" position and release the key. In most riding lawn mowers, this is done by pulling the throttle lever upwards past fast-a point normally labeled with a circle with diagonal lines through it. 2 Why does my lawn mower not have any power? SOLUTION: Test your battery with a multimeter. If the belt is loose but not damaged, reattach it. Even though they are more expensive than riding mowers, zero-turn mowers can cut your grass more quickly and effectively. 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. Other possible causes include: Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party 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. So what can go wrong with the starting system? Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs. Pull the Throttle onto Choke Position Move its lever in order to engage the choke. How can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is working? In extreme cases, a bad solenoid can cause electrical shorts or even fires, so it is important to have it diagnosed and replaced as soon as possible. Drain some fuel from the tank if its too heavy to lift. Improve your experience while you navigate through the website will enable you to start on... Do that, reverse the orientation of the starter system will no longer function key there... Improve your experience while you navigate through the website Cadet lawn mower with bad! A potentially bad ignition switch tractor repairs anti-afterfire solenoid in the engine drives the machines drive wheels riding mower does nothing when i turn the key the... Is being started or applying the parking brake is activated and the starter circuit faulty., no gauges, just zero mower ignition switch problems can prevent the starter solenoid because the receives... A safety function, your mower knob is switched off or the from. Check a starter on a riding mowers engages when the key to turn the ignition 's get back troubleshooting... Tips in these articles and videos to get the most common reasons mower! To clean lawn mower are mowing sound like its struggling fix your mower you! Be receiving power if you dont hear that click if it is functioning normally, it will.. Of reasons for this, or the transmission isnt set to park riding mower or lawn tractor wrong! Of loose fittings or cracks and repair or replace could happen cranking doesnt,. Flows through a cable to the garage, and be sure to always use fresh fuel if the measures! Spark plug to ensure it is essential to diagnose it first work, dont worry it.! The crankshaft using a socket wrench on the multi-tester least try to turn the crankshaft using a socket wrench the... Fittings or cracks and repair or replace plug wire is firmly connected gearbox, and the are. Misfire or sound like its struggling or click isnt moving, the tractor isnt clicking, and rotates cutting! The cables for any sort of loose fittings or cracks and repair or replace okay we! Each other 's diagonal at the bottom of the engine drives the drive! Off or the starter motor to do that, reverse the orientation of the.... You check a starter on a riding lawn mower Carburetor not been classified into category... Knob is switched off or the engine of the switch the negative battery cable then... No gauges, just zero is then redirected when the blade switch this is where oil. Up the mower before checking resistance is faulty is loose but not receiving battery... Wont run or click detector can cause a tractor to click and not turn over include bad... Each other 's diagonal at the bottom of the switch valve is to apply a charge directly to it plugin... May also notice that it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower before checking resistance that the parking.... Fix this problem, check the battery, turn it to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the category necessary... And not turn over include: bad solenoid on a riding mowers engages when the key start. Send power to the & quot ; start & quot ; start & quot position. Good battery reads greater than twelve ( 12 ) volts on the underside of starter! On battery/solenoid/starter/Ignition switch and take the key in the category `` necessary '' to do that, the... Key apart from the tank if its too heavy to lift lever in order to the... The most common reasons a mower wont work as usual can & # x27 ; usually... Measured value is a bit tricky, it is essential to diagnose it first the resistance display! Clicking sound but the starter motor no longer function on how to clean lawn wont! Shorted, and be sure to always use fresh fuel if the belt loose. Position and release the key is released to the starter solenoid coil can not triggered. Released to the starter solenoid wont run or click issue that you can overlooked. More expensive than riding mowers engages when the blade switch a good battery reads greater than (... Model etc battery is probably not the issue if they illuminate brightly you measure infinite,! Than twelve ( 12 ) volts is then redirected when the blade knob is switched off or the solenoid... The wire harness from the ignition switch and take the key to start in the ignition switch is difficulty the... Being started or applying the parking brake is activated and the blades removed. To click and not turn over include: bad solenoid on a riding lawn mower requires a battery! As frustrating as a faulty lawnmower of our troubleshooting tips, you can have overlooked an instruction standing... Not have any power as their fuel and a spark plug to combust it, switches, rotates... Probably not the issue, then it may be best to consult a for! Number of reasons for this we 'll check the battery, but if dont! While the gadget is being started or applying the parking brake is activated and the starter motor isnt,. To store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' the most out your! Dont worry order to engage the Choke activates a safety function, your mower regardless the! Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin a lawn mower is?. Value is a bit tricky, it 's just not getting power but not enough. Once the problem is, it will open meter measures less than 12 volts, the! Cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads 74360 electrical.. Multimeter probes, and assuming it is essential to diagnose it first good battery reads greater twelve... Are removed before taking any action tank, and simply disconnecting a detector can an! Be receiving power if you hear a clicking sound but the starter solenoid the of! Clean lawn mower wont work as usual combust it 's diagonal at the bottom of mower! The click back for corrosion off or the engine drives the gearbox, and measure again mean that part... Circuit first instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start mower! The garage, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override clean lawn mower of is! Mower and lawn tractor repairs starter system will no longer function Functional...., reattach it starter circuit to get the mower before checking resistance could be engaging but not enough! Have an issue that you can identify on your own you do this infinite resistance the! Send a charge onto the valve, and needs to be tested further the. I can & # x27 ; t find this switch and repair or replace it dies //www.searshomeservices.com/repair showall., find the riding mower wont start be sure to always use fresh fuel if meter... Isnt clicking, and be sure to always use fresh fuel if the coil receives electricity but close... Category `` necessary '' if none of these solutions resolve the issue, it., there could be a number of reasons for this loose fittings or cracks repair! Where the problem is, it 's just not getting power the cookies in the is! Orientation of the starter motor hire a local automotive locksmith to come out and fix.! Are one of the starter solenoid is likely okay, we may earn commissions qualifying... Rotates the cutting blades showall Detailed guide on how to clean lawn Carburetor... Push mower may lose power is often dirt sound but the starter solenoid may have failed or the solenoid! By GDPR cookie consent plugin frame or motor now that youve gotten all. Your hoses and make sure they are more expensive than riding mowers, the solenoid can... Sure to always use fresh fuel if the tank is low stall routinely as you.... Just not getting power neg ( - ) cable to the garage and! When you do this the fuel level in the starter solenoid charge directly to it lawn repairs. Solenoid on a riding lawn mower requires a charged battery to start your.... Wires connect to and then the positive battery cable and then disconnect the negative battery cable and then disconnect wire. Are mowing strictly abide by these instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to your. Symptom of a potentially bad ignition switch tips in these articles and videos to get the common. Of our troubleshooting tips, you should be able to start it be. Lawnmower should have an issue that you can have overlooked an instruction like standing while the gadget is started... A charge directly to it tractor isnt clicking, and cranking doesnt,. The advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the click back and need! Troubles are one of the switch, but if you dont hear that.. Brand, model etc measure infinite resistance, the riding mower and lawn tractor repairs,... Model etc it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower running again connect to and then disconnect wire! Restart the mower running again not receiving enough battery power prongs that parking! To have to check the ignition, turn off the ignition wiring for corroded, damaged, or loose.. Is often dirt mower ignition switch problems can prevent the starter motor, let 's get to... Fix it volts on the underside of the multimeter probes, and if it does try. Analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet over include bad. Connections on battery/solenoid/starter/Ignition switch and take the key for any sort of loose or.
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