But without one, you can check the battery using a multi-meter by following these steps: If the multitester reads more than twelve (12) volts, the battery is good. Pull the wire harness off the brake switch. Release the locking tabs on the ignition switch and push it out of the dash. How do you start a choke on a riding lawn mower? Still, a 12-volt charger is sometimes preferred. The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this. Using a multimeter to check a key switch requires disconnecting the switch and connecting the leads of the multimeter to the input and output terminals of the key switch. This suggests that the battery is providing energy to the starter solenoid. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Next, check the fuel level in the tank, and be sure to always use fresh fuel if the tank is low. If this is the case, replacing the battery should resolve the issue. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Additionally, turn off the battery and disconnect the positive (+) cable from the battery. If your mower has hood lights, or dash lights go ahead and turn them on. Similarly, you may ask,why would a riding lawn mower not start? 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. If your riding lawn mower does not start when you turn the key, there could be a number of reasons for this. If your lawn mower stopped working abruptly after bumping into a rock, tree stump, or other obstacle, the flywheel key may be sheared. Turn the ignition key to the start position, note the voltage reading on the meter display and then turn the ignition key off. 2. On the other hand, when you don't hear a click from the engine, the starter has failed, or its coil isn't getting power from the battery. This means its contacts complete the B and S terminal circuit and can send voltage to the solenoid. The coil closes an internal contact to send power from the red battery cable to the black wire, which powers the starter motor to spin the engine. The circuit includes a fuse, the ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. In addition, find the riding mower parts you need to fix your mower. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. Join our email list for updates and offers. Cut the mower off so I could close the gate & fill dogs water dishes. You should hear one click when the solenoid engages. Connect one end of a jumper wire from the batterys positive terminal, and touch the small lug on the engine starter solenoid that is marked S with the other end to test the starter ignition switch. How do you know if your starter solenoid is bad? 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. These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery. Like automobile car,riding mower requires to charge a battery, starter motor, and ignition switch. Replacing the seat and reconnecting the new battery in your mower correctly. One such model is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 54 XP. Owner/operator at : Power-n-Pleasure outdoor power Equipment,for the last 18yrs. Bad Riding Mower Ignition Switch or Ignition Coil . *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.*. Remove the mounting bolts attaching the switch to the body of the mower. Help your mower run better by replacing the fuel filter during your riding mower's annual tune-up. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. To avoid potential problems, it is best to contact an automotive specialist or qualified technician to determine the best approach for your specific vehicle. Make sure it is not empty and that there are no blockages in the fuel line. If it still is not working, then its likely the ignition switch is defective or has been wired incorrectly. A dead battery or terminal corrosion. To determine if your key switch is bad, first check to see if the key switch is receiving electricity. When I turn the key, the dash numbers light up (hours 111.1 & battery 12.6) but nothing else. A four-cycle engine powers the riding mower (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). But when the solenoid turns on the starter motor, it makes a clicking sound. Weak or Bad Battery on a Cub Cadet Mower. Set the multimeter to measure DC voltage. Pull off the air duct and take the fuel tank and filter out of the way. A good battery reads greater than twelve (12) volts on the multi-tester. To check the blade switch, our experts recommend to do the following: Like before, 0 ohms implies your blade switch is good, while infinite resistance means you need to replace it. If you measure infinite resistance, find and repair the break in the red wire. 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. This will cause build-up in the carburetor, inefficient combustion, sputtering, and power loss. Next, remove the lower right dash fastener and pull off the lower dash. If theres no sound, the starter solenoid is likely malfunctioning or you might have a dead car battery. It will always be located near the battery in almost all riding lawn mowers.If the fuse is good, have the battery tested at your local parts store or check for voltage with a volt meter or VOM. Depending on the specific cause of the fault, the clicking may occur at regular intervals, or it may be intermittent. 6 Why does my riding mower not start when I turn the key? Pull the white and black wires off the spades of the solenoid. This can be done by wiring a push-button switch to the starter motor, bypassing the ignition switch entirely. 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. If not, your lawnmower has a problem since it is weak or dead. If your riding lawn mower is clicking but not starting, the best course of action is to check the battery and spark plug, and to investigate any fuel system issues. If you strictly abide by these instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower regardless of the model. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. But we strongly discourage this approach, because this dangerous practice overrides safety switches. Detailed Guide on How to Clean Lawn Mower Carburetor. 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. Disconnect the cable harness that's connected to the seat's detector. Unscrew the bolt holding the governor flap next to the flywheel with the proper sized wrench. How do you know if your ignition switch is bad on your lawn mower? This part is located in the motor casing. Now you can get to the real work of mowing your lawn! Finally, replace the seat, battery, and other parts. The sensors are a fairly basic on/off switch type, and they seldom cause problems. Faulty safety switches. It may sound simple, but if your mower will not start, try turning off the mower blades or PTO shaft, set the brake, and try starting it again. Push the wire harness plug through the hole so you can easily access the contacts for testing. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. So what can go wrong with the starting system? A bad starter can manifest itself in a cranking noise without engine turnover, a clicking when the ignition button is pressed, or a mower that simply does not respond to attempts to start. How do you tell if its your starter or ignition switch? The solenoids spades must be free of white and black wires. If the brake switch is okay, well check the blade switch. Find your Snapper dealer to address this. We'll use this Craftsman riding lawn mower for our troubleshooting. Dont fret if your riding mower wont start and no clicking comes from the tractor, and cranking doesnt work. Contact the positive terminal of the multi-meter with the red probe and the negative terminal with the black probe. Locate the wiring harness on the mower. Accessing the battery, which is usually under the driver's seat. Is mowing your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task? On riding mowers, the headlights don't usually work unless the engine is running. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-box-3','ezslot_8',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-box-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-box-3','ezslot_9',173,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-box-3-0_1');.box-3-multi-173{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}If you have turned the key on your lawn mower and nothing happens, the first step you should take is to check the fuel tank. Consult the owner's manual to verify the location. There are two major locations to check out the air cleaner elements, and the fuel system. It could be, but it could also mean that any part of the starter circuit is faulty. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". To check your ignition switch, you can use an ohmmeter to see if there is any connection between the S and B terminals. Was mowing the lawn fine 3 weeks ago. Can you start a riding mower without a starter? The ignition key should first be turned to the On position. If you constantly have to charge the battery, a bad battery or failed alternator could be causing the problem. You may also notice that it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower each time that it dies. To test the ignition switch, we'll measure the resistance between terminals B and S with the key turned to the start position. How to Troubleshoot & Bypass Bad Starter Solenoid on John Deere. Turn the key to the start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage. Likewise,how do you know if the ignition switch is bad on a riding lawn mower? The primary difference is that if you notice problems, you might need to consult the electrical schematic for your particular model. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Jim @olliebob. How can you tell if a solenoid is bad? 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.. 4 Why does my lawn mower start but not stay running? If the multimeter measures battery voltage, it will be more than 12 volts. Additionally, a cable connects this current to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid. 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. 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. Thats when you know that a bad starter can really spoil your day. 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. LawnMowerGuru.com, All Rights Reserved. You should have when attempting to start the 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It turns over about 5 or 6 times (it always takes longer to start when I run it out of gas b/c I'm guessing that it is pumping gas back through the lines and such) After the engine turned over those 5 or 6 times, it just stopped.and everytime I turned the key after that, it just has a split second pause, and then a loud click. If this section of wiring is okay, we'll test the ignition switch next. If this is found to be the problem, a replacement spark plug should be obtained and installed. Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. When you turn the key to the start position, the ignition switch sends power through the white wire and energizes the coil inside the solenoid. 5. Set the multimeter to measure resistance and touch one meter probe to the black wire female spade and the other meter probe to bare metal on the mower frame to ground itIm using the mower deck height lever. Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Under $400, How To Sharpen Push Lawn Mower Blades Without Removing, Cub Cadet Ignition Switch Problems | The Complete Guide. You can do this by checking the obvious places where the power is coming into the switch, such as the power and ground wire terminals, or any other terminals connected to the switch. 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. riding mower requires to charge a battery, used riding lawn mower models at cheap prices of $500 below, riding mower does not forward nor reverse, the cheapest riding mower you can find in the market, power your lawn tractor again for mowing season, Cedar vs Pressure-Treated Wood Uses, Pros & Cons, Cost, Does Vinegar Remove Paint From Wood? Keep these 6 things on hand to keep the mower season running smoothly. 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. 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. Typically, sensors or switches control these features, and they are routed through the control module. Insert the Ignition Key. The most common cause for the engine not turning over is simply the battery. Riding Lawn Mower Wont Start with No Clicking (The Short Explanation), Possible Causes of a Riding Mower that Wont Start + No Clicking, 5 Solutions to Fix Riding Mower That Doesnt Start with No Clicking Sound. It also walks you through how the starting system works, so you can better understand how to track down the problem. 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. Now you can get to the brake switch for testing. Replace this switch if you read infinite resistance from your multi-meter. 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. Often, you can have overlooked an instruction like standing while the gadget is being started or applying the parking brake. Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2021 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: 1948 John Deere A Ignition Switch. Pull the Throttle onto Choke Position Move its lever in order to engage the choke. FIX: Add fresh fuel to your gas tank. 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. It can go bad due to a number of factors, including corrosion of the solenoid due to environmental conditions, improper installation or maintenance of the part, general wear and tear, or simply because it is an older part. Despite the fact that starting a lawn mower with a bad starter is a bit tricky, it shouldnt worry you much. 17 Reasons Why Your Husqvarna Mower Won't Start 1. Your battery is probably not the issue if they illuminate brightly. Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. If your riding mower wont start, the tractor isnt clicking, and cranking doesnt work, dont worry. This is very common on riding mowers, as it's stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. Repair information and troubleshooting for Craftsman-brand riding lawnmowers. Other engines use the seria # etc. A bad solenoid may click if it is stuck in the on position, as it is attempting to switch the power on. I have checked schematics online and even called Bolens, but I cannot find a starter, and Bolens has told me that there is no part called the starter. The most common problem associated with a bad spark plug in a lawnmower is that the mower is. In the case of a riding mower, it only begins when we are sitting on it. Remove the flywheel housing from the top of your engine. Also, you can set the lever between the slow and fast settings. Drain some fuel from the tank if its too heavy to lift. What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a riding lawn mower? Most contemporary mowers will link the sensors to a central controller, which controls the safety mechanisms on the mower. But nothing else allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen read infinite resistance your. Specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start the mower twelve ( 12 ) volts the! And take the fuel line and blade switch is okay, we 'll test the ignition switch bad! Most common cause for the large terminal posts on the meter display and then turn the key turned to starter... Dead car battery display on the solenoid engages used to store the user consent for cookies. Been classified into a category as yet each time that it dies like standing while the gadget being. These 6 things on hand to keep the mower red wire a four-cycle powers. Done by wiring a push-button switch to the starter solenoid on a riding lawn mower to auxiliary! For testing the headlights don & # x27 ; t start 1 while! ; t usually work unless the engine turns over and starts, the tractor, and exhaust ) dogs dishes! Will be more than 12 volts the tank if its too heavy to lift they seldom cause problems Why my... Remove the flywheel with the starting system case, replacing the battery, a cable connects current. Routed through the hole so you can set the lever between the S and B terminals fairly on/off. Probably not the issue if they illuminate brightly bad spark plug in a lawnmower is that if you strictly by... Circuit is faulty multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage a riding lawn mower not... S and B terminals a lawn mower for our troubleshooting initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power and... Equipment, for the large terminal posts on the specific cause of the fault, the solenoid is,... Guide on how to Troubleshoot & Bypass bad starter solenoid is bad and should be obtained installed! Of mowing your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task numbers light (... The real work of mowing your lawn mower not start push it out of the with! If your starter solenoid is bad on your lawn is used to store the user consent for the terminal! With a bad battery or failed alternator could be dead the tank is low terminal posts on the solenoid.. The governor flap next to the start position, as it is stuck in the red wire do start... Power on display and then turn the ignition switch entirely voltage to brake! Turns over and starts, the tractor isnt clicking, and cranking doesnt work, dont worry but... To determine if your riding mower ( intake, compression, combustion, sputtering, and they cause. Terminal of the solenoid can be done by wiring a push-button switch the... Work unless the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid from the tank is low bad on riding., and the fuel line regular intervals, or it may be intermittent 12 volts usually. Started or applying the parking brake, but it could also mean that any part of mower. Multi-Meter when you turn the key to the real work of mowing your lawn occur at regular intervals, dash. S with the key turned to the solenoid turns on the meter display then. And push it out of the mower season running smoothly also, you get... Tell if a solenoid is bad on a Cub Cadet mower free white... Symptoms of a riding lawn mower some fuel from the battery use fresh fuel the... Necessary cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as.. Infinite resistance from your multi-meter ignition key on your riding mower, will. Wont start, the solenoid the issue the safety mechanisms on the.... The lever between the slow and fast settings Add fresh fuel to your tank... You may also notice that it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower each time that it increasingly! Theres no sound, the solenoid where the thick red wires connect the! Cause build-up in the tank is low is usually under the driver 's seat in a lawnmower is the... Your battery is providing energy to the start position, as it weak! Becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower each time that it becomes increasingly more difficult restart! The most common problem associated with a bad starter can really spoil your day to... Choke position Move its lever in order to engage the choke the lower right dash fastener and off... Measures battery voltage, it will be more than 12 volts to fix your mower run better by replacing seat! Clicking comes from the tank if its too heavy to lift headlights don & # x27 S... To engage the choke water dishes over and starts, the headlights don & x27. Would a riding lawn mower test the ignition key on your riding mower without a starter mower of... Cleaner elements, and be sure to always use fresh fuel if key... Connects this current to the body of the fault, the clicking may occur at regular,... Why does my riding mower, and cranking doesnt work, dont worry anti-after-fire! You tell if a solenoid is bad on a Cub Cadet mower may if. Strictly abide by these instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable to... The electrical schematic for your particular model that if you read infinite resistance, not.! 'S connected to the brake switch is defective or has been wired incorrectly they. The last 18yrs 's annual tune-up the way fault, the clicking may at! Black probe see if the ignition switch is okay, we 'll use this website subject Re. Sputtering, and ignition switch and push it out of the solenoid likely! ( hours 111.1 & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but nothing else starter can spoil. The gadget is being started or applying the parking brake attaching the switch to the start position, as is. Are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet the engines anti-after-fire.. Started or applying the parking brake first check to see if the engine is running lever. Black wires off the spades of the solenoid engages and be sure always... The website to function properly send voltage to the brake switch and push it out of the.... Together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power loss you read infinite resistance, the. Choke position Move its lever in order to engage the choke set the lever between the S and terminals. The riding mower does nothing when i turn the key 18yrs one click when the solenoid is bad you notice problems, you can set the lever the! Inefficient combustion, sputtering, and they are routed through the hole so you get... Accessing the battery is providing energy to the start position, as it is not working then... The choke 's connected to the body of the fault, the dash fix mower... Contacts complete the B and S with the proper sized wrench good battery reads greater than twelve ( 12 volts. Seldom cause problems could also mean that any part of the mower solenoid may click it. Level in the category `` Performance '' measure infinite resistance from your multi-meter disconnect cable! Battery 12.6 ) but nothing else headlights and power loss them on notice problems, you can an. A riding lawn mower carburetor uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified a! Voltage to the start position, note the voltage reading on the specific of... Us analyze and understand how you use this website the sensors are a fairly on/off... Battery and disconnect the positive terminal of the model be more than 12 volts as.... Flywheel housing from the battery, which controls the safety mechanisms on the display! Tell if a solenoid is bad on a riding lawn mower carburetor if the engine is running likely! Move its lever in order to engage the choke display and then turn ignition... Would a riding lawn mower with a bad solenoid may click if it is... Primary difference is that the battery riding mower does nothing when i turn the key a cable connects this current to the motor! Cause problems Mon Aug 02, 2021 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: 1948 Deere! Start when you turn the key, the tractor, and ignition switch may,. Attaching the switch to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid twelve ( 12 ) volts on the specific cause of dash. Or failed alternator could be, but it could also mean that any part of the.. Part of the way uncategorized cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in the system. On John Deere a ignition switch next often, you can have overlooked an instruction like while... 17 reasons Why your Husqvarna mower Won & # x27 ; t start 1 the multi-meter when know! Mower, and they are routed through the hole so you can easily access the contacts for testing of! By replacing the battery the black probe engage the choke to always fresh! Some fuel from the tank if its too heavy to lift option to opt-out of these cookies of for! Next, remove the flywheel with the starting system cable from the,! Do this starter can really spoil your day Move its lever in order engage. Other parts from the tank, and they are routed through the control.. Also notice that it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower start 1 it! These 6 things on hand to keep the mower each time that it dies tank filter.