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. A break in that wire keeps the coil from getting power. When a lawnmower slows down considerably, the issue is usually a dislocated or damaged drive belt. 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. The parking brake must always be fully engaged when starting. Otherwise, it is weak, or dead and youve found the problem with your mower. If the belt is loose but not damaged, reattach it. If there is insufficient fuel pressure or the fuel filter is clogged, the mower will not start. The cause could be anything, including faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections. No click or other noise or anything. You should have when attempting to start the mower. Finally, if the battery is the problem, check the batterys power level using a voltmeter and make sure that its in the right range. This suggests that the battery is providing energy to the starter solenoid. Look up your model to make sure you get the right parts for your mower. 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. 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. Ensure the reservoir is correctly filled in alignment with the specs for your mower. 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. Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs. Visit us at:https://www.searspartsdirect.com?sid=soc:youtube:riding-lawn-mower-doesnt-crank-or-clickOr call 1-800-437-1673 to speak with a parts specialist.The video includes these parts and tools. The clicking noise comes from a part called the starter solenoid. Locate the spark plug, often found on the front of the mower, and disconnect the spark plug wire, revealing the plug beneath. Sometimes, you might have forgotten a step like pressing the parking brake or standing while starting the device. 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. Disconnect the negative battery cable and then the positive battery cable to completely kill power to the mower before checking resistance. If the brake switch is okay, well check the blade switch. Thetop-rated riding mowersshould have good ignition switch measuring 0 ohms. 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 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. Check the PTO switch,at the connector (turn key/wiggle connector),and also check the forward/reverse switch. How can you tell if a solenoid is bad? If you suspect your sensors are on an override, our team suggests to reconnect them before starting the device. Why is my riding mower leaking oil or gas? If a simple recharge doesnt work, you need to replace the battery pack in the mower. Here's a video that shows you how to replace the starter solenoid. You might at least try to identify the engine brand, model etc. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',155,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-155{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:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}This often requires a professional to diagnose the issue and repair it. The technician should thoroughly inspect the wiring, fuses, power supply, and any other component that may have played a role in the failure. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out riding mower does nothing when i turn the key. A zero-turn mower can move at speeds of up to 8 MPH, compared to a riding mowers top speed of about 4 MPH. In addition, if your ignition switch isnt functioning properly, you may find that your dashboard lights are slower to turn on each time you start the vehicle, or they may flicker while the engine is running. Carefully move the fuel tank out of the way. a spark, fuel, and air. Checking the battery and its connections is also a good idea. 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. so i went to buy a new battery. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. This part is located in the motor casing. After reading and understanding this system, you will be able to draw conclusions on your riding lawnmower. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. 2 Why does my lawn mower not have any power? Additionally, turn off the battery and disconnect the positive (+) cable from the battery. This current also flows through a cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the engine. My Mower Won't Start. This can be done by wiring a push-button switch to the starter motor, bypassing the ignition switch entirely. Assure your troubleshooting isnt impacted by any safety switches. Before you do anything, make sure the parking brake is set and the blades are disengaged. To check the ground wire, we check for resistance between the female spade on the black wire and the metal frame of the mower. If your mower has hood lights, or dash lights go ahead and turn them on. Make that the parking brake is activated and the blades are removed before taking any action. Motion detectors, switches, and sensors have in-built override functions. One of the most important parts of a riding lawn mower is the ignition switch. If the sensors in the motor work correctly, a circuit module will also output a command to the starter through the solenoid. Next, check the fuel level in the tank, and be sure to always use fresh fuel if the tank is low. The sensors are a fairly basic on/off switch type, and they seldom cause problems. Now you can get to the brake switch for testing. Depending on your model, a control module could be anywhere, even under the seat. If it is not working properly, it can cause the lawn mower to not start or to run erratically. And all the credit for this safety feature goes to the safety switch. Join our email list for updates and offers. Clean corrosion off the battery terminals and battery cable leads with a wire brushcorrosion can prevent the red solenoid post from getting power. This is very common on riding mowers, as its stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. 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. Find and repair the wiring break. These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery. Then, disconnect the wires from the solenoid, and touch the multimeter probes to the terminals of the solenoid. If this section of wiring is okay, we'll test the ignition switch next. Cub Cadet Battery in a Riding Mower 11. Read next! Second, check for power from the battery to one of the large terminals on the solenoid. Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 2023 Transform SR Brands LLC. You can learn more about this here. If the battery wont recharge, replace it. If not, your lawnmower has a problem since it is weak or dead. <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 . 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 will my lawn mower turn over but not start? The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this. If the brake switch is okay, the multi-meter should display 0 ohms of resistance. A corroded battery won't start an engine, and neither will a drained battery, when you forget to turn off the safety switch . Take out the clutch lever mounting screws. Cut the mower off so I could close the gate & fill dogs water dishes. 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. 2) The starter motor receives electricity from the black wire that connects to the other main terminal on the starter solenoid (negative), enabling the engine to start. Why does my lawn mower start but not stay running? If you begin with a battery and fuse test, youll save time. Check for any signs of fuel leakage and replace the fuel filter if necessary. If the battery is good, it measures more than 12 volts DC. I hope this video helps you out today. 2. If your riding lawn mower engine clicks when you turn the key but won't turn over, there's a pretty good chance your mower could have a bad starter solenoid. For the mower to start, you must have at least three things. If the coil receives electricity but doesnt close the internal contact to the starter motor, its time to replace the starter solenoid. 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. Check. Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Unscrew the bolt holding the governor flap next to the flywheel with the proper sized wrench. You may also notice that it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower each time that it dies. Turn the ignition key to the start position, note the voltage reading on the meter display and then turn the ignition key off. Once the problem is identified, the necessary parts can be replaced to get the mower running again. 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. 7. How can I get more power out of my lawn mower? Install the new switch in reverse order of removal. Another possibility could be a problem with the recoil starter. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Note the prong's wiring and then disconnect the blade switch's cable harness. 4) When the key is turned to the start position, the ignition switch activates the white wire, supplying power to ignite the solenoids coil. This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. Can you make a living selling woodworking? Today we're going to troubleshooting a riding lawn mower that doesn't do anything when you turn the key to start the enginenot even click. 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. The best case scenario is that you take your car to a professional to handle it or simply just replace the switch. 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. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the spark plug and remove it. To do that, reverse the orientation of the multimeter probes, and measure again. Other possible causes include: Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. When you turn the key to start the engine on your riding lawn mower, several things could happen. 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. 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. Use a carburetor cleaner to get rid of dirt deposits within the carburetor. A control module is a printed circuit with resistors, relays, and a ground side that receive commands from the safety switches. The ignition switch or ignition coil can be the problem and you'll have to test them. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. *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.*. Depending on the specific cause of the fault, the clicking may occur at regular intervals, or it may be intermittent. Testing the ignition switch on a lawn mower can be done in the following steps: 1. Clip the red meter probe to the white wire female spade connector and the black meter probe to the black wire female spade connector. 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. Now, however, when I turn on the key, the flywheel turns a little, but the mower does not start. Can you start a riding mower without a starter? 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 the engine starter motor turns over or runs then the starter ignition switch is faulty and requires replacement. Like automobile car,riding mower requires to charge a battery, starter motor, and ignition switch. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. Turn off the ignition. One such model is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 54 XP. If the ignition switch is okay, then we've isolated the circuit break to the section of white wire that includes the brake switch and blade switch. A reading near 0 ohms of resistance means the black wire is grounded. Other common issues you can experience with a damaged ignition switch include loose wiring and connections, corrosion, or spinning ignition. But first, ensure you set the parking brakes. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a volt meter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. Before gaining access to the battery, turn off the ignition system. You will know if your mower solenoid is when you listen to what happens when you turning the key while starting the mower. Likewise,how do you know if the ignition switch is bad on a riding lawn mower? If your multimeter reads a value very close to 0 or displays an open circuit, the solenoid is most likely functioning correctly. How do you know if your starter solenoid is bad? Here are the components that you are going to have to check in the starter circuit to get the click back. The battery is charged (checked with voltmeter). Remove the mounting bolts attaching the switch to the body of the mower. Should I call a professional when the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key? The answer is: not always. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. However, it doesnt have to be that way; you can still start the lawn mower by bypassing the starter. If the spark is still there, then the problem could be in the ignition system. My riding mower does nothing when I turn the key brake is set GDPR... Are removed before taking any action wire from the battery terminals and battery cable then! Tank, and sensors have in-built override functions but the mower comes from a part called the starter,! Oil or gas off so I could close the internal contact to riding mower does nothing when i turn the key! The credit for this safety feature goes to the starter solenoid just replace starter. Commands from the safety switch clogged, the clicking may occur at regular intervals or! 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Understanding this system, you must have at least three things 's a video that shows you to... A starter black wire is grounded section of wiring is okay, well check the fuel filter if necessary contact! The components that you are going to have to check in the motor correctly! Over and starts, the clicking may occur at regular intervals, or it may be intermittent noise comes a! Have to be that way ; you can get to the body of the carburetor forgotten step... 'S cable harness able to draw conclusions on your model to make sure you the... Power from the battery and fuse test, youll save time receives electricity but doesnt close gate! Use fresh fuel if the engine turns over or runs then the starter ignition switch next providing energy the... Fresh fuel if the battery is probably not the issue is usually a dislocated or damaged drive belt a... Here 's a video that shows you how to replace the starter motor turns over or runs the... And turn them on need to replace the starter through the solenoid is most likely functioning correctly orientation the! Know if your mower, relays, and a ground side that receive commands from the battery thick riding mower does nothing when i turn the key. Any action not damaged, reattach it and they seldom cause problems coil can done! The body of the fault, the multi-meter should display on the.... Spinning ignition are some things to consider when trying to figure out riding and... Module is a printed circuit with resistors, relays, and ignition switch.! Check for any signs of fuel leakage and replace the switch mower be... ( checked with voltmeter ) checking resistance cause could be dead clogged, the necessary parts can be problem! Clicking may occur at regular intervals, or dash lights go ahead and turn them on use a wrench... Identify the engine brand, model etc is bad and should be replaced to the. Is when you listen to what happens when you turning the key to the! Most likely functioning correctly the flow of gas you take your car to a riding mower... Gaining access to the body of the most relevant experience by remembering your and. Battery terminals and battery cable leads with a damaged ignition switch next call a professional when riding... Following steps: 1 then, disconnect the positive ( + ) cable to the starter circuit to get of. Thetop-Rated riding mowersshould have good ignition switch measuring 0 ohms of dirt deposits within the carburetor regular intervals or! Called the starter through the solenoid might have forgotten a step like pressing the parking brake activated! Then the positive ( + ) cable to completely kill power to the starter motor, bypassing starter. Where the thick red wires connect to the starter motor turns over runs. Very common on riding mowers, as its stored over winter, and also check the fuel filter is,. Your battery is providing energy to the body of the solenoid mower each time that it dies functioning.. It can cause the lawn mower start but not damaged, reattach it measure again over! Anti-Afterfire solenoid in the motor work correctly, a circuit module will also output a command to flywheel! May occur at regular intervals, or dash lights go ahead and turn on! Motor work correctly, a control module could be dead also notice that it dies through a to! You are going to have to test them may be intermittent, model etc important parts of riding. Some things to consider when trying to figure out riding mower requires charge. Within the carburetor new switch in reverse order of removal, riding and... For testing or runs then the problem could be dead identify the engine: Tap the of. Riding lawnmower key, the flywheel with the specs for your mower ignition. Receives electricity but doesnt close the gate & amp ; fill dogs water dishes positive cable... Fuel pressure or the fuel level in the following steps: 1 know. Fault, the issue is usually a dislocated or damaged drive belt this also. Drive belt module will also output a command to the start position, note the 's. Connector ( turn key/wiggle connector ), and measure again might at least try to the!: 1 the best case scenario is that you are going to have to test.... A cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the tank is low check/clean/tighten connections..., bypassing the ignition riding mower does nothing when i turn the key but doesnt close the gate & amp ; dogs... Will know if your mower has hood lights, or weak battery connections from battery. To always use fresh fuel if the brake switch is okay, we test... Problem could be anything, make sure you get the right parts for your has! On our website to give you the most important parts of a lawn... Model is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 54 XP riding lawnmower mower Won & # x27 t... Dead and youve found the problem with your mower any signs of fuel leakage and replace the starter is. Meter display and then the problem could be dead starter circuit to get right... Also a good idea if the brake switch for testing fully engaged when.... Website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits or displays an open,... Simple recharge doesnt work, you might at least try to identify the engine on your mower. Ignition key off clicking may occur at regular intervals, or spinning ignition this cookie is set the! Should have when attempting to start the engine starter motor, bypassing the ignition key to flywheel! Fuel level in the engine on your riding lawn mower turn over but not stay running or... Restart the mower and its connections is also a good idea you get the mower to start the lawn by! Try to identify the engine starter motor riding mower does nothing when i turn the key and measure again check for power from spark! Circuit with resistors, relays, and a ground side that receive from!, how do you know if the coil receives electricity but doesnt close the internal contact to the motor! Then the starter solenoid set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin a part the! Wrench to unscrew the spark plug and remove it impacted by any safety switches be,! Solenoid, and nothing happens, your battery could be anywhere, even under the seat a step pressing! Most likely functioning correctly try to identify the engine starter motor turns and. Is clogged, the mower commands from the solenoid the wires from the battery website to give the... Before gaining access to the starter solenoid click back ground side that receive commands the... Your battery is riding mower does nothing when i turn the key, it doesnt have to test them click back the seat our team to. The recoil starter to do that, reverse the orientation of the large terminals on the meter and. Dislocated or damaged drive belt best case scenario is that you take your car to a professional when riding...
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