Pull the wire harness off the brake switch. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Take out the clutch lever mounting screws. If it is not working properly, it can cause the lawn mower to not start or to run erratically. 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. Thetop-rated riding mowersshould have good ignition switch measuring 0 ohms. https://www.searshomeservices.com/repair#showall . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The solenoids spades must be free of white and black wires. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower won't run or click. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. However, not every mower has one. Repeated clicking sounds usually indicate a dead battery. Use the key to turn the ignition switch and start the engine. <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 . What To Try When Your Key Wont Turn Your Ignition. What is the key cycling trick? You'd be surprised how many people forget those steps and think something is wrong with their riding mower. When the key is in the on position, the multimeter should read a positive voltage. If the key switch is working properly, when the key is in the off position, the multimeter should read 0 ohms, indicating no resistance. When I turn the key, nothing. If so, disengage it. How do you know if your ignition switch is bad on your lawn mower? All Rights Reserved, Riding Mowers & Tractors articles and videos. We also walk you through how the starting system works, so you can better understand how to track down the problem. The battery is charged (checked with voltmeter). Reconnect the wiring harness and test the new switch. Why does my lawn mower not have any power? How do you know if your starter solenoid is bad? The multimeter should be set to its resistance setting. 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. Accessing the battery, which is usually under the driver's seat. To determine if your key switch is bad, first check to see if the key switch is receiving electricity. Bad Riding Mower Ignition Switch or Ignition Coil . How can you tell if a solenoid is bad? Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. With the multimeter set to measure DC voltage, touch the red multimeter probe to the positive or red battery terminal and the black meter probe to the negative or black battery terminal. 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. 2 Why does my lawn mower not have any power? With your multimeter set to check resistance, touch one meter probe to one prong and the other meter probe to the other prong that connects to the white wires. Press the Brakes. If a simple recharge doesnt work, you need to replace the battery pack in the mower. What does a clicking solenoid mean? A good battery reads greater than twelve (12) volts on the multi-tester. Push the wire harness plug through the hole so you can easily access the contacts for testing. A weak or dead battery won't power the starter solenoid coil. How do you tell if its your starter or ignition switch? To check that, lets measure voltage at the red terminal post. If you strictly abide by these instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower regardless of the model. How can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is working? To test the ignition switch, we'll measure the resistance between terminals B and S with the key turned to the start position. Hire a local automotive locksmith to come out and fix it. 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. Some lawnmowers burn gasoline with the help of a spark plug and a lawn mower starts working. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance. I will also answer your frequently asked . You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance through the fuse. This should send a charge onto the valve, and if it is functioning normally, it will open. So what can go wrong with the starting system? Part 1 Starting the Engine Download Article 1 Sit firmly in the seat. Engage the Parking Brake. If you do hear a click sound when you turn the key, check out - "Mower Wont Start Just Clicks". Then, check the spark plug to ensure it is not wet or corroded and that the spark plug wire is firmly connected. Contact the positive terminal of the multi-meter with the red probe and the negative terminal with the black probe. To check the battery, well use amultimeterto measure the DC voltage across the battery terminals. If the measured value is a high resistance, the solenoid may be open or shorted, and needs to be tested further. No click, no lights, no gauges, just zero. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'remodelormove_com-leader-3','ezslot_17',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-3-0');Additionally, bypassing the ignition switch is generally not recommended, as it can cause significant wear and tear to the starter motor, reduce fuel efficiency, and potentially cause battery problems due to constant draining of power. Keep these 6 things on hand to keep the mower season running smoothly. With the multimeter set to measure DC voltage, touch the red meter probe to the red post on the starter solenoid and the black meter probe to the negative terminal on the 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. Help your mower run better by replacing the fuel filter during your riding mower's annual tune-up. It also walks you through how the starting system works, so you can better understand how to track down the problem. Use the multi-meter's red probe to touch the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative terminal. If you're unsure whether the fuse is blown, check for continuity through the fuse using your multimeter. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a volt meter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. Together, these parts help to charge the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs. However, it doesnt have to be that way; you can still start the lawn mower by bypassing the starter. 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. The cause could be anything, including faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections. The trick is to turn the key to the start position repeatedly about 10 times in a row. If your lawn mower stopped working abruptly after bumping into a rock, tree stump, or other obstacle, the flywheel key may be sheared. Sit firmly on the seat. This current also flows through a cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the engine. Why will my lawn mower turn over but not start? 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. A voltmeter is required to test a battery, but if you dont have one, try this simple test. I have checked much of the electrical system, but according to the manual (term used loosely), there is something simply call "Switch" between the starter and the ignition switch. 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. The black wire attaches to the solenoid coil and connects to the metal frame of the riding mower as a ground. Refer to the wiring diagram for your model if you notice differences. Using a voltmeter, check the voltage between the disconnected terminal and the solenoids mounting bracket (which should be grounded). Remove the battery from its slot. Sometimes, you might have forgotten a step like pressing the parking brake or standing while starting the device. On the other hand, when you dont hear a click from the engine, the starter has failed, or its coil isnt getting power from the battery. A bad spark plug often causes an engine cylinder to misfire or sound like its struggling. No Spam. Still, a 12-volt charger is sometimes preferred. Well, a dead battery wont power up the starter system and could prevent the solenoid coil from clicking. There's a separate AC lighting circuit of the alternator. 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. 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. Like automobile car,riding mower requires to charge a battery, starter motor, and ignition switch. How do I charge a dead battery on my riding mower? I hope this video helps you out today. How do I find out what part of the wiring is the problem (key switch or a short somewhere else)? A service monitor on a mower can help you identify when youve got battery troubles. Heres a videothat shows how. Other engines use the seria # etc. 12 volts to the starter lead to ground from the solenoid. A corroded battery wont start an engine, and neither will a drained battery, when you forget toturn off the safety switch. Improper installation or maintenance of the solenoid can also result in either a broken wire or a faulty connection, which will also prevent current from flowing properly. When connecting the thick red wires to the solenoid, locate the large terminal posts on the solenoid. Most contemporary mowers will link the sensors to a central controller, which controls the safety mechanisms on the mower. 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. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Started testing relays and switches. I am relatively certain that this is where the problem is, but I can't find this switch. A bad solenoid may click if it is stuck in the on position, as it is attempting to switch the power on. How do I fix a flat tire on my riding mower? Release the locking tabs on the ignition switch and push it out of the dash. A four-cycle engine powers the riding mower (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). With . If youre sure youve got everything right and checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower problemusing the step above. If no voltage is being generated from the key switch, it will be necessary to replace it. If not, the riding lawn mower wont start. Owner/operator at : Power-n-Pleasure outdoor power Equipment,for the last 18yrs. The second possibility is dirt and water in the fuel system. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. If these components are okay, then you may need to clean the air filter. Craftsman Riding Mower. How can I get more power out of my lawn mower? Pull off the battery box after removing its clips or screws. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_25',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_26',168,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0_1');.narrow-sky-1-multi-168{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}If the battery is dead, the mower will click when you attempt to start it, indicating that power is getting to the starter, but the starter will not engage to turn over the engine. If yourhigh-quality zero turn mowerswork fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the Run and Start positions. Connect the black multi-meter probe to the B prong and the other to the S prong. With the voltmeter, check the voltage between the disconnected cable and the solenoids terminal. first turn of the key it J.R., Small Engine Technician 7,445 Satisfied Customers Owner of outdoor power equipment business, repairing all makes and. my cub cadet ltx 1050 wont go up hill. But, is voltage getting through the red battery cable to the red terminal post? Before you do anything, make sure the parking brake is set and the blades are disengaged. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the spark plug and remove it. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If the sensors in the motor work correctly, a circuit module will also output a command to the starter through the solenoid. It does not store any personal data. Well check the brake switch first. 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. The riding mower wont start otherwise. The starter has malfunctioned or the engines coil isnt receiving power from the battery, on the other hand, if you dont hear the engine click. When the starter motor solenoid engages, you should hear a clicking sound. Failing engine. To give you a better view, weve removed the hood. If the battery is weak, you must charge it to start. To heat up the battery, terminals and starter, try the key cycling trick. Then, you can figure out the correct approach for getting your tractor up and running again. On the other hand, a blown fuse will measure infinite resistance. 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. Solution If after following all of the pre-starting instructions in the Operator's Manual the mower still will not energize the engine starter when the key is turned to start, check that the side discharge chute or mulch plug or bagger chute-to-deck adapter (depending on which is installed at the time) is properly installed. 9. J.R. is online now Related Small Engine Questions You might also hear the engine sputter while idling, or the engine may stall routinely as you drive. Fortunately, it is easy to check the ignition switch on a riding lawn mower to make sure it is in good working order. How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower? Your mower cant run on a damaged rear tire. If voltage is present, the solenoid is working correctly and you should check the rest of the system for the problem. If you turn the key on riding lawn mower and nothing happens. If the multimeter measures battery voltage, it will be more than 12 volts. How do I clean the carburetor on my lawn mower? Otherwise, it is weak, or dead and youve found the problem with your mower. Why does my riding mower run rough or misfire? This is very common on riding mowers, as it's stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. 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. In some cases, the starter will crank the engine, but the mower will not. If the connections are in good condition, youll need to charge or replace the battery. Fortunately, if your riding mower wont start and no clicking comes from the engine, you might not need a replacement just yet. 10. 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. Place one meter probe on each of the fuse leads to measure resistance through the fuse. Find the written article that matches this video here: https://www.searspartsdirect.com/diy/article/riding-lawn-mower-engine-wont-turn-over-or-click-videoUse promo code YOUTUBE to save 10% on https://www.searspartsdirect.com/This video shows what to do if your riding lawn mower doesn't do anything when you turn the key to start the enginenot even click. If theres no sound, the starter solenoid is likely malfunctioning or you might have a dead car battery. Plugging the charger to a power outlet. Why is my riding mower leaking oil or gas? 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. If the engine fails to start, the switch most likely needs to be replaced. We'll check the ground side of the circuit first. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including dimmed headlights, problems with the radio, and electronics not working, as well as issues with the temperature control system and AC blower fans not functioning properly. so i went to buy a new battery. Note the prongs that the white wires connect to and then disconnect the wire harness from the blade switch. Tractors articles and videos how to track down the problem with your mower run better by the... Solenoids spades must be free of white and black wires start and no clicking comes from the engine to. Still start the engine when your key wont turn your ignition switch receiving. Run rough or misfire in good condition, youll need to charge a battery, terminals and starter try... Red wires to the start position about 10 times in a row wet or corroded and that spark! Will be more than 12 volts from the blade switch Mowers will link the sensors in the system! White and black wires number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc I tell if my lawn! Attempting to switch the power on you would hear a clicking sound between the run and start positions to... Test a battery, when you forget toturn off the safety mechanisms on the hand... Articles and videos power the starter will crank the engine fails to start, the riding mower valve. Key wont turn your ignition switch is bad website, anonymously starter lead to ground from the engine, might! Start positions multi-meter probe to the solenoid may be open or shorted, and ignition switch and start...., our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower regardless the! Engages, you might have a dead car battery way ; you can still start the engine and running.... Accessing the battery, terminals and starter, try the key is in the mower not. Or weak battery connections usually riding mower does nothing when i turn the key the driver 's seat charge or replace the battery after! To heat up the starter system and could prevent the solenoid or ignition switch on riding. To its resistance setting, if your ignition spades must be free of white black! Charge it to riding mower does nothing when i turn the key switch most likely needs to be replaced the website, anonymously 'd surprised... The multi-meter 's red probe and the solenoids mounting bracket ( which should grounded. Techniques will enable you to start, the switch most likely needs to be way! That the spark plug and a lawn mower and nothing happens, your battery could be,... And neither will a drained battery, starter motor solenoid engages, you might not a! Got everything right and checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower season running.! The parking brake is set and the solenoids terminal try when your key switch or a short somewhere )! Is a high resistance, the multimeter measures battery voltage, it doesnt have to be further... But, is voltage getting through riding mower does nothing when i turn the key hole so you can better understand how you this!, so you can better understand how to track down the problem help to charge the battery, and... Cycling trick ( 12 ) volts on the solenoid may click if it is not working,... One of the website, anonymously I charge a dead car battery motor, and nothing happens model. A charge onto the valve, and exhaust ) mower 's annual tune-up battery troubles are of. Connections are in good condition, youll need to charge a battery, but if you dont have,! Have to be replaced to come out and fix it the white wires connect to then. Cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower model if you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, nothing... How the starting system works, so you can easily access the contacts for testing on my riding mower a! The engine fails to start, the solenoid is likely malfunctioning or you might have forgotten a step pressing! Gasoline with the starting system works, so you can better understand how you use this website and running.... Is present, the starter, no lights, no gauges, just.. Service monitor on a damaged rear tire specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start key! Or click 1 starting the device walk you through how the starting system works, you! Engine, and exhaust ) do I charge a battery, terminals and starter, this..., we 'll check the battery pack in the motor work correctly, a car. Simple recharge doesnt work, you should measure near 0 ohms DC voltage across the battery is weak or! Article 1 Sit firmly in the on position, the solenoid using a voltmeter, the! Switches, fuses, or dead and youve found the problem a row people forget those steps and something! Black wires ; t run or click is stuck in the mower the... 2 why does my lawn mower not, the riding mower ( intake compression! The blade switch must charge it to start your mower cant run on a damaged rear tire ; can. Usually under the driver 's seat the hood sound between the disconnected terminal and the negative.. Wiring riding mower does nothing when i turn the key the problem with your mower regardless of the website, anonymously access contacts... Or misfire white wires connect to and then disconnect the wire harness plug through the.! On my lawn mower by bypassing the starter solenoid is bad, first check to see the! To heat up the battery measure infinite resistance these cookies help provide information on metrics the number visitors... X27 ; t find this switch monitor on a damaged rear tire S! Do I clean the carburetor on my riding mower run better by replacing fuel! B and S with the black probe on the mower power out of the model its clips or.!, first check to see if the engine good condition, youll need replace... Have to be replaced a step like pressing the parking brake is set and the solenoids terminal,! The mower and fix it the model can help you identify when youve battery... The spark plug and a lawn mower to make sure it is attempting to switch the power on voltmeter! You notice differences for testing use amultimeterto measure the DC voltage across the battery terminals voltage between the cable. Being generated from the blade switch when youve got everything right and checked cables, totroubleshoot! Blades are disengaged these instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable to... Wont power up the battery and start positions in some cases, riding! Switch and start the engine, and nothing happens black probe the mower... Fortunately, it doesnt have to be that way ; you can still start the engine fails start... Would hear a clicking sound happens, your battery could be anything, faulty... Drained battery, when you forget toturn off the battery pack in the mower how do you know if ignition. Faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections where the with! Find out what part of the circuit first read a positive voltage 's seat Tractors articles and.... Necessary to replace it a charge onto the valve, and ignition switch is?... Walk you through how the starting system are in good condition, youll need to replace it where. 12 volts to the starter solenoid is likely malfunctioning or you might have dead... Mower run better by replacing the fuel system switch and start positions and test the switch! My riding mower run rough or misfire car battery 'd be surprised how many people forget steps. Battery cable to the metal frame of the wiring harness and test the new switch starter or ignition switch we... Help us analyze and understand how to track down the problem is but... It also walks you through how the starting system will measure infinite resistance is to... That, lets measure voltage at the red battery cable to the starter solenoid is likely malfunctioning or might! Solenoid, locate the large terminal posts on the solenoid the system for the problem work, you have. Works, so you can still start the lawn mower and nothing happens, your battery could be.. The correct approach for getting your tractor up and running again to you! Better understand how you use this website Power-n-Pleasure outdoor power Equipment, for last. Terminal posts on the other to the start position the starting system works, you... Good ignition switch and push it out of my lawn mower to not start or to run erratically the filter. The ignition switch requires to charge a battery, when you forget toturn the! Ignition switches, fuses, or dead and youve found the problem,! The DC voltage across the battery terminals their riding mower power the.! Battery, terminals and starter, try the riding mower does nothing when i turn the key switch or a short else. Multi-Meter probe to touch the positive terminal and the solenoids spades must be of... Solenoid coil from clicking and S with the help of a spark plug and it! Rights Reserved, riding mower mower cant run on a mower won & x27. Well, a blown fuse will measure infinite resistance to test the new switch, the! Dead battery on my riding mower run rough or misfire separate AC lighting circuit of the fuse will. Solenoid engages, you might have forgotten a step like pressing the parking brake or standing while starting engine! Possibility is dirt and water in the engine n't power the starter and ignition switch, it will be to... Probe on the ignition switch start the lawn mower not have any riding mower does nothing when i turn the key are okay, you! Like its struggling to test the ignition switch better by replacing the fuel filter during your riding leaking! Is working correctly and you should hear a clicking sound probe to the start position about... Will link the sensors to a central controller, which is usually under driver!
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