My Mower Won't Start. Read next! When the key is in the on position, the multimeter should read a positive voltage. Corrosion can be a usual problem for used riding lawn mower models at cheap prices of $500 below, so make sure to check this when you buy one. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery to a broken spark plug or fuel issue. 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. To check the battery, well use amultimeterto measure the DC voltage across the battery terminals. 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. Well send you a nice letter with latest posts once per week. The clicking noise comes from a part called the starter solenoid. Remove the battery from its slot. 10. Pull the wire harness off the ignition switch. You might also hear the engine sputter while idling, or the engine may stall routinely as you drive. Look up your model to make sure you get the right parts for your mower. The multimeter should show near 0 ohms of resistance if the blade switch is okay. It also walks you through how the starting system works, so you can better understand how to track down the problem. Then check if the blade is still disengaged. Similar to a car, a riding lawnmower has to have its battery, starter motor, and ignition switch charged. A corroded battery won't start an engine, and neither will a drained battery, when you forget to turn off the safety switch . If the multimeter measures battery voltage, it will be more than 12 volts. Why does my riding mower not start when I turn the key? A control module is a printed circuit with resistors, relays, and a ground side that receive commands from the safety switches. If the value is consistent with the first measurement, the solenoid is open, if the value is the opposite of the first measurement, the solenoid is shorted, and needs to be replaced. What does a clicking solenoid mean? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_22',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_23',165,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0_1');.mobile-leaderboard-1-multi-165{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 the reading is not what you would expect, then the switch may be faulty and will need to be replaced. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. 4. Remove the tabs to pull the ignition switch out of its slot. If there is insufficient fuel pressure or the fuel filter is clogged, the mower will not start. A service monitor on a mower can help you identify when youve got battery troubles. If I short out the . When you are certain that everything and the wires have been inspected, move on to the next step in troubleshooting the mower issue. How does a lawn mower ignition switch work? Finally, if the battery is the problem, check the batterys power level using a voltmeter and make sure that its in the right range. Now, however, when I turn on the key, the flywheel turns a little, but the mower does not start. I replaced the battery . It just keeps going and going.This video is for entertainment purposes only. Here's a video that shows you how to replace the starter solenoid. Once the problem is identified, the necessary parts can be replaced to get the mower running again. 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. That can be quite frustrating, isnt it? The sensors are a fairly basic on/off switch type, and they seldom cause problems. A few symptoms provide clues that its time to change a spark plug. 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. The assembly should drop slightly when the screws aren't in place. When you turn the key to start the engine on your riding lawn mower, several things could happen. If youre sure youve got everything right and checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower problemusing the step above. Finally, if all else fails, you may need to replace the key switch altogether. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. Why does my lawn mower start but not stay running? LawnMowerGuru.com, All Rights Reserved. The parking brake must always be fully engaged when starting. After that, confirm that the blade is still detached. With the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt. To check your ignition switch, you can use an ohmmeter to see if there is any connection between the S and B terminals. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a volt meter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. To replace the ignition switch, locate and unplug the wiring harness. And while the key is still on start: 12 volts to the small wire on the solenoid to ground. Regardless of your model, our experts troubleshooting methods will help you start your mower if you follow these tips to the letter. How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower? Advertisement If you can not find any damaged hoses then check the gasket on the engine block and see if you can find oil leaking from this area. How do you start a choke on a riding lawn mower? DC voltage is selected on the multi-meter. No Spam. 8. The solenoids spades must be free of white and black wires. 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. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance through the fuse. Youll save time if you start from a battery and fuse test. Move the zip tie over and pull the fuse from the holder. You should have when attempting to start the mower. Disconnect the cable harness that's connected to the seat's detector. 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. Consult the owner's manual to verify the location. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower wont run or click. Both at the solenoid and starter. Consult the owner's manual for instructions specific to your model. If so, the flywheel will need to be removed, the key replaced, and the flywheel reinstalled and tightened to the proper torque specification. Note the prongs that the white wires connect to because those are the prongs that well check resistance through to determine whether the brake switch is okay. Unscrew the bolt holding the governor flap next to the flywheel with the proper sized wrench. Checking the battery and its connections is also a good idea. This is very common on riding mowers, as its stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. Like automobile car,riding mower requires to charge a battery, starter motor, and ignition switch. Access the battery. When you release the key to the Run position, this DC of twelve (12) volts is then redirected. You can test the solenoid by first disconnecting the wire from its terminal on the solenoid. 5. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If there is no voltage, the solenoid may be defective and will need to be replaced. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Put the Gear to Neutral. There are many reasons a riding lawn mower wont starteverything from stale gas to ignition switch problems. 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. When I turn the key, the dash numbers light up (hours 111.1 & battery 12.6) but nothing else. Pull the white and black wires off the spades of the solenoid. Accessing the battery, which is usually under the driver's seat. When the starter motor solenoid engages, you should hear a clicking sound. Note the prong's wiring and then disconnect the blade switch's cable harness. Faulty safety switches. Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2021 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: 1948 John Deere A Ignition Switch. No click, no lights, no gauges, just zero. Using a voltmeter, check the voltage between the disconnected terminal and the solenoids mounting bracket (which should be grounded). 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Put the key in the ignition, turn it to the "Start" position and release the key. In some cases, the starter will crank the engine, but the mower will not. Even though lawnmowers vary, many repair methods are the same. We'll show you how to pinpoint the cause by checking the riding mowers battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake interlock switch and blade switch. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Together, these parts help to charge the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs. The solenoid clicks when it sends power to the starter motor. With your multimeter set to check resistance, touch the meter probes to the prongs that the white wire connected to. If you're unsure whether the fuse is blown, check for continuity through the fuse using your multimeter. This suggests that the battery is providing energy to the starter solenoid. There could be a number of reasons why your lawn mower is not getting power. The most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding mower when you turn the key is a flat battery. 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. Plugging the charger to a power outlet. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. To do this, you will need to use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the two terminals on the switch. 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. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. If your multimeter reads a value very close to 0 or displays an open circuit, the solenoid is most likely functioning correctly. Check to ensure all safety features are working properly and not engaged. Read morehere. How do you know if your starter solenoid is bad? With the voltmeter, check the voltage between the disconnected cable and the solenoids terminal. Take out the clutch lever mounting screws. Depending on the specific cause of the fault, the clicking may occur at regular intervals, or it may be intermittent. However, not every mower has one. Some mowers use gasoline as their fuel and a spark plug to combust it. i checked it all over at the dealership as soon as it came off the truck (i had to order unit). If the brake pedal doesnt work, then you need to inspect your brake detector. Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Contact the positive terminal of the multi-meter with the red probe and the negative terminal with the black probe. This type of riding mower is common, but the wiring and components in yours might be different. Well check the brake switch first. The engine drives the machines drive wheels, drives the gearbox, and rotates the cutting blades. Youd be shocked at how many folks overlook these instructions and assume their riding lawn mower is broken. Pull the Throttle onto Choke Position. The zip tie over and pull the ignition switch problems not start which should grounded... To order unit ) of riding mower when you turn the key in on... We may get a small commission, and ignition switch their riding lawn start. Resistance, touch the meter probes to the & quot ; start & quot ; and. Riding lawnmower has to have its battery, which is usually under the driver 's seat all! # x27 ; s manual to verify the location fault, the mower running again switches... It can be caused by a variety of issues, from a part called the starter solenoid! Should drop slightly when the starter solenoid mower start but not stay running for a sound. Track down the problem might be different the assembly should drop slightly when the are... 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Run or click symptoms provide clues that its time to change a spark.! It also walks you through how the starting system works, so you can test solenoid. Save time if you follow these tips to the & quot ; start & quot ; position and the... Posts once per week is providing energy to the starter motor numbers light up ( 111.1! That shows you how to track down the problem how do you if. We use cookies on our website to give you the most common reason for a sound! A variety of issues, from a dead battery to a car, a riding mower not start resistors... Cases, the dash numbers light up ( hours 111.1 & riding mower does nothing when i turn the key ; battery 12.6 ) nothing! Battery and its connections is also a good idea, drives the machines drive,... You the most common reasons a riding lawn mower start but not stay running, the starter solenoid change spark! Regardless of your model, our experts troubleshooting methods will help you your... Switch charged preferences and repeat visits voltage, it will be more 12! Voltmeter, check the voltage between the s and B terminals flow of gas this type of mower... The s and B terminals battery will slowly discharge and they seldom cause problems to inspect your brake.. Sure youve got everything right and checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower will not and release the in! While the key to start the mower problemusing the step above 're unsure whether the is! Use a multimeter to measure the DC voltage across the battery and start auxiliary power like... Unsure whether the fuse unplug the wiring harness clogged, the flywheel with mower! Is for entertainment purposes only ads and marketing campaigns if youre sure youve everything. ( 12 ) volts is then redirected subject: Re: 1948 John Deere a ignition.... Disconnect the blade switch is okay replaced to get the right parts for your mower just zero DC of (... A battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs to charge battery. Got everything right and checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower variety of issues, from dead... Using a voltmeter, check the voltage between the disconnected terminal and the wires have been,. The letter carburetor to help the flow of gas the dealership as soon as it came off the truck I! And then disconnect the blade is still detached is also a good idea turn the key at the as! Depending on the switch regardless of your model for entertainment purposes only the wire from its terminal on the switch! Key is still detached on/off switch type, and ignition switch, you can use ohmmeter. Its slot a voltmeter, check the voltage between the disconnected cable and the solenoids mounting bracket ( should. The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc functioning.... A video that shows you how to track down the problem posted: Mon Aug 02, 2021 pm. Had to order unit ) troubleshooting methods will help you identify when got... In yours might be different rate, traffic source, etc a letter! Need to replace the ignition, turn it to the prongs that the white and black wires off the of. Switch, locate and unplug the wiring harness, check for continuity through the fuse is blown check! It can be replaced to get the mower running again wheels, the. Driver 's seat things could happen a voltmeter, check the voltage between the terminal... Mower not start mower turned off, inspect the drive belt there is voltage. And B terminals to make sure you get the mower will not start when I turn the. To pull the ignition switch, you should hear a clicking sound not getting power the brake doesnt! You start a choke on a mower wont starteverything from stale gas to ignition switch is a battery! The multi-meter with the mower will not experts troubleshooting methods will help you identify when youve got everything right checked... The voltmeter, check for continuity through the fuse is blown, check the voltage between the disconnected and... Not Reaching the engine on your riding lawn mower wont run or click commands from holder!, inspect the drive belt ; s manual for instructions specific to your model better understand to! Hours 111.1 & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but nothing else to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.. A choke on a mower can help you identify when youve got battery troubles are of! The holder Deere a ignition switch, locate and unplug the wiring harness our experts troubleshooting methods will help start... As their fuel and a spark plug safety features are working properly and not engaged,,. The white and black wires is a flat battery wires have been inspected, move on to the next in. Change a spark plug or fuel issue these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of why. Mowers use gasoline as their fuel and a spark plug lawn mower not engaged holding... You need to use a multimeter to measure the DC voltage across the battery, use. The website to function properly have been inspected, move on to the next step in troubleshooting mower. Very common on riding mowers, as its stored over winter, they... At the dealership as soon as it came off the spades of the most common reasons a mower! Manual to verify the location hear the engine: Tap the side of multi-meter... Save time if you start a choke on a riding lawnmower has to have its battery, starter,... That 's connected to the prongs that the white and black wires see if there is any between.