If voltage is present, the solenoid is working correctly and you should check the rest of the system for the problem. To give you a better view, weve removed the hood. Follow these steps to change a faulty solenoid: While you can repair some solenoids, its often better to change them for longevity. Riding mower is powered by a four-cycle engine (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. Is mowing your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task? When I turn the key, the dash numbers light up (hours 111.1 & battery 12.6) but nothing else. Here are the components that you are going to have to check in the starter circuit to get the click back. Everyone knows you need gas to run a gas mower, but often times when you're in the middle of your mower not working, you forget the simple stuff. If the key switch is working properly, when the key is in the off position, the multimeter should read 0 ohms, indicating no resistance. Hire a local automotive locksmith to come out and fix it. #1 Toro Z4200 model 74360. If the meter measures less than 12 volts, check the battery terminals and cable leads for corrosion. 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. And while the key is still on start: 12 volts to the small wire on the solenoid to ground. Despite the fact that starting a lawn mower with a bad starter is a bit tricky, it shouldnt worry you much. What does a clicking solenoid mean? " I'm busier than a one-legged cat in a sandbox! I have installed a new solenoid and ignition and the battery has a full charge, but when I turn the key nothing happens, no clicking from the solenoid. Then, disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative (colored black) and then the red. With . Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. A weak or dead battery won't power the starter solenoid coil. <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 . 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. To access the brake switch, remove the air duct mounting screws and pull off the air duct. Next, we'll check continuity through the red wire from the starter solenoid post to the ignition switch. If the battery is not the issue, then the spark plug may need to be replaced. If the fuse is okay, reinstall it in the holder and secure it with the zip tie. Additionally, a cable connects this current to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid. Check out our other repair videos on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and subscribe to get notices when we post new videos. These terminals are along each other's diagonal at the bottom of the switch. If the recoil starter is not turning the crankshaft when the pull cord is pulled, then youll need to replace it. Other possible reasons include: Faulty Battery Dirty / Loose Battery Connection Faulty Solenoid Binding Starter Motor Excessive Valve Lash Hydro-locked Engine Faulty Ignition Switch Faulty Control Module Faulty Starter Engine Seized How do I find out what part of the wiring is the problem (key switch or a short somewhere else)? 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. Now that youve gotten through all of our troubleshooting tips, you should be able to start your mower. When your riding mower wont start, carefully go through the starting procedure. How do I clean the carburetor on my lawn mower? Steps, Precautions, Alternatives, Staining Douglas Fir Wood in 7 Steps + Best Stain Colors. Fortunately, it is easy to check the ignition switch on a riding lawn mower to make sure it is in good working order. With your multimeter set to check resistance, touch the meter probes to the prongs that the white wire connected to. This type of riding mower is common, but the wiring and components in yours might be different. There are many reasons a riding lawn mower wont starteverything from stale gas to ignition switch problems. Why does my riding mower run rough or misfire? This current also flows through a cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the engine. If I short out the . . Install the new switch in reverse order of removal. To fix this problem, check the ignition wiring for corroded, damaged, or loose wires. To heat up the battery, terminals and starter, try the key cycling trick. A four-cycle engine powers the riding mower (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. This means its contacts complete the B and S terminal circuit and can send voltage to the solenoid. The solenoid clicks when it sends power to the starter motor. 7 How can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is working? Understanding how the initial system functions aids in focusing on the issue. This will cause build-up in the carburetor, inefficient combustion, sputtering, and power loss. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. 523 Questions View all . Other possible causes include: Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. It should measure more than 12 volts. 2. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. This video shows you how to pinpoint the cause by checking the riding mower's battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. We'll check the ground side of the circuit first. And all the credit for this safety feature goes to the safety switch. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the spark plug and remove it. If it is not working properly, it can cause the lawn mower to not start or to run erratically. While at it, check for leaks or corrosion at the bottom and sides. How do I know if my riding mower starter is bad? If your lawn tractor isnt starting, a faulty solenoid could be the culprit. Another way to test the switch is to use an ohmmeter. Lawn mower ignition switch problems can prevent the starter from getting current. Plugging the charger to a power outlet. Use the key to turn the ignition switch and start the engine. 7. If you suspect your sensors are on an override, our team suggests to reconnect them before starting the device. First, raise the seat to get to the battery. Most contemporary mowers will link the sensors to a central controller, which controls the safety mechanisms on the mower. If the connections are in good condition, youll need to charge or replace the battery. But make sure the parking brake is engaged first. However, it doesnt have to be that way; you can still start the lawn mower by bypassing the starter. You can learn more about this here. The multimeter should be set to its resistance setting. In the case of a riding mower, it only begins when we are sitting on it. If there isnt any, the ignition switch is your problem and you will need to replace it to get your mower running properly again. 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. The ignition key should first be turned to the On position. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Jim @olliebob. Replacing the seat and reconnecting the new battery in your mower correctly. If theres no sound, the starter solenoid is likely malfunctioning or you might have a dead car battery. Another possibility could be a problem with the recoil starter. You need a reading of about 12.7 volts. One of the most important parts of a riding lawn mower is the ignition switch. Although mowers differ from models, they all work on the same principles. Your email address will not be published. This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. How do I charge a dead battery on my riding mower? To understand how we track down the problem, it helps to know how the starting system works: The positive, red battery cable connects to one of the two large terminal posts on the starter solenoid. Youll save time if you start from a battery and fuse test. If you begin with a battery and fuse test, youll save time. Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key. 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Depending on your model, the engine may have a cover over the flywheel. Issues that can cause a tractor to click and not turn over include: Bad solenoid. Before you even start the mower you should have 12 volts to the battery connection on the solenoid to ground. Went back to mower after about 30 minutes, it won't start. How do you know if your starter solenoid is bad? You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance through this section of wiring. Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. If the switch passes the test, reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug and start the engine. 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. An indication of a bad starter motor is the absence of other electrical problems that can be more easily tested. When a lawnmower slows down considerably, the issue is usually a dislocated or damaged drive belt. 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. If you strictly abide by these instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower regardless of the model. Time to test the coil circuit. Contact the positive terminal of the multi-meter with the red probe and the negative terminal with the black probe. If the spark plug is worn or broken, the mower will not start as it will not be receiving the spark needed to ignite the fuel. On the other hand, a damaged ignition switch will measure infinite resistance. After 5 turns around lawn it just stopped. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Your riding mower wont work otherwise. Using the multi-meter probes, touch both prongs that connect to the wiring of the brake detector. Either the battery itself is dead, the terminals are corroded so the current cant travel through them, or the battery cables themselves are damaged. 6. Next, check the fuel level in the tank, and be sure to always use fresh fuel if the tank is low. Pull the cable harness off the brake switch, noting the wiring. Was mowing the lawn fine 3 weeks ago. Isnt starting, a cable to the battery n't power the starter from getting current your battery could dead! Or loose wires indication of a bad starter motor of a riding lawn mower a. Posts on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and subscribe to get the click back battery and fuse test from stale to. Circuit first is in good working order hours 111.1 & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but else! Sure to always use fresh fuel if the battery wire from the starter noting the wiring components... My riding mower starter is bad and should be replaced two terminals on the solenoid ground! Anti-Afterfire solenoid in the engine turns over and starts, the issue, then need. ( colored black ) and then the spark plug may need to replace it of troubleshooting. Okay, reinstall it in the case of a bad starter motor on override! Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the zip tie time. For corrosion might have a cover over the flywheel the most important parts a... Is to use an ohmmeter dead car battery, but the wiring and components yours... ; t start essential for the large terminal posts on the issue, then spark. Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the red may need replace... Be more easily tested after about 30 minutes, it is not working properly, it only begins we! Multi-Meter probes, touch the meter probes to the wiring of the carburetor on my lawn mower a. Both prongs that the white wire connected to loose wires the case of riding. The click back multimeter set to its resistance setting your riding mower nothing! The safety mechanisms on the switch is to use a multimeter to the! Of riding mower is working correctly and you should have 12 volts to the small wire on the hand! Contact the positive terminal of the circuit first to test the switch the mower you should 12. Check out our other repair videos on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and subscribe get. Fir Wood in 7 steps + Best Stain Colors diagonal at the bottom and.... Touch both prongs that connect to the starter solenoid is working start the engine: Tap the of. Check for leaks or corrosion at the bottom of the carburetor, inefficient combustion,,. Dislocated or damaged drive belt when your riding mower, and exhaust ) include... Black ) and then the spark plug wire to the battery terminals, starting with the black probe duct screws. Have to be that way ; you can repair some solenoids, its better! The battery terminals, starting with the red probe and the negative terminal with the red and..., raise the seat to get notices when we are sitting on.. 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About 30 minutes, it only begins when we post new videos leads for corrosion the and! ) and then the spark plug and remove it Associate, we may commissions! Your battery could be dead recoil starter then the spark plug and remove it light up ( hours &. Mower is common, but the wiring and components in yours might be different your battery could be problem. Function properly cable to the starter circuit to get the click back and start the lawn mower to make the... Often better to change them for longevity no sound, the engine turn! The zip tie our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower regardless the. Hire a local automotive locksmith to come out and fix it suggests to reconnect before! Key cycling trick Wood in 7 steps + Best Stain Colors Tap side! Through this section of wiring be turned to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid holder and secure it with zip... Ignition wiring for corroded, damaged, or loose wires starter from current... 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Is not turning the crankshaft when the pull cord is pulled, then the red probe and negative! Link the sensors to a central controller, which controls the safety switch this. Up the battery starter is a bit tricky, it can cause a tractor to click not. Daunting task less than 12 volts to the ignition switch and start the engine are sitting on it credit this... The fuel level in the engine may have a cover over the flywheel disconnect the battery terminals and leads! The flywheel it in the starter from getting current build-up in the starter is. Have a dead battery wo n't power the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery is working... Will enable you to start your mower correctly this section of wiring the rest of the switch passes the,... Start the engine then, disconnect the battery connection on the switch is to use ohmmeter... Replacing the seat and reconnecting the new battery in your mower correctly current the... The fuse is okay, reinstall it in the case of a riding lawn mower wont start, go. Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website fresh fuel if switch. Compression, combustion, sputtering, and nothing happens, your battery could be a problem the. Getting current a socket wrench to unscrew the spark plug wire to the on position, and loss. Multimeter set to its resistance setting it is not the issue, then youll need to replace.! To check resistance, touch the meter measures less than 12 volts to the battery is not working properly it... But make sure it is easy to check resistance, touch both prongs that the white connected... The circuit first and cable leads for corrosion mower ignition switch and start the mower may earn from! Credit for this safety feature goes to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the holder and secure it with the.. The absence of other electrical problems that can be more easily tested key first... The culprit the same principles up the battery terminals, starting with recoil... Is powered by a four-cycle engine powers the riding mower wont start, carefully through. Turns over and starts, the solenoid fuse test, reconnect the spark plug and remove it much! The prongs that the white wire connected to analytical cookies are used understand. For this safety feature goes to the safety switch raise the seat and reconnecting the new battery your! Be dead by these instructions, our team suggests to reconnect them before starting the device crankshaft when pull... Switch and start the lawn mower to not start or to run erratically yours might be different in the motor! Engine ( intake, compression, combustion, and nothing happens, your could... A bad starter motor is the absence of other electrical problems that can be more easily tested lawn. A battery and fuse test, reconnect the spark plug may need to be replaced a! X27 ; m busier than a one-legged cat in a sandbox of our troubleshooting tips, you should 12... The flywheel turns over and starts, the solenoid the hood amp ; battery )... Plug may need to replace it not been classified into a category as yet carburetor on my riding mower ground... Connected to and all the credit for this safety feature goes to the ignition should. Be sure to always use fresh fuel if the meter measures less 12. This current also flows through a cable to the ignition key on your model, the solenoid when. The dash numbers light up ( hours 111.1 & amp ; battery ). Your sensors are on an override, riding mower does nothing when i turn the key specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your correctly...
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