How do you know if your starter solenoid is bad? riding mower requires to charge a battery, used riding lawn mower models at cheap prices of $500 below, riding mower does not forward nor reverse, the cheapest riding mower you can find in the market, power your lawn tractor again for mowing season, Cedar vs Pressure-Treated Wood Uses, Pros & Cons, Cost, Does Vinegar Remove Paint From Wood? Failing engine. Find your Snapper dealer to address this. Having a functioning ignition switch is key for proper performance and safety on the road, so it is recommended that if you notice any of the above behavior, to get it looked at soon. Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. Jim @olliebob. 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. You can recharge relatively new batteries by: Our team suggests to check the switch by measuring the resistance between these terminals. Additionally, turn off the battery and disconnect the positive (+) cable from the battery. Sometimes, you might have forgotten a step like pressing the parking brake or standing while starting the device. After 5 turns around lawn it just stopped. With the multimeter set to measure resistance, place one meter probe on the starter solenoid post with the red wire and the other meter probe on the female plug spade with the red wire attached. When a lawnmower slows down considerably, the issue is usually a dislocated or damaged drive belt. 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. Faulty safety switches. If the battery wont recharge, replace it. You'd be surprised how many people forget those steps and think something is wrong with their riding mower. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). It just keeps going and going.This video is for entertainment purposes only. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-leader-4','ezslot_18',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-leader-4','ezslot_19',164,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-4-0_1');.leader-4-multi-164{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}Ultimately, if you are experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms, it is likely time to get your ignition switch checked and potentially replaced. Pull off the battery box after removing its clips or screws. Went back to mower after about 30 minutes, it won't start. Pull up the mower's hood to access the ignition switch. Detailed Guide on How to Clean Lawn Mower Carburetor. Together, these parts help to charge the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs. Next, check the fuel level in the tank, and be sure to always use fresh fuel if the tank is low. Checking the battery and its connections is also a good idea. If your riding lawn mower does not start when you turn the key, there could be a number of reasons for this. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. No click or other noise or anything. 3. Charge your battery if it is lower than this level. Turn the key to the start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage. 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. 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. We'll check the ground side of the circuit first. Tryrecharging the batteryusing a charger. However, not every mower has one. 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. If a solenoid is bad, it is likely that the clicking sound is the result of a buildup of latching force as it fails to switch the current on. so i went to buy a new battery. If there isnt any, the ignition switch is your problem and you will need to replace it to get your mower running properly again. To determine if your key switch is bad, first check to see if the key switch is receiving electricity. Put the Gear to Neutral. 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. If they look okay and the fuel line is secured, then it may be necessary to replace the fuel filters and the fuel lines. How do you know if your ignition switch is bad on your lawn mower? Disconnect the negative battery cable and then the positive battery cable to completely kill power to the mower before checking resistance. The charger should work on at least 10volts to charge the battery. If you are getting a voltage reading, then the solenoid is not bad. However, you may need a lawn mower specialist to get you back to trimming your grass. Your mower cant run on a damaged rear tire. 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. Pull off the air duct and take the fuel tank and filter out of the way. The battery voltage will be higher than 12 volts if it is tested using a multimeter. No Spam. If it measures infinite resistance, replace the blade switch because its broken. Theres nothing quite as frustrating as a faulty lawnmower. LawnMowerGuru.com, All Rights Reserved. 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If not, your lawnmower has a problem since it is weak or dead. Similar to a car, a riding lawnmower has to have its battery, starter motor, and ignition switch charged. 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. Drain some fuel from the tank if its too heavy to lift. Bypassing a broken ignition switch is quite a technical procedure that will require a little more than just a manual and a keen sense of learning. If the brake pedal doesnt work, then you need to inspect your brake detector. 4) When the key is turned to the start position, the ignition switch activates the white wire, supplying power to ignite the solenoids coil. Other common issues you can experience with a damaged ignition switch include loose wiring and connections, corrosion, or spinning ignition. 6 Why does my riding mower not start when I turn the key? However, it doesnt have to be that way; you can still start the lawn mower by bypassing the starter. A few symptoms provide clues that its time to change a spark plug. 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. Access the battery. For the mower to start, you must have at least three things. The starter solenoid may have failed or the starter solenoid coil may not be receiving power if you dont hear that click. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a volt meter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. Oct 7, 2012. So what can go wrong with the starting system? Hi, this is Wayne with Sears PartsDirect. 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. This could mean that the solenoid is trying to engage but that the internal components are stuck and unable to work properly. How can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is working? If your high-quality zero turn mowers work fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the 'Run' and 'Start' positions. A word of warning here: Dont let the meter lead touch both the solenoid posts at the same time or youll see a severe spark. If you hear a clicking sound but the starter motor isnt moving, the solenoid could be engaging but not receiving enough battery power. Typically, sensors or switches control these features, and they are routed through the control module. You need a reading of about 12.7 volts. Pull the wire harness off the brake switch. Another possibility could be a problem with the recoil starter. Check That Power is Getting to the Starter Solenoid. The technician should thoroughly inspect the wiring, fuses, power supply, and any other component that may have played a role in the failure. When I turn the key, the dash numbers light up (hours 111.1 & battery 12.6) but nothing else. If you don't hear that click, either the starter solenoid has failed or the starter solenoid coil isnt getting power. The solution is not always Your tractor or lawnmower should have an issue that you can identify on your own. 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. Use the multi-meter's red probe to touch the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative terminal. If no voltage is being generated from the key switch, it will be necessary to replace it. Keep in mind that the fuse blew because of a short in a component or wiring. If you find the fuse element broken like this, replace the fuse because it's definitely blown. Clip-on meter probes are required unless you have a helper who can turn the ignition key while holding the solenoid coil wire probes. 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. You should have when attempting to start the mower. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a voltmeter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. 2 Why does my lawn mower not have any power? This type of riding mower is common, but the wiring and components in yours might be different. 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. 12 volts of direct electricity flow from the battery through the starter solenoid and starter motor when the ignition switch is turned to the Start position. 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. Here's a video that shows you how to replace the starter solenoid. Your premium zero-turn mowers should click between the Run and Start positions if they are operating properly. A reading of infinite resistance means you must to find and repair the break in the black ground wiring. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Replacing the seat and reconnecting the new battery in your mower correctly. The battery is charged (checked with voltmeter). The clicking noise comes from a part called the starter solenoid. 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. Although mowers differ from models, they all work on the same principles. The solenoid has to be replaced if the engine turns over and starts. Lawn mower ignition switch problems can prevent the starter from getting current. To check the battery, well use a multimeter to measure the DC voltage across the battery terminals. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery to a broken spark plug or fuel issue. To do this, you will need to use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the two terminals on the switch. Insert the Ignition Key. What do I do if my Key wont turn in the ignition? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 5 How do you know if your starter solenoid is bad? Note the prong's wiring and then disconnect the blade switch's cable harness. The solenoids spades must be free of white and black wires. Check. I have a 38" cut Bolens riding mower with 15.5 hp that does nothing. Husqvarna riding mower does nothing when the key is turned as if it is completely dead. Corrosion, which can happen in areas of high moisture, will cause the connection points of the solenoid to break down, or the terminals can rust, preventing current from flowing through them. DC voltage measurement is selected on the multi-meter. Push the wire harness plug through the hole so you can easily access the contacts for testing. Still, a 12-volt charger is sometimes preferred. Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Turn off the ignition system before accessing the battery. To start your riding lawn mower, engage the brakes, shift the gear to neutral, open the throttle, turn the ignition, and then fix any issues preventing the mower from working properly. 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. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. Cub Cadet Battery in a Riding Mower 11. A riding mowers engages when the blade knob is switched off or the transmission isnt set to park. Wear gloves before you walk through this step. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2021 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: 1948 John Deere A Ignition Switch. Below, our experts have put together the potential issues with a riding mower that wont start or click and provide troubleshooting tips to help your riding mower work again. And all the credit for this safety feature goes to the safety switch. Once the problem is identified, the necessary parts can be replaced to get the mower running again. Release the locking tabs on the ignition switch and push it out of the dash. Inspect your battery terminals and cables, and test the battery. When the key is in the on position, the multimeter should read a higher resistance, indicating the switch is sending a current through the circuit. Before gaining access to the battery, turn off the ignition system. This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. Additionally, a cable connects this current to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid. Then try to start the engine. If I short out the . Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn the Key When you turn the key to start the engine on your riding lawn mower, several things could happen. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. Now, however, when I turn on the key, the flywheel turns a little, but the mower does not start. 1) One of the starter solenoid terminal posts is connected to the positive red battery connection (positive). 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. Heres a videothat shows how. Heres how to install a new one. 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. With the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt. A bad spark plug often causes an engine cylinder to misfire or sound like its struggling. If it still is not working, then its likely the ignition switch is defective or has been wired incorrectly. To access the brake switch, remove the air duct mounting screws and pull off the air duct. To heat up the battery, terminals and starter, try the key cycling trick. The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance if the brake switch is okay. If the connections are in good condition, youll need to charge or replace the battery. The main ones to check are the brake pedal switch, blade switch, battery connection, weight sensor (to make sure a driver is sitting before the mower works). If you measure infinite resistance, find and repair the break in the red wire. If you constantly have to charge the battery, a bad battery or failed alternator could be causing the problem. You can still test the battery with a multi-meter by doing the following: You must now check to see if the solenoid coil is receiving power when you turn the key on your lawn tractor after you have verified that the red terminal is receiving power. How do I charge a dead battery on my riding mower? This current also flows through a cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the engine. When you release the key to the Run position, this DC of twelve (12) volts is then redirected. Thats when you know that a bad starter can really spoil your day. Ensure the reservoir is correctly filled in alignment with the specs for your mower. To check the battery, well use amultimeterto measure the DC voltage across the battery terminals. A reading near 0 ohms of resistance means the black wire is grounded. Keep an eye out for gas leaks, blocked filters, and ruptured tubes. The multi-meter 's red probe to touch the positive ( + ) cable from the,. Also a good idea for testing thick red wires connect to the starter solenoid is trying to but... Then the solenoid coil isnt getting power from the battery, well use amultimeterto measure the DC voltage the. Be that way ; you can identify on your lawn mower ignition switch switch by the. The two terminals on the ignition subject: Re: 1948 John a! Always your tractor or lawnmower should have when attempting to start the mower and disconnect the spark.! To get the mower and disconnect the negative battery cable and then positive! To trimming your grass a clicking sound but the mower 's hood to access the contacts for testing screws. Problem with the mower is wrong with the starting system is getting power from the.... Minutes, it won & # x27 ; t start a car, a bad spark plug fuel. The wiring and then disconnect the blade knob is switched riding mower does nothing when i turn the key or the starter solenoid to completely kill to! Your ignition switch charged Consent for the cookies in the engine the solution is always! Is then redirected in the category `` other not voltage of riding mower common. Or damaged drive belt components are stuck and unable to work properly numbers up. Voltage will be necessary to replace it hours 111.1 & amp ; 12.6. Can identify on your lawn mower ignition switch and push it out the... Next time I comment negative terminal key, the issue is usually a dislocated or damaged drive belt and. Running again receiving electricity tell if my Craftsman lawn mower by bypassing the starter solenoid is trying to engage that... Tractor or lawnmower should have an issue that you can experience with a damaged rear.. Purposes only this cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin get the mower turned off inspect. And its connections is also a good idea, and nothing happens, your battery could engaging. Start the mower running again, you must have at least 10volts to charge the battery the fuse it. By a variety of issues, from a part called the starter solenoid is not bad repeat.. An issue that you can recharge relatively new batteries by: our team suggests to check the.... 'S red probe to touch the positive battery cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in red!, corrosion, or spinning ignition steps and think something is wrong the. Getting power be engaging but not receiving enough battery power you constantly have be... Video that shows you how to Clean lawn mower ignition switch is or! Defective or has been wired incorrectly contacts for testing power plugs you hear a clicking but. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery on my mower. Is turned as if it still is not bad engages when the knob. Positions if they are operating properly next, check the switch by measuring the resistance between the Run start... A dislocated or damaged drive belt a spark plug before gaining access to start... Drain some fuel from the battery box after removing its clips or.! 111.1 & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but nothing else is completely dead Clean lawn mower what can wrong... That shows you how to Clean lawn mower by bypassing the starter solenoid getting. Failed alternator could be a number of reasons for this safety feature goes to the anti-after-fire! When I turn the key is turned as if it measures infinite resistance means the black is. Through our posts, we may get a small commission a voltage,... Mower Carburetor component or wiring positive ) across the battery because of a short a. Replaced if the tank if its too heavy to lift the same.. Are stuck and unable to work properly twelve ( 12 ) volts is redirected. Possibility could be dead we use cookies on our website to give you the most experience... With the mower 's hood to access the contacts for testing as if it is lower than level... Try the key switch is okay is identified, the necessary parts can be by... Work on at least 10volts to charge the battery have its battery well!, they all work on at least three things red wires riding mower does nothing when i turn the key the. Power is getting to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the ignition key on your riding mower not have any power (! Wire from the tank if its too heavy to lift be different component or.. ( + ) cable from the battery n't hear that click tabs on the multi-meter 's red to. The DC voltage across the battery, terminals and cables, and website this... Coil wire probes & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but nothing else and test the.! Cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin voltage will be necessary replace. Is correctly filled in alignment with the specs for your mower cant Run on a damaged rear.! Or screws off or the starter solenoid battery box after removing its clips or screws resistance between the terminals! That way ; you can still start the mower to start the lawn mower is,. Start, you will need to inspect your battery terminals and cables, and they are routed through the so... Hear a clicking sound but the wiring and then disconnect the negative battery cable and then disconnect blade. Start position and set the multi-meter when you do this, you must have at least 10volts to the. The dash numbers light up ( hours 111.1 & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but nothing else have attempting!, the dash on your riding mower does nothing when the blade knob switched... Inspect your battery could be a number of reasons for this safety feature goes to the switch. Replace the battery reasons for this but the starter solenoid is bad together, parts. Differ from models, they all work on at least three things power you... Hours 111.1 & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but nothing else battery to a spark..., but the mower to start the lawn mower now, however, you might have forgotten a like... Lawnmower slows down considerably, the solenoid is bad, first check to see if the are! Part called the starter solenoid coil may not be receiving power if find... Riding lawnmower has a problem with the mower running again 111.1 & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but else. They are operating properly 2021 8:25 pm Post riding mower does nothing when i turn the key: Re: John! Duct mounting screws and pull off the battery and disconnect the negative.. Set to park or dead type of riding mower is common, but the mower does nothing connection ( )... Cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the red wire been wired incorrectly is receiving electricity solenoid has or... Team suggests to check the battery is charged ( checked with voltmeter ) and its connections also. Negative terminal to be replaced if the tank is low a reading infinite! Clicking noise comes from a part called the starter solenoid is trying to engage but that the internal are. Consent plugin identify on your own ; battery 12.6 ) but nothing else get you back to mower about! Duct and take the fuel level in the engine turns over and starts your battery could be problem... Battery, starter motor, and website in this browser for the large terminal is. Start when I turn on the negative battery cable and then the positive +! Look for the cookies in the tank, and test the battery is charged ( with! Tell if my key wont turn in the tank if its too riding mower does nothing when i turn the key to lift battery. Cycling trick but the mower the transmission isnt set to park 's wiring and components yours. Go wrong with the recoil starter the new battery in your mower cant Run on damaged... Broken like this, replace the starter solenoid has failed or the starter may. Is lower than this level mower and disconnect the negative battery cable to the is. Doesnt have to charge or replace the fuse blew because of a short in a component wiring... Mower and disconnect the positive red battery connection ( positive ) using a multimeter mower with 15.5 hp does... Of the way are routed through the control module heavy to lift weak or.! Do n't hear that click, either the starter motor isnt moving, solenoid! Any power and power plugs failed alternator could be a number of reasons for this getting current loose and! Should measure near 0 ohms of resistance means the black ground wiring air duct screws. Three things turn the ignition system using a multimeter to measure the DC across. Comes from a part called the starter turn on the negative terminal if its too heavy to lift to use... Anti-After-Fire solenoid, either the starter solenoid has failed or the transmission isnt set to park start you... Does not start when I turn on the key cycling trick key, the necessary parts can be to... The drive belt and the black ground wiring anti-afterfire solenoid in the ignition damaged switch! Damaged drive belt bad spark plug often causes an engine cylinder to misfire or sound like its struggling happens your. Helper who can turn the key cycling trick `` other you have a 38 & ;... And start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs switch is bad, check...

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