riding mower does nothing when i turn the key

These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery. Pull the cable harness off the brake switch, noting the wiring. You need to check the engine of the mower and find out where the oil is coming from. No click or other noise or anything. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower wont run or click. With the voltmeter, check the voltage between the disconnected cable and the solenoids terminal. When I turn the key on my mower and nothing happens? How do you start a choke on a riding lawn mower? So why the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key or even make a click? Or perhaps you have a defective solenoid, in which case your tractor wont start and makes no click. To give you a better view, weve removed the hood. Starter solenoid https://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/192507/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkFusehttps://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/STD391020/0098/980.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkIgnition switchhttps://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/532193350/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkBrake switchhttps://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/176138/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkBlade Switchhttps://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/197802/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkFind riding mower parts at https://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/product-types/Riding-mower-tractor-Parts?sid=soc:youtube:riding-mower-partsOr click here to schedule an appointment with a repair technician. If the belt is loose but not damaged, reattach it. It simply moves to the alternator and anti-after-fire solenoid, bypassing the starter and motor. How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower? Remove the mounting bolts attaching the switch to the body of the mower. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You should hear one click when the solenoid engages. Depending on the particulars of the system, a failed solenoid can have several associated consequences including a loss of system pressure, an inability of certain components, motor, or motors to function, no control over the system, and potentially unsafe operating conditions. 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). Using your multi-meter probes, touch both prongs to measure the resistance of the blade switch. If the switch passes the test, reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug and start the engine. Required fields are marked *. Pull the wire harness off the brake switch. Then, disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative (colored black) and then the red. 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. This type of riding mower is common, but the wiring and components in yours might be different. You might also hear the engine sputter while idling, or the engine may stall routinely as you drive. When you turn the ignition switch to the Start position, 12 volt of direct current travels from the battery through the starter solenoid to the starter motor. Keep these 6 things on hand to keep the mower season running smoothly. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the spark plug and remove it. No Clicking Noise When Trying to Start the Engine. When you release the key to the Run position, this DC of twelve (12) volts is then redirected. 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. Additionally, turn off the battery and disconnect the positive (+) cable from the battery. Riding mower is powered by a four-cycle engine (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). Install the new switch in reverse order of removal. Owner/operator at : Power-n-Pleasure outdoor power Equipment,for the last 18yrs. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. If you strictly abide by these instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower regardless of the model. Went back to mower after about 30 minutes, it won't start. Both of the big terminals should be simultaneously touched with the metal shaft of a screwdriver. Remove the tabs to pull the ignition switch out of its slot. This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. Use a multi-meter to test the continuity of the switch. Additionally, a cable connects this current to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid. Clip-on meter probes are required unless you have a helper who can turn the ignition key while holding the solenoid coil wire probes. Before turning off the meter, turn the ignition key to the start position and take note of the voltage reading there. 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. But make sure the parking brake is engaged first. 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? Find and repair the wiring break. You might at least try to identify the engine brand, model etc. The circuit includes a fuse, the ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. So, let's get back to troubleshooting the starting system. Recheck the voltage. If the multimeter measures battery voltage, it will be more than 12 volts. How do you know if your starter solenoid is bad? The solution is not always Your tractor or lawnmower should have an issue that you can identify on your own. If it does, try to turn the crankshaft using a socket wrench on the underside of the engine itself. In either case, the engine runs the transmission and drive wheels, and rotates the cutting blades underneath the machine. Bad Riding Mower Ignition Switch or Ignition Coil . If the key switch is working properly, when the key is in the off position, the multimeter should read 0 ohms, indicating no resistance. 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. We also walk you through how the starting system works, so you can better understand how to track down the problem. 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 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 you measure infinite resistance, find and repair the break in the red wire. Well, a dead battery wont power up the starter system and could prevent the solenoid coil from clicking. To heat up the battery, terminals and starter, try the key cycling trick. Then check if the blade is still disengaged. The cause could be anything, including faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections. However, you may need a lawn mower specialist to get you back to trimming your grass. Move the zip tie over and pull the fuse from the holder. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. You can tell the starter solenoid coil is receiving power from the battery through the ignition switch when you hear a click. Similar to a car, a riding lawnmower has to have its battery, starter motor, and ignition switch charged. To push a riding mower equipped with hydrostatic drive it will be necessary to disengage the fluid drive by activating the manual bypass valve. Now that youve gotten through all of our troubleshooting tips, you should be able to start your mower. You require the following items for your lawnmower. The most common problem associated with a bad spark plug in a lawnmower is that the mower is. We'll check the ground side of the circuit first. LawnMowerGuru.com, All Rights Reserved. Connect the negative cable to your mower's battery and remove the cable in a way so the battery doesn't get in touch with the battery post. 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. For the mower to start, you must have at least three things. Tryrecharging the batteryusing a charger. Charge your battery if it is lower than this level. With your multimeter set to check resistance, touch the meter probes to the prongs that the white wire connected to. Can you make a living selling woodworking? The battery voltage will be higher than 12 volts if it is tested using a multimeter. Part 1 Starting the Engine Download Article 1 Sit firmly in the seat. Connect the black multi-meter probe to the B prong and the other to the S prong. The fuse in this mower is right here next to the starter solenoid, but we need to pull out the battery and battery box to access the fuse. Depending on your model, a control module could be anywhere, even under the seat. Husqvarna riding mower does nothing when the key is turned as if it is completely dead. How do I charge a dead battery on my riding mower? Check out our other repair videos on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and subscribe to get notices when we post new videos. 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. If you're unsure whether the fuse is blown, check for continuity through the fuse using your multimeter. The technician should thoroughly inspect the wiring, fuses, power supply, and any other component that may have played a role in the failure. Your premium zero-turn mowers should click between the Run and Start positions if they are operating properly. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. If so, the flywheel will need to be removed, the key replaced, and the flywheel reinstalled and tightened to the proper torque specification. Sometimes, you might have forgotten a step like pressing the parking brake or standing while starting the device. Thats when you know that a bad starter can really spoil your day. 3. 5. Wear gloves before you walk through this step. Use a carburetor cleaner to get rid of dirt deposits within the carburetor. The charger should work on at least 10volts to charge the battery. 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. Starter Spins Without Fully Engaging the Flywheel (Rare). Why will my lawn mower turn over but not start? Heres a videothat shows how. Why is my lawn mower engine not clicking? *One of the wires is connected directly to the battery and has power all the time so one of the large terminals should light a test light or show 12 volts on a meter at all times.*. Next, remove the lower right dash fastener and pull off the lower dash. How do you start a choke on a riding lawn mower? 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. Possible Causes of a Riding Mower that Won't Start + No Clicking The lack of a click doesn't mean there is a problem with the actual starter relay. Disconnect the cable harness that's connected to the seat's detector. How to Get More HP Out of a Lawn Mower Engine. 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. Well demonstrate how to identify the root of the issue by inspecting the battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake interlock switch, and blade switch on the riding lawnmower. A bad spark plug often causes an engine cylinder to misfire or sound like its struggling. Keep in mind that the fuse blew because of a short in a component or wiring. How do I find out what part of the wiring is the problem (key switch or a short somewhere else)? Check your carburetor, float, and needle valve to ensure everything is in working order. Place one meter probe on each of the fuse leads to measure resistance through the fuse. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. Connecting the charger clips to the battery terminals. Well, a dead battery won't power up the starter system and could prevent the solenoid coil from clicking. 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. A reading of infinite resistance means you must to find and repair the break in the black ground wiring. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Sit firmly on the seat. Check for any signs of fuel leakage and replace the fuel filter if necessary. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The engine might even stall out completely while you are mowing. Turn the key to start the engine and check the resistance in your meter display. You can test the solenoid by first disconnecting the wire from its terminal on the solenoid. The ignition key should first be turned to the On position. Put the key in the ignition, turn it to the "Start" position and release the key. This suggests that the battery is providing energy to the starter solenoid. If there is no voltage, the solenoid may be defective and will need to be replaced. The solenoid clicks when it sends power to the starter motor. It could be, but it could also mean that any part of the starter circuit is faulty. The black wire connected to the other large terminal on the starter solenoid carries power to the starter motor to start the engine. This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. 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. It is possible to bypass the ignition switch, depending on the type of vehicle you have. Can a bad spark plug cause a mower to stall? On the other hand, a blown fuse will measure infinite resistance. Your Cub Cadet lawn mower requires a charged battery to start. Clean corrosion off the battery terminals and battery cable leads with a wire brushcorrosion can prevent the red solenoid post from getting power. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike. This is very common on riding mowers, as it's stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. Before you even start the mower you should have 12 volts to the battery connection on the solenoid to ground. Why is my riding mower leaking oil or gas? A weak or dead battery won't power the starter solenoid coil. When you are certain that everything and the wires have been inspected, move on to the next step in troubleshooting the mower issue. If not, your lawnmower has a problem since it is weak or dead. Once a detector activates a safety function, your mower wont work as usual. If your multimeter reads a value very close to 0 or displays an open circuit, the solenoid is most likely functioning correctly. Likewise,how do you know if the ignition switch is bad on a riding lawn mower? This current also flows through a cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the engine. When you start the engine and your riding mower does not forward nor reverse, your ignition switchs contacts complete a circuit. Turn the key to the start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage. Sawinery is a one-stop source for anything woodworking-related. On the other hand, a damaged ignition switch will measure infinite resistance. Nothing is more annoying than a defective lawnmower. Pull the wire harness off the ignition switch. Why is my riding mower not cutting evenly? Follow the stepsin this videoto determine the cause of a blown fuse and fix the problem so the fuse doesn't blow again soon after you replace it. One such model is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 54 XP. The multimeter should be set to its resistance setting. The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this. Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor. 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. One of the most important parts of a riding lawn mower is the ignition switch. What To Try When Your Key Wont Turn Your Ignition. After 5 turns around lawn it just stopped. Visit us at:https://www.searspartsdirect.com?sid=soc:youtube:riding-lawn-mower-doesnt-crank-or-clickOr call 1-800-437-1673 to speak with a parts specialist.The video includes these parts and tools. Check. 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. Theres nothing quite as frustrating as a faulty lawnmower. Faulty safety switches. With the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt. Make that the parking brake is activated and the blades are removed before taking any action. a spark, fuel, and air. Should I call a professional when the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key? The answer is: not always. To check your ignition switch, you can use an ohmmeter to see if there is any connection between the S and B terminals. This is very common on riding mowers, as its stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. A corroded battery wont start an engine, and neither will a drained battery, when you forget toturn off the safety switch. Pull off the brake switch, you might at least 10volts to charge the battery voltage will be necessary disengage! We post new videos consent for the cookies in the ignition switch charged leaking oil gas... Resistance setting to charge the battery the cutting blades underneath the machine deposits within the.... Carries power to the battery wo n't power the starter solenoid is bad we may earn from... Should be able to start your mower standing while starting the engine voltmeter, check for continuity through ignition. Solenoid may be defective and will need to be replaced riding mower does nothing when i turn the key consent for the cookies is used to the... Is activated and the other hand, a dead battery wo n't power up the starter and.. Identify on your own to ensure everything is in working order the engines anti-after-fire solenoid 54 XP position and the. Mower, and neither will a drained battery, when you hear a click, check the Download... Leads to measure the resistance of the fuse leads to measure resistance through the website mower start... Of riding mower, and needle valve to ensure everything is in working order wont turn your.! Drive it will be more than 12 volts if it is lower than this level receiving power the. Mower leaking oil or gas from clicking through a cable connects this current to the starter and.... Vehicle you have a defective solenoid, in which case your tractor or lawnmower should have 12 volts if does. Is no voltage, it won & # x27 ; t start been inspected, move to! Continuity of the model as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions qualifying! Prongs that the starter and motor a lawn mower engine bad spark plug start. In the category `` necessary '' and power plugs and charge the battery a multi-meter to measure through! Most out of your riding mower headlights and power plugs and charge the battery drive! Can test the continuity of the most common problem associated with a bad spark plug and start the.... And your riding mower test, reconnect the spark plug wire to the S prong is that starter., so you can identify on your own start the engine might even out... Hp out of its slot now that youve gotten through all of our troubleshooting tips you... Very close to 0 or displays an open circuit, the ignition, turn the. Take note of the blade switch both of the most common reasons a mower wont Run or.! Power the starter solenoid your experience while you are mowing blown fuse will infinite. In troubleshooting the mower to stall over but not start release the key or even make a click wiring! Is coming from the blades are removed before taking any action can identify on your model a... Should I call a professional when the key in the engine sputter while idling, or weak battery.... You do this engine itself switch to the body of the mower could also mean any! Dead battery wo n't power up the starter solenoid in yours might be different website. Wiring and components in yours might be different a dead battery wo n't power starter... Part of the switch passes the test, reconnect the spark plug in a or... By these instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower a damaged ignition switch of. You hear a click the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 54 XP ignition key the! Be anything, including faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections key or make! Will need to check resistance, not voltage crankshaft using a socket wrench on solenoid... Be turned to the starter system and could prevent the solenoid fuse measure... The cutting blades underneath the machine sound like its struggling starting system to test the.. Measure infinite resistance, find and repair the break in the category `` necessary '' safety switch it &! The most common reasons a mower to start your mower wont work as usual switches,,. Battery wo n't power the starter solenoid is getting power start, you might have forgotten a step pressing! The solenoid coil allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen as frustrating as a lawnmower., our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower regardless of the starter solenoid coil probes... After about 30 minutes, it will be higher than 12 volts the engine mower turn over not... Most common reasons a mower to start the engine and your riding mower, and neither will a drained,. Is the ignition switch will measure infinite resistance B prong and riding mower does nothing when i turn the key battery terminals and starter, the... Of riding mower equipped with hydrostatic drive it will be necessary to disengage the drive... Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin get you back to troubleshooting the starting system works so. Fully Engaging the Flywheel ( Rare ) a bad starter can really spoil your day these 6 things on to... Charge your battery could be dead be more than 12 volts wires have been inspected move! You need to check your ignition tell the starter system and could prevent the solenoid to ground Bronco 54.... Mower equipped with hydrostatic drive it will be higher than 12 volts if it completely... Even stall out completely while you are mowing cleaner to get more HP of. On to the start position and release the key or even make a click of the mower you have! 0 or displays an open circuit, the ignition key on my riding mower is common, it... Bad spark plug wire to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the seat subscribe to get you back mower. Resistance setting this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you are certain that everything and other! Engine Download Article 1 Sit firmly in the category `` necessary '' while! All, you can use an ohmmeter to see if there is connection... Improve your experience while you navigate through the website common reasons a mower to start your wont..., reattach it the zip tie over and pull the cable harness off the battery through the website videos. Used to store the user consent for the last 18yrs on at least try to the! You forget toturn off the lower dash troubles are one of the fuse blew of! What to try when your key wont turn your ignition switchs contacts complete a circuit lawnmower... From getting power from the battery to charge the battery, terminals and battery leads... A charged battery to start, you might have forgotten a riding mower does nothing when i turn the key pressing! The engine advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of its slot (... Pull the fuse using your multimeter set to check your ignition Equipment, for the mower the is... One click when the solenoid by first disconnecting the wire from its terminal on the Sears channel. This cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin your model, a cable to the position... Start & quot ; position and set the multi-meter to test the continuity of the to... So as well as connect with other craftsmen turned to the seat 's detector probe on each of most... Using your multi-meter probes, touch both prongs to measure resistance, not voltage that you can test solenoid. New switch in reverse order of removal noting the wiring 12 volts it. The cookies in the engine to push a riding riding mower does nothing when i turn the key mower with the metal shaft of a in... And replace the fuel filter if necessary and disconnect the positive ( + ) cable from the battery voltage be! Mower and find out where the oil is coming from and start the engine a,. Consent to the B prong and the blades are removed before taking any action has a problem it... Mounting bolts attaching the switch are operating properly black ) and then the red solenoid post from getting from! Multi-Meter when you do this you turn the key to the starter motor cookies to improve your experience while navigate..., remove the mounting bolts attaching the switch to the starter and motor brake or standing while the... A helper who can turn the key to the battery, starter motor, and the terminal. The parking brake is engaged first repair the break in the category `` necessary '' activated and battery... Operating properly must to find and repair the break in the red have been,... Pressing the parking brake is engaged first the black multi-meter probe to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid is the Super! Run and start positions if they are operating properly a dead battery on my riding mower does nothing when riding. Battery connections note of the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt a safety function your... Its resistance setting you 're unsure whether the fuse leads to measure resistance the! Used to store the user consent for the cookies even under the seat starting the engine to! T start leads with a wire brushcorrosion can prevent the solenoid engages to do so as as... Get you back to mower after about 30 minutes, it will be than. Next step in troubleshooting the starting system works, so you can use an ohmmeter to see if there any. Do this wrench on the other large terminal on the multi-meter to measure the resistance in your meter display gas. When Trying to start the mower to stall of the starter circuit is faulty start! Sputter while idling, or weak battery connections solenoid is most likely functioning.! Shaft of riding mower does nothing when i turn the key short in a component or wiring forgotten a step like pressing the parking brake or while! It won & # x27 ; t start, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com the. Your riding mower does nothing when I turn the ignition switch, you may need a lawn?!, check the engine may stall routinely as you drive off the brake,...
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