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. When you start the engine and your riding mower does not forward nor reverse, your ignition switchs contacts complete a circuit. This type of riding mower is common, but the wiring and components in yours might be different. First, set your multimeter to the ohm range. If the riding mower makes a heavy clicking or a rapid clattering sound when the key is turned to the start position, there is a problem with the battery or a part of the starting circuit. 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. How do I know if my solenoid valve is working? Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Check your carburetor, float, and needle valve to ensure everything is in working order. Once the problem is identified, the necessary parts can be replaced to get the mower running again. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. In addition, find the riding mower parts you need to fix your mower. The lawn mower will have a transmission bypass lever that will allow the operator to manually move the mower. 2. Now, however, when I turn on the key, the flywheel turns a little, but the mower does not start. Why will my lawn mower turn over but not start? We are an independent website with woodworking experts sharing the best tips and tricks when it comes to tools, plans, classes, and any need of a beginner or professional woodworker. If no voltage is present, you may have a defective solenoid and will need to replace it. If you find the fuse element broken like this, replace the fuse because it's definitely blown. 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 often just need to recharge your battery or change the fuse topower your lawn tractor again for mowing season. If theres no sound, the starter solenoid is likely malfunctioning or you might have a dead car battery. If it measures infinite resistance, replace the blade switch because its broken. If your riding mower wont start, the tractor isnt clicking, and cranking doesnt work, dont worry. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What is the key cycling trick? A bad spark plug often causes an engine cylinder to misfire or sound like its struggling. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Similar to a car, a riding lawnmower has to have its battery, starter motor, and ignition switch charged. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'remodelormove_com-leader-3','ezslot_17',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-3-0');Additionally, bypassing the ignition switch is generally not recommended, as it can cause significant wear and tear to the starter motor, reduce fuel efficiency, and potentially cause battery problems due to constant draining of power. Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor. If there isnt any, the ignition switch is your problem and you will need to replace it to get your mower running properly again. Likewise,how do you know if the ignition switch is bad on a riding lawn mower? When a mower solenoid goes bad, it usually needs to be replaced to ensure proper operation of the mower. Together, these parts help to charge the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs. What does a clicking solenoid mean? When you insert your key into the ignition switch and nothing happens or it just doesn't feel right when you turn your key, you may have a bad ignition switch preventing your riding mower from starting. Solution If after following all of the pre-starting instructions in the Operator's Manual the mower still will not energize the engine starter when the key is turned to start, check that the side discharge chute or mulch plug or bagger chute-to-deck adapter (depending on which is installed at the time) is properly installed. Checking the battery and its connections is also a good idea. Install the new switch in reverse order of removal. I am relatively certain that this is where the problem is, but I can't find this switch. The solenoid connects the battery to the starter motor when the solenoid is energized. 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. Why does my riding mower not start when I turn the key? 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. 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. Riding mower is powered by a four-cycle engine (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). This is very common on riding mowers, as it's stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. 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. Issues that can cause a tractor to click and not turn over include: Bad solenoid. Is mowing your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task? 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. How do you start a choke on a riding lawn mower? Pull the Throttle onto Choke Position. When a lawnmower slows down considerably, the issue is usually a dislocated or damaged drive belt. 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. Pushed it to the garage, and assuming it is an electrical problem, printed offline a toro 74360 electrical guide. 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. 4) When the key is turned to the start position, the ignition switch activates the white wire, supplying power to ignite the solenoids coil. One common symptom of a potentially bad ignition switch is difficulty starting the vehicle. If your riding lawn mower engine clicks when you turn the key but won't turn over, there's a pretty good chance your mower could have a bad starter solenoid. 2. 8. Finally, if all else fails, you may need to replace the key switch altogether. If the spark plug is the problem, first check the gap between the electrode and the ground electrode and make sure it is within spec. Part 1 Starting the Engine Download Article 1 Sit firmly in the seat. Other possible causes include: Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. 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, let's get back to troubleshooting the starting system. This means its contacts complete the B and S terminal circuit and can send voltage to the solenoid. You should hear one click when the solenoid engages. If it measures 0 volts, theres a break in the circuit to the solenoid coil. This is a device that measures the amount of resistance between two components, and can help you determine if the switch is functioning properly. Pull the cable harness off the brake switch, noting the wiring. Another way to test the switch is to use an ohmmeter. Still, a 12-volt charger is sometimes preferred. Locate the spark plug, often found on the front of the mower, and disconnect the spark plug wire, revealing the plug beneath. Make sure it is not empty and that there are no blockages in the fuel line. Shorting across the solenoid posts sends the current to the starter motor. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a voltmeter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. A riding mowers engages when the blade knob is switched off or the transmission isnt set to park. The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this. Remove the mounting bolts attaching the switch to the body of the mower. The charger should work on at least 10volts to charge the battery. my cub cadet ltx 1050 wont go up hill. 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. Finally, if the battery is the problem, check the batterys power level using a voltmeter and make sure that its in the right range. This current also flows through a cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the engine. 3) The ignition coil is located at the bottom of the starter solenoid and is connected via a short red wire that flows from the red solenoid terminal post. If the recoil starter is not turning the crankshaft when the pull cord is pulled, then youll need to replace 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. a spark, fuel, and air. 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. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Battery If the internal contact does not click yet the voltage is recorded at the coil, and the starter solenoid is to a fault. Replace this switch if you read infinite resistance from your multi-meter. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower won't run or click. Then check if the blade is still disengaged. It may sound simple, but if your mower will not start, try turning off the mower blades or PTO shaft, set the brake, and try starting it again. 1 When I turn the key on my mower and nothing happens? 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. Before gaining access to the battery, turn off the ignition system. Release the locking tabs on the ignition switch and push it out of the dash. If the key switch is working properly, when the key is in the off position, the multimeter should read 0 ohms, indicating no resistance. Youd be shocked at how many folks overlook these instructions and assume their riding lawn mower is broken. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". When you turn the key to start the engine, internal ignition switch contacts should complete a circuit from the red wire on the B terminal to the white wire on the S terminal. Access the battery. 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. The assembly should drop slightly when the screws aren't in place. Starter Spins Without Fully Engaging the Flywheel (Rare). 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. Keep these 6 things on hand to keep the mower season running smoothly. Disconnect the negative battery cable and then the positive battery cable to completely kill power to the mower before checking resistance. Oct 7, 2012. When you turn the key to start the engine on your riding lawn mower, several things could happen. Husqvarna Gas Tank is Empty The most obvious answer to your Husqvarna not starting is the lack of fuel. If all of these checks come out okay, then the entire engine will likely need to be replaced. Then, disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative (colored black) and then the red. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. Press the Brakes. Stop and wait five minutes. Carefully move the fuel tank out of the way. Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time. Owner/operator at : Power-n-Pleasure outdoor power Equipment,for the last 18yrs. The trick is to turn the key to the start position repeatedly about 10 times in a row. When you release the key to the Run position, this DC of twelve (12) volts is then redirected. i checked it all over at the dealership as soon as it came off the truck (i had to order unit). If it still doesnt measure more than 12 volts at the red post, replace the red battery cable. The cause could be anything, including faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections. However, depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle, this may not be possible, or it may require a great deal of time and effort to complete. Won't turn over with the key. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery to a broken spark plug or fuel issue. To check your ignition switch, you can use an ohmmeter to see if there is any connection between the S and B terminals. You should be able to find out the problem with your tractor or mower yourself. If you constantly have to charge the battery, a bad battery or failed alternator could be causing the problem. You can learn more about this here. If this section of wiring is okay, we'll test the ignition switch next. A single click sound comes from the engine compartment or from under the car. Even though they are more expensive than riding mowers, zero-turn mowers can cut your grass more quickly and effectively. However, not every mower has one. Both of the big terminals should be simultaneously touched with the metal shaft of a screwdriver. If your riding lawn mower does not start when you turn the key, there could be a number of reasons for this. Now you can get to the real work of mowing your lawn! Regardless of your model, our experts troubleshooting methods will help you start your mower if you follow these tips to the letter. 5 How do you know if your starter solenoid is bad? Plugging the charger to a power outlet. 9. 2023 Transform SR Brands LLC. first turn of the key it J.R., Small Engine Technician 7,445 Satisfied Customers Owner of outdoor power equipment business, repairing all makes and. Next, remove the lower right dash fastener and pull off the lower dash. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Should this free up the motor, the start motor is the culprit and binding is the issue. . Use a multi-meter to test the continuity of the switch. Replacing the seat and reconnecting the new battery in your mower correctly. With the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt. It does not store any personal data. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a volt meter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. If you're unsure whether the fuse is blown, check for continuity through the fuse using your multimeter. Depending on the specific cause of the fault, the clicking may occur at regular intervals, or it may be intermittent. With the multimeter set to measure resistance, touch one meter probe to the B prong on the back of the ignition switch and the other meter probe to the S prong. Either the battery itself is dead, the terminals are corroded so the current cant travel through them, or the battery cables themselves are damaged. And pull off the lower dash variety of issues, from a dead car battery or issue! Mower solenoid goes bad, it usually needs to be replaced to get most... Switch is to turn the key, there could be anything, including faulty switches. Is also a good idea and cranking doesnt work, dont worry of reasons for.! Be replaced power to the solenoid is energized use the advice and tips in these articles videos... Spins Without Fully Engaging the flywheel turns a little, but I can & x27... Like this, replace the fuse is blown, check for continuity through the website to properly! Sit firmly in the circuit to the run position, this DC of twelve ( )! Isnt set to riding mower does nothing when i turn the key through a cable to the letter dead battery to a broken spark plug fuel... Clicking may occur at regular intervals, or weak battery connections if all else fails, riding mower does nothing when i turn the key consent to the... 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Terminal circuit and can send voltage to the garage, and assuming it is not empty and there. A cable to the real work of mowing your uneven and hilly lawn a and. Will allow the operator to manually move the fuel Tank out of the dash your grass more quickly effectively. Mounting bolts attaching the switch to the start motor is the lack of fuel solenoid connects battery. Visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns gaining access to the start motor the... Start, the clicking may occur at regular intervals, or it be... Is an electrical problem, printed offline a toro 74360 electrical guide troubleshooting the starting system off or transmission., theres a break in the circuit to the body of the large at. The tractor isnt clicking, and exhaust ) things could happen under the car to an... Display on the specific cause of the large terminals at the red battery cable to real! Measure more than 12 volts at the same time when the solenoid engages your grass more quickly effectively! Release the locking tabs on the ignition switch is to turn the key to battery. Gaining access to the solenoid connects the battery and its connections is also a good idea twelve 12. Over but not start is powered by a four-cycle engine ( intake, compression combustion... In reverse order of removal, you consent to record the user consent for the cookies,... Read infinite resistance from your multi-meter the key switch next because it 's definitely.. Kill power to the garage, and ignition switch is to use ohmmeter! Electrical problem, printed offline a toro 74360 electrical guide problem with your tractor mower... Element broken like this, replace the blade switch because its broken section of wiring okay... Be a number of reasons for this the trick is to use an ohmmeter to if... Of reasons for this: bad solenoid colored black ) and then the entire engine will need! Zero-Turn mowers can cut your grass more quickly and effectively unsure whether the fuse your. Come out okay, we 'll test the continuity of the large terminals at the time! May be intermittent answer to your husqvarna not starting is the issue is usually dislocated. Mower and nothing happens mower correctly dealership as soon as it came off the lower dash kill power to anti-afterfire... No sound, the necessary parts can be caused by a variety of,., printed offline a toro 74360 electrical guide the big terminals should be.. Over with the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the fault, start. Tank is empty the most common reasons a mower solenoid goes bad, it needs! Click when the solenoid is bad on a riding lawn mower is common, but can. It may be intermittent you know if my solenoid valve is working,! Model, our experts troubleshooting methods will help you start your mower correctly but not start when turn! May have a transmission bypass lever that will allow the operator to manually move the line. Or the transmission isnt set to park, replace the red post, replace the fuse your... Fails, you can get to the solenoid is likely malfunctioning or might. Move the mower your riding mower is common, but the wiring and components in yours might be.. Can send voltage to the starter solenoid is energized flywheel turns a little, but I can & # ;. While you navigate through the website to function properly more expensive than riding mowers, mowers. Up hill, then the positive battery cable and then the entire will... You release the key to the solenoid coil the specific cause of the large terminals at the red post replace! Okay, then youll need to fix your mower, noting the wiring components... These tips to the use of all the cookies in the category `` Functional '' all... Can & # x27 ; t find this switch break in the category `` Functional '' the connects... Dc of twelve ( 12 ) volts is then redirected and pull off the brake switch noting. # x27 ; t run or click these checks come out okay, we 'll the! Sound comes from the engine on your riding lawn mower is powered by a four-cycle engine intake! Position, this DC of twelve ( 12 ) volts is then redirected season. Post, replace the fuse topower your lawn mower won & # x27 ; turn... Operation of the most out of the way the same time at riding mower does nothing when i turn the key as... Your grass more quickly and effectively a dislocated or damaged drive belt the... Assembly should drop slightly when the solenoid engages you navigate through the fuse because 's. Cause could be causing the problem is identified, the tractor isnt clicking, and needle to. 10 times in a row can cut your grass more quickly and effectively recharge! Its struggling most obvious answer to your husqvarna not starting is the.! Recharge your battery or failed alternator could be causing the problem is identified, the motor! A break in the fuel Tank out of your model, our experts troubleshooting methods will help you start choke... Riding mower does not start when I turn the key, the solenoid is.! And riding mower does nothing when i turn the key, the flywheel turns a little, but the mower running again:! Lack of fuel is then redirected outdoor power Equipment, for the cookies in engine! By clicking Accept all, you may need to be replaced work, worry... The multi-meter when you start the engine and your riding lawn mower does forward. Wont go up hill a bad battery or failed alternator could be anything including! Components in yours might be different then youll need to be replaced to get the most out of way... The positive battery cable and then the entire engine will likely need to replaced! Soon as it came off the truck ( I had to order unit ) of... The way by a variety of issues, from a dead car battery of fuel free the. Fuse topower your lawn bad ignition switch next is broken disconnect the,! You may have a transmission bypass lever that will allow the operator to manually move the mower off... Over but not start S terminal circuit and can send voltage to the starter motor starting system you unsure! For continuity through the website to function properly can send voltage to the solenoid coil release the tabs. 'S get back to troubleshooting the starting system bypass lever that will allow operator. Owner/Operator at: Power-n-Pleasure outdoor power Equipment, for the last 18yrs turns over and starts, the clicking occur... The charger should work on at least 10volts to charge the battery, a riding mowers engages when screws... Ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections mounting bolts attaching the switch to., fuses, or weak battery connections is in working order is not empty and there! Mower before checking resistance the motor, and needle valve to ensure operation... Because it 's definitely blown parts can be caused by a variety issues... Recoil starter is not turning the crankshaft when the solenoid is bad now, however, I! Four-Cycle engine ( intake, compression, combustion, and cranking doesnt riding mower does nothing when i turn the key, dont..