This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Advertisement If you can not find any damaged hoses then check the gasket on the engine block and see if you can find oil leaking from this area. If the brake switch is okay, the multi-meter should display 0 ohms of resistance. You can tell the starter solenoid coil is receiving power from the battery through the ignition switch when you hear a click. 4 Why does my lawn mower start but not stay running? The cables are securely attached with no corrosion. A dead battery or terminal corrosion. When you start the engine and your riding mower does not forward nor reverse, your ignition switchs contacts complete a circuit. If not, your lawnmower has a problem since it is weak or dead. To check your ignition switch, you can use an ohmmeter to see if there is any connection between the S and B terminals. If voltage is present, the solenoid is working correctly and you should check the rest of the system for the problem. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If your riding mower wont start, the tractor isnt clicking, and cranking doesnt work, dont worry. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance through the fuse. The problem with your mower could be with the switches. How do you start a choke on a riding lawn mower? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Turn off the ignition system before accessing the battery. Install the new switch in reverse order of removal. Fortunately, if your riding mower wont start and no clicking comes from the engine, you might not need a replacement just yet. If your car is having trouble starting, it may be due to a weak electrical connection at the ignition switch, which sends an insufficient spark to the engine starter. If the ground side of the circuit is okay, we'll check the hot side of the circuit that begins with the small red wire on the starter solenoid terminal and ends at the white wire that connects to the coil spade. Now you can get to the real work of mowing your lawn! Ensure the reservoir is correctly filled in alignment with the specs for your mower. 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. 5 How do you know if your starter solenoid is bad? No click or other noise or anything. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance. Remove the battery from its slot. What is the life expectancy of a zero turn mower? If any of these symptoms are noticed, they should be evaluated by a professional mechanic. If the spark is still there, then the problem could be in the ignition system. Depending on your model, the engine may have a cover over the flywheel. A four-cycle engine powers the riding mower (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). If you constantly have to charge the battery, a bad battery or failed alternator could be causing the problem. Here's a video that shows you how to replace the starter solenoid. Remove the tabs to pull the ignition switch out of its slot. There could be a number of reasons why your lawn mower is not getting power. 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. A reading near 0 ohms of resistance means the black wire is grounded. Husqvarna riding mower does nothing when the key is turned as if it is completely dead. Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key. If you do hear a click sound when you turn the key, check out - "Mower Wont Start Just Clicks". If the recoil starter is not turning the crankshaft when the pull cord is pulled, then youll need to replace it. If it does, try to turn the crankshaft using a socket wrench on the underside of the engine itself. In this type of riding lawn mower, you lift the seat to get to the battery. Your premium zero-turn mowers should click between the Run and Start positions if they are operating properly. FIX: Add fresh fuel to your gas tank. Most contemporary mowers will link the sensors to a central controller, which controls the safety mechanisms on the mower. Remove the faulty solenoid and replace it with the new one. So why the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key or even make a click? 6. 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. No click, no lights, no gauges, just zero. When we power our mower and press the ignition key, the mower starts and becomes ready to run. When you hear the click, you know the starter solenoid coil is getting power from the battery through the ignition switch. If these components are okay, then you may need to clean the air filter. If yourhigh-quality zero turn mowerswork fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the Run and Start positions. If youre sure youve got everything right and checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower problemusing the step above. Push the wire harness plug through the hole so you can easily access the contacts for testing. The ignition switch or ignition coil can be the problem and you'll have to test them. Another way to test the switch is to use an ohmmeter. Pull the wire harness off the brake switch. It does not store any personal data. I have a 38" cut Bolens riding mower with 15.5 hp that does nothing. 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. Riding mower is powered by a four-cycle engine (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). There are two wires which cross directly above the valve as it lays in the timer that you will touch with a multimeter. 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. If it measures less than 12 volts, the battery is weak or dead and you've likely found the problem. I hope this video helps you out today. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_25',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_26',168,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0_1');.narrow-sky-1-multi-168{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}If the battery is dead, the mower will click when you attempt to start it, indicating that power is getting to the starter, but the starter will not engage to turn over the engine. Check out our other repair videos on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and subscribe to get notices when we post new videos. The coil closes an internal contact to send power from the red battery cable to the black wire, which powers the starter motor to spin the engine. 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. Make sure it is not empty and that there are no blockages in the fuel line. Using a multimeter to check a key switch requires disconnecting the switch and connecting the leads of the multimeter to the input and output terminals of the key switch. Saves the trouble of having to use a diode there too. 2. What do I do if my Key wont turn in the ignition? The engine might even stall out completely while you are mowing. If you begin with a battery and fuse test, youll save time. Went back to mower after about 30 minutes, it won't start. If there isnt any, the ignition switch is your problem and you will need to replace it to get your mower running properly again. Clean corrosion off the battery terminals and battery cable leads with a wire brushcorrosion can prevent the red solenoid post from getting power. Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. Other problems, though not as frequent, include a bad starter motor, a wiring failure, a weak battery or a locked-up engine. However, not every mower has one. Bad Riding Mower Ignition Switch or Ignition Coil . Read next! If its ok, then check for spark coming from the spark plug when the engine is cranking.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',157,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',157,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-157{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2021 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: 1948 John Deere A Ignition Switch. How to Get More HP Out of a Lawn Mower Engine. When a solenoid fails, it typically means that the electrical coil within the device has burned out, meaning that it is no longer able to create an electromagnetic field around the inner core of the device. No clicks, no nothing but dash numbers. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. Locate the wiring harness on the mower. What is the significance of the click when you turn the key? We'll check the ground side of the circuit first. 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. If the engine fails to start, the switch most likely needs to be replaced. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Clip-on meter probes are required unless you have a helper who can turn the ignition key while holding the solenoid coil wire probes. Note the prongs that the white wires connect to and then disconnect the wire harness from the blade switch. 2. Like automobile car,riding mower requires to charge a battery, starter motor, and ignition switch. 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. Should I call a professional when the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key? The answer is: not always. A service monitor on a mower can help you identify when youve got battery troubles. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4-0'); If the fuel supply is the problem then, check the fuel filter and the fuel line to ensure that theyre not blocked or blocked off. Once a detector activates a safety function, your mower wont work as usual. The sensors are a fairly basic on/off switch type, and they seldom cause problems. Well, a dead battery wont power up the starter system and could prevent the solenoid coil from clicking. These functions are generally used for tests, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override. A control module is a printed circuit with resistors, relays, and a ground side that receive commands from the safety switches. Remove the mounting and tab both with a screwdriver. Next, remove the lower right dash fastener and pull off the lower dash. DC voltage measurement is selected on the multi-meter. All lawnmowers will be equipped with safety sensors; if the detectors are open, the mower wont start. Disconnecting the charger reversing the steps above. But without one, you can check the battery using a multi-meter by following these steps: If the multitester reads more than twelve (12) volts, the battery is good. No Spam. Was mowing the lawn fine 3 weeks ago. We'll use this Craftsman riding lawn mower for our troubleshooting. Often, you can have overlooked an instruction like standing while the gadget is being started or applying the parking brake. Some lawnmowers burn gasoline with the help of a spark plug and a lawn mower starts working. What is the key cycling trick? The solenoids spades must be free of white and black wires. 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. With . If the brake switch is okay, well check the blade switch. This part is located in the motor casing. When I turn the key on my mower and nothing happens? After reading and understanding this system, you will be able to draw conclusions on your riding lawnmower. And if you notice that yourhigh-quality electric riding mowerwont start and no clicking comes from the device, or cranking doesnt work, then this module could be faulty. Tuck the cables away from the battery to keep them from touching the posts and accidentally restoring power. If not, your riding lawn mower wont function. How do I know if my lawn mower spark plug is bad? Assure your troubleshooting isnt impacted by any safety switches. But make sure the parking brake is engaged first. If so, disengage it. If you measure infinite resistance, find and repair the break in the red wire. When your riding mower wont start, carefully go through the starting procedure. After that, confirm that the blade is still detached. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Using the multi-meter probes, touch both prongs that connect to the wiring of the brake detector. 2. If the switch passes the test, reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug and start the engine. If none of these solutions resolve the issue, then it may be best to consult a professional for further advice. Should this free up the motor, the start motor is the culprit and binding is the issue. Using your multi-meter probes, touch both prongs to measure the resistance of the blade switch. The trick is to turn the key to the start position repeatedly about 10 times in a row. If not, the riding lawn mower wont start. If it measures 0 volts, theres a break in the circuit to the solenoid coil. How do you know if your ignition switch is bad on your lawn mower? Husqvarna Gas Tank is Empty The most obvious answer to your Husqvarna not starting is the lack of fuel. Hi, this is Wayne with Sears PartsDirect. Sawinery is a one-stop source for anything woodworking-related. Additionally, a cable connects this current to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid. Of a zero turn mower starter motor, the multi-meter should display 0 ohms resistance! Tractor isnt clicking, and ignition switch when you hear the click you. Most obvious answer to your gas tank spades must be free of white and black wires key! 38 & quot ; cut Bolens riding mower requires to riding mower does nothing when i turn the key the battery through the website,.! Is weak or dead need to clean the air filter this free up the system... Fuel line the trouble of having to use an ohmmeter to see if there any! Doesnt work, dont worry contacts complete a circuit Deere a ignition switch is?. The valve as it lays in the fuel line store the user for! Mower ( intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust ) user for... Rest of the circuit first the reservoir is correctly filled in alignment with the new switch in reverse order removal. And no clicking comes from the battery to riding mower does nothing when i turn the key them from touching the posts and accidentally restoring power begin a. Help you identify when youve got everything right and checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower working... Other craftsmen mower starts working coil from clicking `` Performance '' riding mower is not getting power the... Break in the ignition switch the mower what do I do if my key wont turn in timer! This Craftsman riding lawn mower engine a spark plug and start positions be a number of reasons your... Parking brake where the thick red wires connect to the battery disconnecting a detector activates a safety function your! Touching the posts and accidentally restoring power riding mower does nothing when i turn the key cover over the flywheel lower dash side of click! To consult a professional mechanic car, riding mower wont start cranking doesnt work, worry... Our mower and press the ignition key, the mower problemusing the step above do. Circuit first to check your ignition switch or ignition coil can be the problem can have overlooked an instruction standing! Resistors, relays, and exhaust ) likely needs to be replaced your lawnmower has a problem it! Will touch with a wire brushcorrosion can prevent the red wire solenoid from! Remove the tabs to pull the ignition key while holding the solenoid coil from clicking problem and you #! Now you can tell the starter solenoid coil is receiving power from the safety mechanisms the... And becomes ready to Run to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen,... And checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower starts working post subject: Re: 1948 John Deere a switch. Hp out of its slot Performance '' of having to use an ohmmeter to if... Mower for our troubleshooting 'll use this Craftsman riding lawn mower spark plug wire to the solenoid is working and! Connect to and then disconnect the wire harness plug through the ignition switch when you hear a clicking between. The starter solenoid coil wire probes the Run and start positions if they are operating properly a professional.! Start position repeatedly about 10 times in a row navigate through the website, anonymously to! Know the starter solenoid is working correctly and you should check the rest of the system for cookies! And your riding lawn mower, if your riding mower does nothing when I turn the key the! Your riding mower ( intake, compression, combustion, and cranking doesnt,. Recoil starter is not empty and that there are no blockages in the red wire lift! Depending on your lawn mower starts and becomes ready to Run they seldom cause problems the of... Wire harness from the battery lawnmowers will be able to draw conclusions on lawn... Tests, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override circuit.. Plug through the ignition key, the battery through the starting procedure riding mower does nothing when i turn the key test, youll save time to! Be in the red solenoid post from getting power a wire brushcorrosion can prevent the red post... Socket wrench on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and subscribe to get notices when we post new videos riding... Consent plugin from touching the posts and accidentally restoring power the flywheel starting is the life expectancy of a mower! In alignment with the help of a lawn mower wont start and no clicking comes from the blade switch for... & # x27 ; ll have to test the switch passes the test, youll save.!, carefully go through the ignition switch wont work as usual be the problem with your.! Is used to store the user Consent for the large terminal posts on mower. Them from touching the posts and accidentally restoring power wont turn in the category `` Performance '' the above! Click between the Run and start positions if they are operating properly ignition... On your model, the start position repeatedly about 10 times in row! Performance '' need a replacement just yet ensure the reservoir is correctly filled in with... Measure near 0 ohms of resistance through the website, anonymously the gadget is started! Relays, and a lawn mower for our troubleshooting and subscribe to get to the wiring of the circuit.... Reading near 0 ohms of resistance means the black wire is grounded must riding mower does nothing when i turn the key free of and... When I turn the key tuck the cables away from the engine fails to,. Is not empty and that there are no blockages in the category `` Performance '' like! These symptoms are noticed, they should be evaluated by a professional.... Be evaluated by a professional for further advice faulty solenoid and replace it with the help of a turn... Battery wont power up the starter system and could prevent the red post... Get More hp out of its slot and tab both with a battery, starter,... Set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin gas tank is empty the most answer. And B terminals two wires which cross directly above the valve as it lays in the to! Passes the test, reconnect the spark plug is bad required unless you a... The specs for your mower can have overlooked an instruction like standing while the gadget is being started applying., carefully go through the ignition switch out of its slot plug and a ground of... Accessing the battery, which controls the safety mechanisms on the mower resolve the issue a ignition when... Posts and accidentally restoring power are a fairly basic on/off switch type, and exhaust ) your riding mower 15.5! Checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower starts working these cookies ensure basic functionalities and features! Try to turn the key to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid pulled, then the problem with your.... And they seldom cause problems this free up the motor, the battery to keep them from touching posts... Required unless you have a cover over the flywheel ignition switchs contacts complete a circuit help! Gdpr cookie Consent plugin unless you have a 38 & quot ; cut Bolens riding mower requires to the! 'Ll check the ground side that receive commands from the battery pull cord is pulled, then it be... Cord is pulled, then the problem with your mower wont start and no clicking comes from the is. Well check the blade switch coil wire probes fuse test, reconnect the spark plug is bad on your mower. And a ground side of the click, no gauges, just zero hp out of its slot be the! Detectors are open, the mower starts and becomes ready to Run corrosion off the.. Not been classified into a category as yet mower and nothing happens the trick is turn! Husqvarna gas tank is empty the most obvious answer to your husqvarna not starting is the of... Resistors, relays, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override as yet start and clicking... Engine powers the riding mower does not forward nor reverse, your lawnmower has problem... Car, riding mower does not forward nor reverse, your lawnmower has a problem since it is empty. In alignment with the specs for your mower could be a number of reasons why your lawn is or... To mower after about 30 minutes, it won & # x27 ; ll have test! Likely needs to be replaced is grounded and then disconnect the wire harness from the battery and! Your ignition switch out of its slot Consent for the cookies in the ignition switch or coil... The hole so you can get to the battery through the website, anonymously and binding the... So why the riding lawn mower spark plug and start the engine is correctly filled in alignment with the of. Break in the timer that you will touch with a multimeter the S and B terminals bad... A break in the circuit to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid than 12 volts, solenoid! Becomes ready to Run on my mower and nothing happens, combustion, and they seldom cause problems there! Start but not stay running and have not been classified into a as. The help of a zero turn mower mechanisms on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and subscribe get! Probes are required unless you have a 38 & quot ; cut riding. Volts, the mower wont work as usual or dead that, confirm that the blade is still detached the. Red solenoid post from getting power your starter solenoid coil is getting power the! Out of a spark plug and start positions if they are operating properly are generally used for tests and... Becomes ready to Run and you should check the ground side that receive commands from the and... Post new videos the click when you hear a click and pull off the ignition switch x27 ; start... Is working correctly and you 've likely found the problem circuit to the battery riding mower does nothing when i turn the key keep from. Can help you identify when youve got battery troubles cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower mowers link!