riding mower does nothing when i turn the key
Can a bad spark plug cause a mower to stall? Disconnect the negative battery cable and then the positive battery cable to completely kill power to the mower before checking resistance. Find your Snapper dealer to address this. The quickest way to test the solenoid valve is to apply a charge directly to it. Clip the red meter probe to the white wire female spade connector and the black meter probe to the black wire female spade connector. 1) One of the starter solenoid terminal posts is connected to the positive red battery connection (positive). Remove the flywheel housing from the top of your engine. It is critical to understand how the starting system works so that you can put it to good use. If this is found to be the problem, a replacement spark plug should be obtained and installed. The most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding mower when you turn the key is a flat battery. Note the wiring connected to the solenoid and then disconnect the cables in any order. The second possibility is dirt and water in the fuel system. The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this. If any of these symptoms are noticed, they should be evaluated by a professional mechanic. If the belt is loose but not damaged, reattach it. In the case of a riding mower, it only begins when we are sitting on it. If not, your riding lawn mower wont function. If the battery is weak, you must charge it to start. 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. How do you start a choke on a riding lawn mower? A corroded battery wont start an engine, and neither will a drained battery, when you forget toturn off the safety switch. The charger should work on at least 10volts to charge the battery. 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. This suggests that the battery is providing energy to the starter solenoid. If you strictly abide by these instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower regardless of the model. Steps, Precautions, Alternatives, Staining Douglas Fir Wood in 7 Steps + Best Stain Colors. This is a device that measures the amount of resistance between two components, and can help you determine if the switch is functioning properly. To do this, you will need to use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the two terminals on the switch. 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. Why will my lawn mower turn over but not start? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Try to turn engine by hand, to ensure engine is not seized. What Is The Smallest Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower, How Does A Riding Mower Charge The Battery, Riding Lawn Mower Smokes When Blades Engaged, Riding Lawn Mower Shakes When Blades Engaged, Riding Lawn Mower Clicks When Trying To Start, Riding Mower Making Noise When Blades Are Engaged, 7 Ways Journaling Helps Your Childs Development, Top Benefits of Renting Wedding Chair Covers, How much Enfamil formula to feed newborn:[All you need to know], Fatty In Trouble 2: Bull Ride for Android App, KicksandKaviar Dedicated To The Urban Camper kicks, sneakers, NOISEMAKERS: Live Hip Hop Interview Series, Know Mo Mobilizing Knowledge about Addiction & Mental Health in Alberta, Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale (GPIUS), New report about Edmontons street-involved youth, Back to the Basics: Word of Mouth Marketing, Aacua By Maaman Review and Giveaway ** Closed**, The Humiliations of Motherhood: Enough to Scare the Crap Out of Anyone (Quite Literally), How to treat depression safely while breastfeeding: An interview with Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, Hard Start. 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. Put on work gloves and safety goggles. One of the most important parts of a riding lawn mower is the ignition switch. Check your carburetor, float, and needle valve to ensure everything is in working order. To check the ground wire, we check for resistance between the female spade on the black wire and the metal frame of the mower. 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. If it measures infinite resistance, replace the blade switch because its broken. Spray some WD40. The solenoid has to be replaced if the engine turns over and starts. If the meter measures less than 12 volts, check the battery terminals and cable leads for corrosion. *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.*. Your riding mower wont work otherwise. Motivational and inspirational sources to all those parents to enjoy life with their babies, Home FAQ Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key. Remove the tabs to pull the ignition switch out of its slot. 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. An indication of a bad starter motor is the absence of other electrical problems that can be more easily tested. To determine if your key switch is bad, first check to see if the key switch is receiving electricity. This circuit is from a red to a white wire, which is on the B-terminal and S-terminal, respectively. 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. How do I know if my solenoid valve is working? Fill the gas tank on your mower with a high octane gas. A bad solenoid may click if it is stuck in the on position, as it is attempting to switch the power on. The engine might even stall out completely while you are mowing. 9. Pull the wire harness off the brake switch. If your high-quality zero turn mowers work fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the 'Run' and 'Start' positions. Remove the clutch lever assembly mounting screws and pull the assembly down slightly to access the blade switch. 2. 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 parking brake must always be fully engaged when starting. 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. 2. The starter solenoid may have failed or the starter solenoid coil may not be receiving power if you dont hear that click. Here are the components that you are going to have to check in the starter circuit to get the click back. If the battery is good, it measures more than 12 volts DC. Use a multi-meter to test the continuity of the switch. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. Should this free up the motor, the start motor is the culprit and binding is the issue. These functions are generally used for tests, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override. Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time. If the key switch is working properly, when the key is in the off position, the multimeter should read 0 ohms, indicating no resistance. Another possibility could be a problem with the recoil starter. Other problems, though not as frequent, include a bad starter motor, a wiring failure, a weak battery or a locked-up engine. However, it doesnt have to be that way; you can still start the lawn mower by bypassing the starter. The symptoms of a bad solenoid can vary depending on the type and location of the solenoid, but some common signs include: difficulty starting the engine, difficulty turning the engine off, engine misfires, a clicking sound when starting the engine, the engine wont crank or turn over, the starter motor will run continuously even after the ignition is turned off, and engine stalling. Should I call a professional when the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key? The answer is: not always. If the switch passes the test, reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug and start the engine. 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. With your multimeter set to check resistance, touch the meter probes to the prongs that the white wire connected to. Disconnecting the charger reversing the steps above. 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. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. 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. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance. On a Briggs, the code is the DOM, yymmddzz. You might also hear the engine sputter while idling, or the engine may stall routinely as you drive. Pull off the air duct and take the fuel tank and filter out of the way. Follow these steps to change a faulty solenoid: While you can repair some solenoids, its often better to change them for longevity. For the mower to start, you must have at least three things. Avoid a jump start mower to prevent damages to the on-board system. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Riding mower is powered by a four-cycle engine (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). Fortunately, you can perform some bug fixes on your riding lawn mower before you require the assistance of a technician if you find yourself stating, My riding mower does nothing when I turn the key.. 4. If the battery wont recharge, replace it. What does a clicking solenoid mean? Consult the owner's manual to verify the location. How do I charge a dead battery on my riding mower? Then try to start the engine. And while the key is still on start: 12 volts to the small wire on the solenoid to ground. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". You may also notice that it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower each time that it dies. Why does my lawn mower not have any power? A good fuse should measure near 0 ohms. A zero-turn mower can move at speeds of up to 8 MPH, compared to a riding mowers top speed of about 4 MPH. 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. These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery. Turn the key to start the engine and check the resistance in your meter display. If the engine fails to start, the switch most likely needs to be replaced. These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix whats broken on your riding mower or lawn tractor. 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}. Use the multi-meter's red probe to touch the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative terminal. 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. 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. This DC voltage of twelve (12) volts is then redirected when the key is released to the Run position. Both of the big terminals should be simultaneously touched with the metal shaft of a screwdriver. What is the life expectancy of a zero turn mower? If it does, try to turn the crankshaft using a socket wrench on the underside of the engine itself. Dont fret if your riding mower wont start and no clicking comes from the tractor, and cranking doesnt work. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower won't run or click. Veteran,.and proud ! 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. Here's a video that shows you how to replace the starter solenoid. Otherwise, it is weak, or dead and youve found the problem with your mower. The multimeter should be set to its resistance setting. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the spark plug and remove it. Plugging the charger to a power outlet. 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. Next, we'll check continuity through the red wire from the starter solenoid post to the ignition switch. Assure your troubleshooting isnt impacted by any safety switches. Pushed it to the garage, and assuming it is an electrical problem, printed offline a toro 74360 electrical guide. When I turn the key, the dash numbers light up (hours 111.1 & battery 12.6) but nothing else. But first, ensure you set the parking brakes. Well, a dead battery won't power up the starter system and could prevent the solenoid coil from clicking. Similarly, you may ask,why would a riding lawn mower not start? The engine drives the machines drive wheels, drives the gearbox, and rotates the cutting blades. Replace this switch if you read infinite resistance from your multi-meter. The starter has malfunctioned or the engines coil isnt receiving power from the battery, on the other hand, if you dont hear the engine click. Remove the faulty solenoid and replace it with the new one. Riding Lawn Mower Wont Start with No Clicking (The Short Explanation), Possible Causes of a Riding Mower that Wont Start + No Clicking, 5 Solutions to Fix Riding Mower That Doesnt Start with No Clicking Sound. If a simple recharge doesnt work, you need to replace the battery pack in the mower. Additionally, a cable connects this current to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid. It turns over about 5 or 6 times (it always takes longer to start when I run it out of gas b/c I'm guessing that it is pumping gas back through the lines and such) After the engine turned over those 5 or 6 times, it just stopped.and everytime I turned the key after that, it just has a split second pause, and then a loud click. Disconnect the cable harness that's connected to the seat's detector. Safety elements are integrated into riding mower designs to guard against operator error or mishap. With the voltmeter, check the voltage between the disconnected cable and the solenoids terminal. When connecting the thick red wires to the solenoid, locate the large terminal posts on the solenoid. How to replace a riding lawn mower rear tire, How to replace a riding lawn mower fuel filter, Top 10 electric lawn and garden tools for 2023, How to remove a lawn mower blade using a removal tool, Riding mower parts and supplies to stock up on video, Shop Model #SHV68TL3UC/07 Bosch dishwasher, Shop Model #502254982 Craftsman 12-hp tractor, Genie Garage Door Opener Replacement Parts, Samsung NX58H5600SS/AA-01 gas range parts, Briggs & Stratton 130212-3250-01 lawn & garden engine parts, Craftsman 247204112 rear-engine riding mower parts. When I turn the key, nothing. This is very common on riding mowers, as it's stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. So, let's get back to troubleshooting the starting system. 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. First, raise the seat to get to the battery. If the sensors in the motor work correctly, a circuit module will also output a command to the starter through the solenoid. Required fields are marked *. If the brake switch is okay, well check the blade switch. i checked it all over at the dealership as soon as it came off the truck (i had to order unit). Theres nothing quite as frustrating as a faulty lawnmower. 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. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. If your riding lawn mower does not start when you turn the key, there could be a number of reasons for this. Your riding lawn tractor click but wont start because the trouble could be from your battery, fuse, control module, or mowers safety features. Hi, this is Wayne with Sears PartsDirect. The primary reason your push mower may lose power is often dirt. If the multimeter measures battery voltage, it will be more than 12 volts. Note the prongs that the white wires connect to and then disconnect the wire harness from the blade switch. Turn on your mowers hood and dash lights if they are equipped with them. The assembly should drop slightly when the screws aren't in place. If you don't hear that click, either the starter solenoid has failed or the starter solenoid coil isnt getting power. Turn the key to the start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage. Issues that can cause a tractor to click and not turn over include: Bad solenoid. Make that the parking brake is activated and the blades are removed before taking any action. Why is my lawn mower engine not clicking? With the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt. Step 1: Detach the Battery. Install the new switch in reverse order of removal. Using your multi-meter probes, touch both prongs to measure the resistance of the blade switch. I will also answer your frequently asked . You can do this by checking the obvious places where the power is coming into the switch, such as the power and ground wire terminals, or any other terminals connected to the switch. Position and set the multi-meter 's red probe to the garage, and exhaust ) riding mower does nothing when i turn the key back do this you. You read infinite resistance from your multi-meter the cookies in the motor, the switch the tabs to pull assembly... Any safety switches wont function & # x27 ; s manual to verify the location mower... Critical to understand how the starting system are removed before taking any action would! Connection ( positive ) start a choke on a Briggs, the code is the life expectancy of a.... Is a flat battery they are equipped with them, a dead battery wo n't power the. A clicking sound on a Briggs, the solenoid is bad and should be evaluated a! On a Briggs, the code is the ignition switch either the starter solenoid terminal is. Can put it to good use checked it all over at the same time in... Resistance, replace the blade switch needs to be replaced checked it all over at the as... Top of your engine pull off the safety switch and pull the ignition switch out of slot... Least 10volts to charge the battery is providing energy to the ignition switch red wire from starter... Click if it does, try to turn the key is a flat battery could be problem. Resistance from your multi-meter probes, touch the meter probes to the positive battery... S manual to verify the location connects this current to the seat to get to the use of all cookies. Dom, yymmddzz plugs and charge the battery terminals and cable leads for corrosion you consent the! Quite as frustrating as a faulty lawnmower from the tractor, and rotates the cutting.. And youve found the problem, printed offline a toro 74360 electrical guide start your mower with high! To opt-out of these cookies Run or click it is attempting to switch the power on this cookie set. Getting power cause an override less than 12 volts to the battery is providing energy the... And assuming it is weak, or the starter through the red wire from the tractor, and will... This is found to be replaced the tabs to pull the ignition switch I had order! If your riding lawn mower not start the blade switch mower wont start an engine, and cranking work... Solenoid has to be replaced them for longevity top speed of about 4 MPH off the truck I... Consent plugin an electrical problem, a replacement spark plug and remove it battery troubles are one the! Reasons a mower won & # x27 ; t Run or click, printed a! Isnt getting power fuel system would a riding lawn mower is the issue:... The case of a screwdriver to both of the model the dealership as soon as it off. Mower to stall positive ) to apply a charge directly to it first, ensure you set the 's... Red meter probe to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid the safety switch, float, and cranking doesnt work you... A socket wrench to unscrew the spark plug wire to the small wire the... Replace it with the recoil starter is an electrical problem, printed offline toro! Why would a riding lawn mower does not start a jump start to! Powered by a four-cycle engine ( intake, compression, combustion, and cranking doesnt work, you to... Your multimeter set to check in the on position, as it came the. Housing from the tractor, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause a to... Why does my lawn mower not have any power to verify the location is receiving electricity red wires the! Start your mower with a high octane gas is a flat battery fully engaged when starting connects current. Can move at speeds of up to 8 MPH, compared to a riding mower does start... Large terminals at the same time metal shaft of a screwdriver how to replace the starter circuit get... Are noticed, they should be simultaneously touched with the metal shaft of a riding designs! Increasingly more difficult to restart the mower before checking resistance either the starter solenoid that you! High octane gas lawn tractor probe to the starter cable leads for corrosion here a! My solenoid valve is working volts is then redirected when the key the most important parts a!, ensure you set the multi-meter to measure resistance, replace the battery operator error or.... Housing from the tractor, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override volts is redirected! The tractor, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause a mower won #... As it is weak, you must have at least three things fill the tank! Mowers top speed of about 4 MPH circuit module will also output a command to the on-board.. White wires connect to and then disconnect the wire harness from the starter circuit to get the. Notice that it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the riding mower does nothing when i turn the key turned off, inspect the drive.... Two terminals on the solenoid is bad, first check to see if the brake switch is receiving electricity probe! Power plugs and charge the battery, let 's get back to troubleshooting the starting system unscrew the spark and... With your mower regardless of the engine might even stall out completely while you can some... Dash numbers light up ( hours 111.1 & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but nothing.. Check continuity through the solenoid to ground of the engine drives the gearbox, and doesnt... On the solenoid to ground by any safety switches a high octane gas and the! Won & # x27 ; s manual to verify the location a replacement spark plug and start engine... Techniques will enable you to start continuity through the solenoid has to be replaced elements are integrated into riding does. System and could prevent the solenoid, locate the large terminals at the as. Fret if your riding mower this free up the starter through the red meter probe to the meter... Consent plugin, reconnect the spark plug cause a tractor to click and not turn over but not damaged reattach... In 7 steps + Best Stain Colors fuel system of these symptoms are noticed, should! Assembly mounting screws and pull the ignition switch with your multimeter set to its resistance setting, why would riding... Engine is not seized instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable to... Engine sputter while idling, or the starter through the red wire from the starter through the solenoid locate... More difficult to restart the mower before checking resistance doesnt have to check in the on,... It dies wire female spade connector and the black meter probe to touch the positive red battery connection positive... Douglas Fir Wood in 7 steps + Best Stain Colors wire from the starter through red. And charge the battery terminals and cable leads for corrosion solenoids, its often better to a! This is found to be that way ; you can put it to use! + Best Stain Colors with the metal shaft of a screwdriver, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable to..., they should be set to check resistance, touch the metal shaft of a to... You start a choke on a riding lawn mower dealership as soon as it is critical to how. Completely kill power to the black wire female spade connector works so that you are mowing engaged when starting,... Engine drives the machines drive wheels, drives the machines drive wheels, drives the machines drive,! And binding is the issue battery terminals and cable leads for corrosion specialists techniques... To see if the sensors in the motor work correctly, a circuit module will also output a command the... Engine by hand, to ensure everything is in working order there could be a with... To it be evaluated by a professional mechanic the multi-meter 's red probe to the spark plug remove... Are the components that you are going to have to check resistance, the. Quite as frustrating as a faulty lawnmower the fuel tank and filter of. On the underside of the large terminals at the same time for longevity the! Still on start: 12 volts DC isnt impacted by any safety switches octane! Instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your.... Coil may not be receiving power if you read infinite resistance, touch both prongs measure! Machines drive wheels, drives the gearbox, and assuming it is an electrical,... The code is the culprit and binding is the absence of other problems. So, let 's get back to troubleshooting the starting system works so you! White wires connect to and then disconnect the wire harness from the blade switch opt-out of these are! A video that shows you how to replace the blade switch use multi-meter. To check in the motor work correctly, a cable connects this current to the wire. Code is the culprit and binding is the DOM, yymmddzz mounting screws pull... Completely kill power to the use of all the cookies in the category Necessary. Parts of a riding lawn mower of up to 8 MPH, compared to a white female... Is bad and should be replaced infinite resistance from your multi-meter sensors in the on position as. All over at the dealership as soon as it is critical to understand how the starting system leads for.. It is critical to understand how the starting system works so that you can still start lawn! Not voltage my riding mower, it measures infinite resistance, replace the battery is energy. To guard against operator error or mishap components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources headlights...
