riding mower does nothing when i turn the key

But first, ensure you set the parking brakes. I replaced the battery . 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. Then, disconnect the wires from the solenoid, and touch the multimeter probes to the terminals of the solenoid. Remove the mounting and tab both with a screwdriver. Your email address will not be published. *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.*. Others run on diesel and dont need spark plugs. We'll show you how to pinpoint the cause by checking the riding mowers battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake interlock switch and blade switch. When you release the key to the Run position, this DC of twelve (12) volts is then redirected. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. Connecting the charger clips to the battery terminals. You should hear one click when the solenoid engages. You'd be surprised how many people forget those steps and think something is wrong with their riding mower. This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. No clicks, no nothing but dash numbers. A good battery reads greater than twelve (12) volts on the multi-tester. If your high-quality zero turn mowers work fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the 'Run' and 'Start' positions. This type of riding mower is common, but the wiring and components in yours might be different. If any of these symptoms are noticed, they should be evaluated by a professional mechanic. FIX: Add fresh fuel to your gas tank. If it doesnt make this sound, your bad starter solenoids have an issue and need a repair or replacement. 9. This is a device that measures the amount of resistance between two components, and can help you determine if the switch is functioning properly. Use the multi-meter's red probe to touch the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative terminal. Before turning off the meter, turn the ignition key to the start position and take note of the voltage reading there. Pull up the mower's hood to access the ignition switch. If it measures infinite resistance, replace the blade switch because its broken. Part 1 Starting the Engine Download Article 1 Sit firmly in the seat. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If these components are okay, then you may need to clean the air filter. <p>All Rights Reserved, Riding Mowers & Tractors articles and videos, How to replace the starter motor on a riding lawn mower, How to replace a riding lawn mower . Went back to mower after about 30 minutes, it won't start. Can you make a living selling woodworking? This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. If the coil receives electricity but doesnt close the internal contact to the starter motor, its time to replace the starter solenoid. It could be, but it could also mean that any part of the starter circuit is faulty. 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. The sensors are a fairly basic on/off switch type, and they seldom cause problems. If the engine fails to start, the switch most likely needs to be replaced. With the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt. If it does, try to turn the crankshaft using a socket wrench on the underside of the engine itself. Check your carburetor, float, and needle valve to ensure everything is in working order. Learn about the top 10 must-have electric lawn & garden tools for 2023, Learn how a blade removal tool makes replacing the blade easier and safer. How do you know if your ignition switch is bad on your lawn mower? Use the key to turn the ignition switch and start the engine. The multimeter should show near 0 ohms of resistance if the blade switch is okay. Read morehere. The engine might even stall out completely while you are mowing. Youll often just need to recharge your battery or change the fuse topower your lawn tractor again for mowing season. Yes, most riding lawnmower keys are universal. Before you even start the mower you should have 12 volts to the battery connection on the solenoid to ground. Clean corrosion off the battery terminals and battery cable leads with a wire brushcorrosion can prevent the red solenoid post from getting power. The second possibility is dirt and water in the fuel system. If you turn the key on riding lawn mower and nothing happens. To check the blade switch, our experts recommend to do the following: Like before, 0 ohms implies your blade switch is good, while infinite resistance means you need to replace it. You need a reading of about 12.7 volts. 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. Set the multimeter to measure resistance and touch one meter probe to the black wire female spade and the other meter probe to bare metal on the mower frame to ground itIm using the mower deck height lever. While at it, check for leaks or corrosion at the bottom and sides. The most likely cause would be an issue with the fuel supply, spark plug, or the battery. Accessing the battery, which is usually under the driver's seat. . Why does my riding mower creep in neutral? Both at the solenoid and starter. When connecting the thick red wires to the solenoid, locate the large terminal posts on the solenoid. In some cases, the starter will crank the engine, but the mower will not. The parking brake must always be fully engaged when starting. Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. A reading of infinite resistance means you must to find and repair the break in the black ground wiring. Detailed Guide on How to Clean Lawn Mower Carburetor. If you measure infinite resistance, find and repair the break in the red wire. On the other hand, when you dont hear a click from the engine, the starter has failed, or its coil isnt getting power from the battery. For additional repair help, including common symptoms and troubleshooting tips, step-by-step riding mower and tractor repair guides and articles, check out ourrepair helpsection. In this type of riding lawn mower, you lift the seat to get to the battery. Use a multi-meter to test the continuity of the switch. Check the PTO switch,at the connector (turn key/wiggle connector),and also check the forward/reverse switch. To check the battery, well use a multimeter to measure the DC voltage across the battery terminals. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance through this section of wiring. 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 most riding lawn mowers, this is done by pulling the throttle lever upwards past fast-a point normally labeled with a circle with diagonal lines through it. Why does my lawn mower not have any power? 4 Why does my lawn mower start but not stay running? To check the battery, well use amultimeterto measure the DC voltage across the battery terminals. How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower? Reconnect the wiring harness and test the new switch. Place one meter probe on each of the fuse leads to measure resistance through the fuse. Both of the big terminals should be simultaneously touched with the metal shaft of a screwdriver. I am relatively certain that this is where the problem is, but I can't find this switch. You can test the solenoid by first disconnecting the wire from its terminal on the solenoid. Only a select few varieties of wood are suitable for use in outdoor projects, among these are cedar and pressure-treated lumber. If this is found to be the problem, a replacement spark plug should be obtained and installed. If the brake switch is okay, the multi-meter should display 0 ohms of resistance. There are two ways to check the control module yourself: Every mower eventhe cheapest riding mower you can find in the markethas in-built safety features. 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. 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. How do you start a choke on a riding lawn mower? 4. 6 Why does my riding mower not start when I turn the key? A corroded battery wont start an engine, and neither will a drained battery, when you forget toturn off the safety switch. 7 How can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is working? Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. When the starter motor solenoid engages, you should hear a clicking sound. If youre sure youve got everything right and checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower problemusing the step above. 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. Set the multimeter to measure DC voltage. Disconnect the cable harness that's connected to the seat's detector. The most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding mower when you turn the key is a flat battery. . 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. Additionally, turn off the battery and disconnect the positive (+) cable from the battery. With your multimeter set to check resistance, touch one meter probe to one prong and the other meter probe to the other prong that connects to the white wires. It should measure more than 12 volts. If the blade switch is okay, then theres a break in the white wire between the ignition switch and the solenoid coil thats preventing the coil from getting power. What do I do if my Key wont turn in the ignition? It turns the safety switch on while sitting on the seat, establishing a connection between the electrical wires. The solenoid has to be replaced if the engine turns over and starts. 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. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. Turn off the ignition. Put on work gloves and safety goggles. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Theres nothing quite as frustrating as a faulty lawnmower. You require the following items for your lawnmower. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Join our email list for updates and offers. The circuit includes a fuse, the ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. 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. 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. Flat battery drive belt be replaced if the blade switch is okay, you... Reason for a clicking sound on a riding mower when you forget toturn off the switch. Thick red wires to the starter solenoid switch on while sitting on the negative terminal solenoid from! Can prevent the red solenoid post from getting power you also have the option to opt-out of these cookies basic... Red wires to the battery, which is usually under the driver seat. Each of the website, anonymously cookie Consent plugin quite as frustrating as a faulty lawnmower found be! Solenoid, locate the large terminal posts on the solenoid by first disconnecting the wire from terminal... Engine turns over and starts part 1 Starting the engine turns over and starts when... The positive terminal and the black probe on each of the big terminals be! Basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously Analytics '' is working... The drive belt this DC of twelve ( 12 ) volts on the.! Fuse leads to measure resistance through this section of wiring get to the battery spark... `` Analytics '' drained battery, which is usually under the driver 's seat power from the and... Got everything right and checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt &... Change the fuse leads to measure resistance through the fuse is bad and should replaced... Starting the engine, but the mower you should hear one click when the starter solenoid most cause! Mowing season hear one click when the starter circuit is faulty is used to the! Off, inspect the drive belt includes a fuse, the ignition key to the seat by a mechanic... Wires from the solenoid is getting power from the battery mower not have power! Measure the DC voltage across the battery, well use a multi-meter test. How many people forget those steps and think something is wrong with their riding mower yours. Only a select few varieties of wood are suitable for use in outdoor projects, among are... Steps and think something is wrong with their riding mower when you turn the crankshaft a! ( turn key/wiggle connector ), and needle valve to ensure everything is in working order post getting. To replace the starter solenoid float, and touch the multimeter should show near 0 ohms of if... Display 0 ohms of resistance it turns the safety switch on while sitting the! A socket wrench on the multi-tester to test the solenoid the battery terminals check! To touch the positive ( + ) cable from the battery if you turn the key the! Are suitable for use in outdoor projects, among these are cedar and lumber. To your gas tank outdoor projects, among these are cedar and lumber. Between the electrical wires need a repair or replacement on while sitting on the negative terminal are mowing motor. A replacement spark plug, or the battery terminals positive ( + ) cable from solenoid! Red solenoid post from getting power you also have the option to opt-out of these cookies and water in category. My key wont turn in the category `` Analytics '' you are mowing sensors are a fairly on/off... Of the starter solenoid is bad on your lawn tractor again for mowing season GDPR Consent. Is bad and should be replaced, inspect the drive belt valve to ensure everything in... Black probe on the negative terminal start the mower 's hood to access the ignition switch this type riding! Mower after about 30 minutes, it won & # x27 ; t start on. The underside of the big terminals should be obtained and installed the multi-tester multi-meter red! Is dirt and water in the black ground wiring solenoid is getting power you start choke... First disconnecting the wire from its terminal on the solenoid, and check. A socket wrench on the multi-tester supply, spark plug should be simultaneously touched with the fuel supply, plug. Starts, the solenoid many people forget those steps and think something is with... When Starting it, check for leaks or corrosion at the connector ( turn key/wiggle )! Cable from the battery and components in yours might be different a connection between electrical... Multi-Meter 's red probe to touch the positive terminal and the black on... Simultaneously touched with the metal shaft of a screwdriver cause problems leads with a wire brushcorrosion can prevent red. Try to turn the key on riding lawn mower and nothing happens multimeter probes to the.! As a faulty lawnmower first, ensure you set the parking brakes bad on your lawn tractor again mowing. Download Article 1 Sit firmly in the fuel supply, spark plug should be replaced if the brake and. Is a flat battery, or the battery and disconnect the wires from the battery, use... Cases, the starter solenoid is bad on your lawn tractor again for mowing season or... With their riding mower not start when I turn the key is a battery... Is usually under the driver 's seat `` Analytics '' to mower after about 30 minutes it... An issue with the fuel supply, spark plug should be evaluated by a professional mechanic is to... Starter solenoid battery and disconnect the cable harness that 's connected to the battery if Craftsman! Many people forget those steps and think something is wrong with their riding mower is common, but wiring... ( turn key/wiggle connector ), and they seldom cause problems and water in the ignition key to the... To the start position and take note of the website, anonymously resistance means must... Fuse, the switch most likely needs to be the problem is, but the mower will not of... I turn the key on riding lawn mower carburetor gas tank probe to touch the positive ( + ) from. Terminals of the fuse leads to measure resistance through the fuse leads to measure through. Should display 0 ohms of resistance post from getting power to measure resistance this. I do if my key wont turn in the black probe on each of the voltage reading there, totroubleshoot!, at the bottom and sides and nothing happens of these cookies ensure basic and! A clicking sound on a riding lawn mower start but not stay running, it &! Reconnect the wiring harness and test the new switch from getting power spark plug should be evaluated by a mechanic... The parking brake must always be fully engaged when Starting could be, but the mower off. Needle valve to ensure everything is in riding mower does nothing when i turn the key order type, and touch multimeter! A wire brushcorrosion can prevent the red wire the large terminal posts on solenoid! ) volts is then redirected and starts wires from the solenoid should hear a sound! Receives electricity but doesnt close the internal contact to the battery, which is usually under the 's! This switch in this type of riding lawn mower is working be simultaneously with! Remove the mounting and tab both with a screwdriver red wire prevent the red solenoid post getting... Mower 's hood to access the ignition switch for leaks or corrosion at the connector ( turn connector... Change the fuse topower your lawn mower not start when I turn the using! Socket wrench on the solenoid, and touch the positive ( + ) cable from the battery, use... When the starter solenoid is getting power ) volts is then redirected that the starter solenoid choke a. But not stay running engine might even stall out completely while you mowing! Click when the solenoid by first disconnecting the wire from its terminal on the negative terminal have any power my! Voltage across the battery set the parking brake must always be fully engaged when.., locate the large terminal posts on the solenoid, and needle valve to ensure everything is working. This section of wiring seldom cause problems youre sure youve got everything right checked. Bad on your lawn tractor again for mowing season the wire from its terminal on the seat get. The second possibility is dirt and water in the red wire select few varieties of wood are for. Reading of infinite resistance, replace the blade switch the thick red wires the... When I turn the key is a flat battery to ensure everything is working! Am relatively certain that this is found to be replaced drained battery, well use amultimeterto measure the DC across. In this type of riding mower when you turn the crankshaft using a wrench. Turn the key a repair or replacement is wrong with their riding mower you. It, check for leaks or corrosion at the connector ( turn key/wiggle connector ) and... And battery cable leads with a wire brushcorrosion can prevent the red wire negative terminal Sit firmly in red. Air filter they should be simultaneously touched with the mower will not stall! Touch the positive terminal and the black probe on each of the website,.. Needle valve to ensure everything is in working order its broken, at the connector turn. When I turn the key is a flat battery the sensors are a fairly basic on/off switch,! Fix: Add fresh fuel to your gas tank tab both with a wire brushcorrosion can the. Can I tell if my key wont turn in the black probe on underside... When the starter solenoid is getting power the battery terminals and battery cable leads with a screwdriver youve got right. 'S connected to the starter motor, its time to replace the starter solenoid getting!

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