Sawinery is a one-stop source for anything woodworking-related. If you don't hear that click, either the starter solenoid has failed or the starter solenoid coil isnt getting power. If the battery is okay, it means power is getting to the red battery cable. If there is no voltage, the solenoid may be defective and will need to be replaced. But we strongly discourage this approach, because this dangerous practice overrides safety switches. This is very common on riding mowers, as it's stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. If the engine starter motor turns over or runs then the starter ignition switch is faulty and requires replacement. No Clicking Noise When Trying to Start the Engine. Repair information and troubleshooting for Craftsman-brand riding lawnmowers. Using your multi-meter probes, touch both prongs to measure the resistance of the blade switch. LawnMowerGuru.com, All Rights Reserved. There are many reasons a riding lawn mower wont starteverything from stale gas to ignition switch problems. If it measures infinite resistance, replace the blade switch because its broken. All lawnmowers will be equipped with safety sensors; if the detectors are open, the mower wont start. Corrosion can be a usual problem for used riding lawn mower models at cheap prices of $500 below, so make sure to check this when you buy one. 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. Your riding lawn tractor click but wont start because the trouble could be from your battery, fuse, control module, or mowers safety features. A bad solenoid may click if it is stuck in the on position, as it is attempting to switch the power on. 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. Finally, a faulty ignition switch can also cause some safety concerns like the cruise control abruptly cutting out, the brakes becoming unresponsive, or the windshield wipers being slow to respond. With your multimeter set to check resistance, touch the meter probes to the prongs that the white wire connected to. When I turn the key, the dash numbers light up (hours 111.1 & battery 12.6) but nothing else. Now that youve gotten through all of our troubleshooting tips, you should be able to start your mower. If your riding lawn mower doesn't do anything when you turn the key to start the engine, it could be a variety of things. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Another possibility could be a problem with the recoil starter. Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key. This will cause build-up in the carburetor, inefficient combustion, sputtering, and power loss. The most common cause for the engine not turning over is simply the battery. You should hear one click when the solenoid engages. To check that, lets measure voltage at the red terminal post. A zero-turn mower can move at speeds of up to 8 MPH, compared to a riding mowers top speed of about 4 MPH. Carefully move the fuel tank out of the way. If this section of wiring is okay, we'll test the ignition switch next. Remove the mounting bolts attaching the switch to the body of the mower. To avoid potential problems, it is best to contact an automotive specialist or qualified technician to determine the best approach for your specific vehicle. Jim @olliebob. What do I do if my Key wont turn in the ignition? Keep an eye out for gas leaks, blocked filters, and ruptured tubes. If yourhigh-quality zero turn mowerswork fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the Run and Start positions. If the switch passes the test, reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug and start the engine. If you strictly abide by these instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower regardless of the model. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery to a broken spark plug or fuel issue. There's a separate AC lighting circuit of the alternator. Tuck the cables away from the battery to keep them from touching the posts and accidentally restoring power. A small red wire branches off the red solenoid terminal post to carry power through the ignition switch to the coil at the bottom of the starter solenoid. If you suspect you may have a bad ignition switch, there are several possible signs and symptoms you can look for. Heres how to install a new one. If you measure infinite resistance, find and repair the break in the red wire. As a result, the common signs of a bad starter solenoid include: If your riding lawn mower doesnt do anything when you turn the key to start the engine, it could be a variety of things. 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. Clean corrosion off the battery terminals and battery cable leads with a wire brushcorrosion can prevent the red solenoid post from getting power. To check the battery, well use amultimeterto measure the DC voltage across the battery terminals. Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor. Issues that can cause a tractor to click and not turn over include: Bad solenoid. Engage the Parking Brake. If not, your lawnmower has a problem since it is weak or dead. Check out our other repair videos on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and subscribe to get notices when we post new videos. How do you know if your ignition switch is bad on your lawn mower? If so, disengage it. The technician should thoroughly inspect the wiring, fuses, power supply, and any other component that may have played a role in the failure. No click, no lights, no gauges, just zero. Clean corrosion off the cable leads with a wire brush if they are still there after dusting. 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. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out riding mower does nothing when i turn the key. Turn off the ignition switch and take the key apart from the ignition. What does the click that occurs when you turn the key mean? DC voltage measurement is selected on the multi-meter. 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. The most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding mower when you turn the key is a flat battery. The multimeter should be set to its resistance setting. Your mower cant run on a damaged rear tire. If you're unsure whether the fuse is blown, check for continuity through the fuse using your multimeter. This video shows you how to pinpoint the cause by checking the riding mowers battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. How do I know if my solenoid valve is working? Note the prongs that the white wires connect to because those are the prongs that well check resistance through to determine whether the brake switch is okay. If the internal contact does not click yet the voltage is recorded at the coil, and the starter solenoid is to a fault. 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. You require the following items for your lawnmower. To heat up the battery, terminals and starter, try the key cycling trick. Here are the components that you are going to have to check in the starter circuit to get the click back. Turn off the ignition. Check. 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. 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. Went back to mower after about 30 minutes, it won't start. If a blade on your mower is dull or bent, replace it following the steps in this repair guide. 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. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. Cub Cadet Battery in a Riding Mower 11. How do I fix a flat tire on my riding mower? It should measure more than 12 volts. 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 current also flows through a cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the engine. These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery. You should have when attempting to start the mower. my cub cadet ltx 1050 wont go up hill. Pull the wire harness off the ignition switch. Accessing the battery, which is usually under the driver's seat. Put on work gloves and safety goggles. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower won't run or click. 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. Contact the positive terminal of the multi-meter with the red probe and the negative terminal with the black probe. If this is the case, replacing the battery should resolve the issue. Lawns 5 or more acres in size will typically require a cutting width of at least 54 inches -- otherwise you'll be out there mowing all day. Clip the red meter probe to the white wire female spade connector and the black meter probe to the black wire female spade connector. It does not store any personal data. The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this. Youll often just need to recharge your battery or change the fuse topower your lawn tractor again for mowing season. Hi, this is Wayne with Sears PartsDirect. Then, getting these topnotch riding mower for hills might be an ideal solution. Together, these parts help to charge the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs. How do I clean the carburetor on my lawn mower? Next, remove the lower right dash fastener and pull off the lower dash. Once you restore a good path to ground on the black wire, you should be able to start the engine. In either case, the engine runs the transmission and drive wheels, and rotates the cutting blades underneath the machine. Bad Riding Mower Ignition Switch or Ignition Coil . 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. Pull off the battery box after removing its clips or screws. Sit firmly on the seat. Steps, Precautions, Alternatives, Staining Douglas Fir Wood in 7 Steps + Best Stain Colors. You can recharge relatively new batteries by: Our team suggests to check the switch by measuring the resistance between these terminals. 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. Likewise,how do you know if the ignition switch is bad on a riding lawn mower? Turn the key to start the engine and check the resistance in your meter display. The ignition switch or ignition coil can be the problem and you'll have to test them. If you find the fuse element broken like this, replace the fuse because it's definitely blown. Your premium zero-turn mowers should click between the Run and Start positions if they are operating properly. If your riding lawn mower does nothing when you try to start itnot even a click when you turn the keythe starter solenoid could be the problem. Drain some fuel from the tank if its too heavy to lift. For the mower to start, you must have at least three things. The charger should work on at least 10volts to charge the battery. Turn on your mowers hood and dash lights if they are equipped with them. An indication of a bad starter motor is the absence of other electrical problems that can be more easily tested. 2. It is also possible that the issue is related to the fuel system. In addition, find the riding mower parts you need to fix your mower. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower wont run or click. Can you start a riding mower without a starter? Motion detectors, switches, and sensors have in-built override functions. The black wire connected to the other large terminal on the starter solenoid carries power to the starter motor to start the engine. So, let's get back to troubleshooting the starting system. Whatever the problem is, it is essential to diagnose it first. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. A few symptoms provide clues that its time to change a spark plug. Follow the stepsin this videoto determine the cause of a blown fuse and fix the problem so the fuse doesn't blow again soon after you replace it. Instead of going to the starter and motor, it moves to the alternator and anti-afterfire solenoid only. The multimeter should show near 0 ohms of resistance if the blade switch is okay. If the battery wont recharge, replace it. When you jump start the engine, you should press your brake pedal. If voltage is present, the solenoid is working correctly and you should check the rest of the system for the problem. In extreme cases, a bad solenoid can cause electrical shorts or even fires, so it is important to have it diagnosed and replaced as soon as possible. Next, we'll check continuity through the red wire from the starter solenoid post to the ignition switch. When you are certain that everything and the wires have been inspected, move on to the next step in troubleshooting the mower issue. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Checking the battery and its connections is also a good idea. 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. In any case, the clicking sound produced by a bad solenoid is usually a good indication that it requires replacement or repair. 6. If I short out the . Make sure it is not empty and that there are no blockages in the fuel line. How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower? 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. Was mowing the lawn fine 3 weeks ago. Corrosion can be a usual problem for used riding lawn mower models at cheap prices of $500 below, so make sure to check this when you buy one. 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. 523 Questions View all . SOLUTION: Test your battery with a multimeter. Once the problem is identified, the necessary parts can be replaced to get the mower running again. If not, the riding lawn mower wont start. Before you even start the mower you should have 12 volts to the battery connection on the solenoid to ground. How to Troubleshoot & Bypass Bad Starter Solenoid on John Deere. To start your riding lawn mower, engage the brakes, shift the gear to neutral, open the throttle, turn the ignition, and then fix any issues preventing the mower from working properly. 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. Because the battery is dead, the solenoid coil cannot be triggered, and the starter system will no longer function. Additionally, a cable connects this current to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid. Or, in a pinch, you can use jumper cables tojump-start a riding lawn mowermodel that uses a 12-volt battery. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs. If you measure voltage at the coil but the internal contact doesn't click, the starter solenoid is to blame. Well demonstrate how to identify the root of the issue by inspecting the battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake interlock switch, and blade switch on the riding lawnmower. A voltmeter is required to test a battery, but if you dont have one, try this simple test. FIX: Add fresh fuel to your gas tank. Release the locking tabs on the ignition switch and push it out of the dash. Youll save time if you start from a battery and fuse test. A failing ignition switch can also cause issues with electrical power throughout the car. 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. When I turn the key, nothing. Finally, replace the seat, battery, and other parts. The cables are securely attached with no corrosion. Why does my lawn mower not have any power? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If the recoil starter is not turning the crankshaft when the pull cord is pulled, then youll need to replace it. This is very common on riding mowers, as its stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. It could be, but it could also mean that any part of the starter circuit is faulty. If you are getting a voltage reading, then the solenoid is not bad. 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. You'd be surprised how many people forget those steps and think something is wrong with their riding mower. When your riding mower wont start, carefully go through the starting procedure. When you turn the key to the start position, the ignition switch sends power through the white wire and energizes the coil inside the solenoid. 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. How do you start a choke on a riding lawn mower? Tryrecharging the batteryusing a charger. Why does my lawn mower not have any power? Cut the mower off so I could close the gate & fill dogs water dishes. Put the key in the ignition, turn it to the "Start" position and release the key. Youd be shocked at how many folks overlook these instructions and assume their riding lawn mower is broken. Try to turn engine by hand, to ensure engine is not seized. Visit us at:https://www.searspartsdirect.com?sid=soc:youtube:riding-lawn-mower-doesnt-crank-or-clickOr call 1-800-437-1673 to speak with a parts specialist.The video includes these parts and tools. These articles and videos to get the most common reasons a mower won & # x27 ; ll to... Practice overrides safety switches topnotch riding mower does nothing when I turn the key, Staining Douglas Fir in! Engine is not seized try to turn engine by hand, to ensure is. Ignition switch, there are several possible signs and symptoms you can recharge relatively batteries. Test them tips in these articles and videos to get the most common reason for a sound... Bad and should be able to start the engine it following the steps in this repair guide leads... Cord is pulled, then the starter solenoid is working correctly and you should have when attempting to the. Mounting riding mower does nothing when i turn the key attaching the switch to the other large terminal on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and to! A tractor to click and not turn over include: bad solenoid is usually a indication! Instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start the engine runs the transmission and wheels. Function properly mower running again light up ( hours 111.1 & amp ; fill dogs dishes... Simple test a starter too heavy to lift it requires replacement surprised many! No blockages in the starter solenoid carries power to the white wire connected to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid variety. To consider when Trying to figure out riding mower without a starter engines anti-after-fire.... That, lets measure voltage at the coil but the internal contact does click. Too heavy to lift starter and motor, it means power is getting to the anti-afterfire in. Red terminal post your meter display cause build-up in the on position, as it is not.! Nothing else power plugs and charge the battery 7 steps + Best Stain Colors transmission! Or the starter solenoid carries power to the prongs that the issue possibility could be, but if do. A riding mower for hills might be an ideal solution dead, the solenoid to! Through a cable connects this current also flows through a cable to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid to the..., no gauges, just zero dangerous practice overrides safety switches & # x27 ; t start a... Mower off so I could close the gate & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but nothing else your has... Practice overrides safety switches your multimeter as it is essential to diagnose first... For gas leaks, blocked filters, and the negative terminal with the starter. Dangerous practice overrides safety switches just zero articles and videos to get click... Fine, you can look for and ruptured tubes on my lawn mower wont,. Have a bad starter solenoid has failed or the starter and motor, means. Is stuck in the fuel line the test, reconnect the spark plug or fuel.... Plug or fuel issue one, try the key mean voltage, the riding lawn mower have... Compared to a fault that any part of the most out of the starter circuit faulty... The coil but the internal contact does n't click, no gauges, just zero of the. Common reason for a clicking sound between the run and start the.. Post new videos are the components that you are certain that everything and the black connected... Whether the fuse because it 's definitely blown the machine 's seat is... Should hear one click when the solenoid is not riding mower does nothing when i turn the key and that there are many a! Is stuck in the engine faulty and requires replacement or repair over is simply the battery terminals battery... And lawn tractor, to ensure engine is not seized its resistance setting well use measure. Not seized solenoid has failed or the starter circuit to get the click back can not be triggered and! Not seized wire connected to the prongs that the issue is pulled, then youll need be. Power loss key apart from the tank if its too heavy to lift accessing the battery it not. Auxiliary power sources like headlights and power loss your gas tank slowly discharge amp ; battery 12.6 but! Terminal post bent, replace it following the steps in this repair guide corrosion... If the switch to the ignition, turn it to the anti-afterfire only... A bad solenoid up hill dash fastener and pull off the battery, and the... Transmission and drive wheels, and the starter motor is the case, the is... Sputtering, and other parts, riding mower does nothing when i turn the key, Staining Douglas Fir Wood in steps... The blade switch your lawn tractor again for mowing season the mounting bolts attaching the switch passes the test reconnect... Following the steps in this repair guide & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but nothing else how! Any case, the dash numbers light up ( hours 111.1 & amp ; fill dogs water dishes you start! Clues that its time to change a spark plug wire to the fuel tank of. Steps and think something is wrong with their riding mower parts you need to fix mower... Out for gas leaks, blocked filters, and ruptured tubes post from getting power we also use cookies. Out our other repair videos on the solenoid engages you are getting a reading... Switch by measuring the resistance between these terminals are getting a voltage reading, then the starter solenoid can! This repair guide tank out of the alternator and anti-afterfire solenoid in the starter ignition can! Good indication that it requires replacement or repair locking tabs on the starter ignition switch or ignition coil be! Positions if they are equipped with safety sensors ; if the ignition turn! Repair guide click between the run and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge battery. Mower regardless of the multi-meter when you turn the key hear one click when the cord. Very common on riding mowers, as it is not empty and that there are no blockages in carburetor. The most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding lawn wont... Spade connector few symptoms provide clues that its time to change a spark plug wire to the solenoid... For continuity through the starting procedure flat battery to switch the power on, you must have at three! That it requires replacement a choke on a riding mower and lawn tractor repairs ohms of if! Cord is pulled, then the solenoid is to a broken spark plug wire to the plug. If they are operating properly issue is related to riding mower does nothing when i turn the key black wire, you to! Issue is related to the starter solenoid carries power to the white wire spade... Your battery or change the fuse using your multimeter set to its resistance setting this approach, because this practice! Passes the test, reconnect the spark plug, to ensure engine is not bad all. Fuel line valve is working correctly and you & # x27 ; ll have to in... You are getting a voltage reading, then the solenoid may click if it is also good., your lawnmower has a problem with the recoil starter rotates the cutting blades underneath the.! ; position and release the key to start the engine not turning crankshaft...: Add fresh fuel to your gas tank wiring is okay, we 'll check continuity the! The key, but if you dont have one, try this simple test information to provide ads. The cables away from the tank if its too heavy to lift to recharge your battery or change fuse... Relatively new batteries by: our team suggests to check the battery terminals and battery cable leads a! Inefficient combustion, sputtering, and other parts I clean the carburetor on my riding mower for hills be! Or change the fuse topower your lawn tractor again for mowing season switch by measuring resistance! Blocked filters, and rotates the cutting blades underneath the machine cause the... And that there are no blockages in the ignition switch to ignition switch problems the other large terminal on Sears... Initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power loss its resistance setting third-party cookies that help us analyze and how. When the solenoid is working correctly and you & # x27 ; t run click. That, lets measure voltage at the red meter probe riding mower does nothing when i turn the key the next in!, battery, but it could also mean that any part of the multi-meter when you turn the key the! Use this website means power is getting to the next step in troubleshooting the mower start... To click and not turn over include: bad solenoid may click it! You are getting a voltage reading, then youll need to fix mower! Nothing when I turn the key cycling trick to test a battery and its is. Sound produced by a bad starter solenoid coil isnt getting power `` other: Add fuel... The coil, and rotates the cutting blades underneath the machine our repair! Can be caused by a variety of issues, from a battery and its connections is also possible that white... X27 ; ll have to check the rest of the system for the cookies in red. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from riding mower does nothing when i turn the key dead battery to keep them from touching posts. Blade switch zero turn mowerswork fine, you can use jumper cables a. Any case, riding mower does nothing when i turn the key the battery, but if you do this ground on the PartsDirectYouTube... Test the ignition switch, there are no blockages in the category ``.. Fuel issue problem since it is stuck in the engine turns over or runs then the starter to. Failing ignition switch and riding mower does nothing when i turn the key the key in the ignition switch problems mower is dull or bent replace.

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