riding mower does nothing when i turn the key

riding mower does nothing when i turn the key

Likewise,how do you know if the ignition switch is bad on a riding lawn mower? No click, no lights, no gauges, just zero. On the other hand, a damaged ignition switch will measure infinite resistance. I have checked schematics online and even called Bolens, but I cannot find a starter, and Bolens has told me that there is no part called the starter. Turn the key to the start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a voltmeter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. Despite the fact that starting a lawn mower with a bad starter is a bit tricky, it shouldnt worry you much. To avoid potential problems, it is best to contact an automotive specialist or qualified technician to determine the best approach for your specific vehicle. . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time. 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. Similar to a car, a riding lawnmower has to have its battery, starter motor, and ignition switch charged. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. If not, your lawnmower has a problem since it is weak or dead. Today we're going to troubleshooting a riding lawn mower that doesn't do anything when you turn the key to start the enginenot even click. Using the multi-meter probes, touch both prongs that connect to the wiring of the brake detector. A service monitor on a mower can help you identify when youve got battery troubles. If the connections are in good condition, youll need to charge or replace the battery. If it is, then check the terminals and cables for corrosion and make sure theyre clean and connected. You will know if your mower solenoid is when you listen to what happens when you turning the key while starting the mower. Husqvarna riding mower does nothing when the key is turned as if it is completely dead. 17 Reasons Why Your Husqvarna Mower Won't Start 1. No Clicking Noise When Trying to Start the Engine. 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. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery to a broken spark plug or fuel issue. 4) When the key is turned to the start position, the ignition switch activates the white wire, supplying power to ignite the solenoids coil. With the voltmeter, check the voltage between the disconnected cable and the solenoids terminal. When you release the key to the Run position, this DC of twelve (12) volts is then redirected. 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. Bypassing a broken ignition switch is quite a technical procedure that will require a little more than just a manual and a keen sense of learning. If the fuse is okay, reinstall it in the holder and secure it with the zip tie. If it measures infinite resistance, replace the blade switch because its broken. Connect the negative cable to your mower's battery and remove the cable in a way so the battery doesn't get in touch with the battery post. The lawn mower will have a transmission bypass lever that will allow the operator to manually move the mower. 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. Pull off the air duct and take the fuel tank and filter out of the way. 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. Faulty safety switches. If all of these checks come out okay, then the entire engine will likely need to be replaced. What is the significance of the click when you turn the key? Other possible reasons include: Faulty Battery Dirty / Loose Battery Connection Faulty Solenoid Binding Starter Motor Excessive Valve Lash Hydro-locked Engine Faulty Ignition Switch Faulty Control Module Faulty Starter Engine Seized Now you can get to the brake switch for testing. 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. 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 it measures less than 12 volts, the battery is weak or dead and you've likely found the problem. Check That Power is Getting to the Starter Solenoid. When you hear the click, you know the starter solenoid coil is getting power from the battery through the ignition switch. After that, confirm that the blade is still detached. There are many reasons a riding lawn mower wont starteverything from stale gas to ignition switch problems. 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. As a result, the solenoid can no longer perform its intended function, which may involve controlling a valve, activating a switch, or carrying out another task. Your premium zero-turn mowers should click between the Run and Start positions if they are operating properly. Step 1: Detach the Battery. Before you do anything, make sure the parking brake is set and the blades are disengaged. Recheck the voltage. Here are the components that you are going to have to check in the starter circuit to get the click back. This is very common on riding mowers, as it's stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. In some cases, the starter will crank the engine, but the mower will not. Other common issues you can experience with a damaged ignition switch include loose wiring and connections, corrosion, or spinning ignition. Heres how to install a new one. A single click sound comes from the engine compartment or from under the car. 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. 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. 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. 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. We'll use this Craftsman riding lawn mower for our troubleshooting. Make that the parking brake is activated and the blades are removed before taking any action. Corrosion, which can happen in areas of high moisture, will cause the connection points of the solenoid to break down, or the terminals can rust, preventing current from flowing through them. 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.. It is critical to understand how the starting system works so that you can put it to good use. Whatever the problem is, it is essential to diagnose it first. The black wire connected to the other large terminal on the starter solenoid carries power to the starter motor to start the engine. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. Theres nothing quite as frustrating as a faulty lawnmower. The clicking noise comes from a part called the starter solenoid. This is very common on riding mowers, as it's stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. The second possibility is dirt and water in the fuel system. The most likely cause would be an issue with the fuel supply, spark plug, or the battery. Likewise,how do you know if the ignition switch is bad on a riding lawn mower? 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. Check all your hoses and make sure they are not broken. 12 volts of direct electricity flow from the battery through the starter solenoid and starter motor when the ignition switch is turned to the Start position. 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. A full gas tank and oil reservoir are the essential first steps when checking why the lawn mower wont stay running, but the problem could also be a dirty filter, clogged carburetor, improper fuel mixture, or a dirty spark plug. I am relatively certain that this is where the problem is, but I can't find this switch. Some mowers use gasoline as their fuel and a spark plug to combust it. Because the battery is dead, the solenoid coil cannot be triggered, and the starter system will no longer function. 4 Why does my lawn mower start but not stay running? Sawinery is a one-stop source for anything woodworking-related. Together, these parts help to charge the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs. Similarly, you may ask,why would a riding lawn mower not start? If you have turned the key on your lawn mower and nothing happens, the first step you should take is to check the fuel tank. If you measure infinite resistance, replace the brake switch because its broken. Second, check for power from the battery to one of the large terminals on the solenoid. If it measures 0 volts, theres a break in the circuit to the solenoid coil. If you measure infinite resistance, replace the fuse because it's blown. Try to turn engine by hand, to ensure engine is not seized. Clip the red meter probe to the white wire female spade connector and the black meter probe to the black wire female spade connector. So what can go wrong with the starting system? 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. It simply moves to the alternator and anti-after-fire solenoid, bypassing the starter and motor. 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 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. When connecting the thick red wires to the solenoid, locate the large terminal posts on the solenoid. Then, disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative (colored black) and then the red. First, well check for a blown fuse because you can usually see a blown fuse just by looking at it. Youd be shocked at how many folks overlook these instructions and assume their riding lawn mower is broken. Depending on the particulars of the system, a failed solenoid can have several associated consequences including a loss of system pressure, an inability of certain components, motor, or motors to function, no control over the system, and potentially unsafe operating conditions. To give you a better view, weve removed the hood. If it is not working properly, it can cause the lawn mower to not start or to run erratically. Accessing the battery, which is usually under the driver's seat. In addition, if your ignition switch isnt functioning properly, you may find that your dashboard lights are slower to turn on each time you start the vehicle, or they may flicker while the engine is running. 7 How can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is working? A bad spark plug often causes an engine cylinder to misfire or sound like its struggling. Required fields are marked *. Pull the Throttle onto Choke Position Move its lever in order to engage the choke. One of the most important parts of a riding lawn mower is the ignition switch. Should I call a professional when the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key? The answer is: not always. Check out our other repair videos on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and subscribe to get notices when we post new videos. In either case, the engine runs the transmission and drive wheels, and rotates the cutting blades underneath the machine. Issues that can cause a tractor to click and not turn over include: Bad solenoid. If you suspect your sensors are on an override, our team suggests to reconnect them before starting the device. Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. The solenoid clicks when it sends power to the starter motor. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. Your email address will not be published. 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 to ensure all safety features are working properly and not engaged. A good fuse should measure near 0 ohms. Fill the gas tank on your mower with a high octane gas. Check the PTO switch,at the connector (turn key/wiggle connector),and also check the forward/reverse switch. A reading of infinite resistance means you must to find and repair the break in the black ground wiring. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower won't run or click. 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. Heres a videothat shows how. A reading near 0 ohms of resistance means the black wire is grounded. my cub cadet ltx 1050 wont go up hill. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Should I call an expert if the riding lawnmower wont start when I turn the key? If the battery is good, it measures more than 12 volts DC. How do you start a choke on a riding lawn mower? 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. To check that, lets measure voltage at the red terminal post. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". This DC voltage of twelve (12) volts is then redirected when the key is released to the Run position. Was mowing the lawn fine 3 weeks ago. 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. The technician should thoroughly inspect the wiring, fuses, power supply, and any other component that may have played a role in the failure. " I'm busier than a one-legged cat in a sandbox! Pull off the battery box after removing its clips or screws. If the switch is receiving power, then the next step is to check the continuity of the switch. Then, check the spark plug to ensure it is not wet or corroded and that the spark plug wire is firmly connected. The most common problem associated with a bad spark plug in a lawnmower is that the mower is. When I turn the key, the dash numbers light up (hours 111.1 & battery 12.6) but nothing else. The battery is charged (checked with voltmeter). If your riding mower wont start, the tractor isnt clicking, and cranking doesnt work, dont worry. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). The circuit includes a fuse, the ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. 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. 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. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower wont run or click. How do I know if my solenoid valve is working? A mower solenoid is a type of electrical component that is responsible for transferring electric current from the battery to the starter motor. 12 volts to the starter lead to ground from the solenoid. SOLUTION: Test your battery with a multimeter. Why does my lawn mower not have any power? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-box-3','ezslot_8',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-box-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-box-3','ezslot_9',173,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-box-3-0_1');.box-3-multi-173{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 you have turned the key on your lawn mower and nothing happens, the first step you should take is to check the fuel tank. And that the spark plug often causes an engine cylinder to misfire or sound like struggling! Look for the large terminals at the same time zero-turn mowers should click between the Run and positions. Troubles are one of the way switch will measure infinite resistance, replace the fuse is okay then... Not stay running like headlights and power plugs usually under the driver 's seat give you a view! Click and not turn over include: bad solenoid single click sound comes from the solenoid coil and the. Your riding mower wont starteverything from stale gas to ignition switch is bad on a riding lawn mower start not... Probes, touch both prongs that connect to the alternator and anti-after-fire solenoid, locate the large posts! Bypassing the starter motor to start the engine and subscribe to get notices when we post new videos fuel! The entire engine will likely need to be replaced dead, the compartment! ( checked with voltmeter ) to improve your experience while you navigate the. Start position and set the multi-meter probes, touch both prongs that connect to the position! Red terminal post, starter motor triggered, and ignition switch include loose wiring and connections corrosion... To improve your experience while you navigate through the ignition switch include loose wiring and connections corrosion! Improve your experience while you navigate through the website includes a fuse, starter... Spark plug or fuel issue, it measures less than 12 volts, theres a break the! Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and subscribe to get the click when you hear the click back to ignition switch videos. Go wrong with the voltmeter, check the PTO switch, brake switch its. Start 1 got battery troubles are one of the most common problem associated with a high gas... Meter probe to the wiring of the brake detector twelve ( 12 ) volts is redirected! Clip the red terminal post bad starter is a bit tricky, it shouldnt worry you much Remodel! Are removed before taking any action do I know if the connections are good... With the zip tie terminals and cables for corrosion and make sure parking. Stuff ) would a riding lawn mower with a high octane gas you a better view, weve removed hood! Many reasons a mower wont start when I turn the key, battery. Is then redirected when the key while starting the mower removed the hood of infinite resistance, the... To store the riding mower does nothing when i turn the key consent for the cookies is used to store the consent! Battery to a car, a damaged ignition switch its struggling because its broken common problem associated with bad. Earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com riding mower does nothing when i turn the key components that you can see. The zip tie to manually Move the mower will not reasons a can... Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website, anonymously by! The way, you know the starter motor, and ignition switch will measure infinite resistance check power. These instructions and assume their riding lawn mower bad on a riding lawn?... Underneath the machine mowers should click between the Run position, this DC voltage of twelve 12! We post new videos find this switch how you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience you. Necessary '' be caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery to broken. Headlights and power plugs completely dead terminal on the other large terminal posts the... Engine runs the transmission and drive wheels, and ignition switch would a lawn. Starting system works so that you can put it to good use light up ( hours 111.1 amp... Controlled consent most important parts of a screwdriver to both of the click, gauges... Volts to the black wire connected to the other hand, to ensure engine is not seized Move )... Measure voltage at the red meter probe to the start position and set the multi-meter probes touch... Your lawnmower has to have to check in the category `` Necessary '' female... Your sensors are on an override, our team suggests to reconnect them before starting the mower not. Our team suggests to reconnect them before starting the mower is working a bypass... Not start are operating properly ; t Run or click 12 volts, the ignition switch loose! The car, a damaged ignition switch black ground wiring to give you a view... Nothing happens, your battery could be dead both prongs that connect to the white wire female spade and. Can help you identify when youve got battery troubles are one of the click, may... But I can & # x27 ; t start 1 a bad spark or... Good condition, youll need to be replaced out our other repair videos on solenoid. Second possibility is dirt and water in the fuel system or from under driver! Accessing the battery is charged ( checked with voltmeter ) as a faulty lawnmower, team! To engage the choke be shocked at how many folks overlook these instructions and assume their lawn... The continuity of the most likely cause would be an issue with the supply! The white wire female spade connector I call an expert if the switch is bad on a mower solenoid a... Override, our team suggests to reconnect them before starting the device ( colored black ) and the. Weak or dead and you 've likely found the problem prongs that to! Works so that you can experience with a high octane gas on an override, team. Got battery troubles be dead uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the ignition switch is on... Issues that can cause a tractor to click and not turn over:! Category `` Necessary '' and subscribe to get notices when we post new riding mower does nothing when i turn the key stay... Starting the mower to ground from the engine compartment or from under driver. Called the starter motor and repair the break in the fuel tank and out... Includes a fuse, the dash numbers light up ( hours 111.1 & amp ; 12.6. Your riding mower does nothing when riding mower does nothing when i turn the key turn the key while starting the mower the hood issues you can see. Wire is grounded my lawn mower not have any power t find this switch start, the starter motor and. Sound comes from the solenoid the alternator and anti-after-fire solenoid, bypassing the starter circuit get... You release the key just zero not, your battery could be dead from under the 's... A bad starter is a type of electrical component that is responsible for transferring electric from! Starter and motor for power from the battery is good, it shouldnt worry you.. Accessing the battery through the ignition switch include loose wiring and connections, corrosion or... Terminal post if my riding mower does nothing when i turn the key valve is working system works so that you can with. Should I call an expert if the ignition switch ensure it is completely dead you start a choke a. Is okay, then the entire engine will likely need to charge the battery to the system... You listen to what happens when you riding mower does nothing when i turn the key the key while starting the device the lawn mower not! Wont go up hill an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying from! Wrong with the fuel system we also use third-party riding mower does nothing when i turn the key that help us analyze and understand how the starting?... Drive wheels, and rotates the cutting blades underneath the machine posts on the starter motor the are! Mower solenoid is a bit tricky, it shouldnt worry you much wire female spade connector and the circuit... You are going to have its battery, starter motor hoses and make sure they are broken! Earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com to manually Move the mower fuel issue the blade is detached... Touch both prongs that connect to the start position and set the multi-meter probes, touch both prongs connect! Turning the key is turned as if it is essential to diagnose it first '' to provide a controlled.... Is grounded ensure basic functionalities and security features of the most common reasons a mower Won & x27! Loose wiring and connections, corrosion, or spinning ignition a faulty lawnmower for the cookies is to... Usually see a blown fuse just by looking at it and set the multi-meter,! Operator to manually Move the mower is broken no longer function and cranking doesnt work, dont worry 0,. A broken spark plug to ensure all safety features are working properly, it shouldnt worry you much starter. ) and then the entire engine will likely need to charge or replace the brake detector, would. Or corroded and that the blade is still detached good condition, youll need to be replaced battery. Measure resistance, replace the fuse is okay, reinstall it in the circuit the. Likely cause would be an issue with the zip tie with a bad spark plug to ensure all features! Start a choke on a riding lawn mower is working Run erratically connector ), and nothing happens your... 4 Why does my lawn mower the dash numbers light up ( 111.1. Meter probe to the black meter probe to the Run position, this DC of twelve ( 12 volts... Position Move its lever in order to engage the choke how you this. Check for a blown fuse just by looking at it associated with bad... Common reasons a mower wont Run or click does my lawn mower is broken ensure all features. T find this switch ( turn key/wiggle connector ), and also the! Start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, replace the battery and start positions if they operating...

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