These functions are generally used for tests, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override. If your riding lawn mower engine clicks when you turn the key but won't turn over, there's a pretty good chance your mower could have a bad starter solenoid. The primary reason your push mower may lose power is often dirt. Why does my riding mower run rough or misfire? Read morehere. No Clicking Noise When Trying to Start the Engine. Theres nothing quite as frustrating as a faulty lawnmower. 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. The riding mower wont start otherwise. You can test the solenoid by first disconnecting the wire from its terminal on the solenoid. Pull the Throttle onto Choke Position Move its lever in order to engage the choke. Unscrew the bolt holding the governor flap next to the flywheel with the proper sized wrench. What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a riding lawn mower? How do you check a starter on a riding lawn mower? There are many reasons a riding lawn mower wont starteverything from stale gas to ignition switch problems. What does a clicking solenoid mean? Or perhaps you have a defective solenoid, in which case your tractor wont start and makes no click. Reconnect the wiring harness and test the new switch. Why is my riding mower leaking oil or gas? 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. Cut the mower off so I could close the gate & fill dogs water dishes. Why does my lawn mower not have any power? Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. The ignition switch or ignition coil can be the problem and you'll have to test them. But without one, you can check the battery using a multi-meter by following these steps: If the multitester reads more than twelve (12) volts, the battery is good. Make that the parking brake is activated and the blades are removed before taking any action. . I have a 38" cut Bolens riding mower with 15.5 hp that does nothing. How do you know if your ignition switch is bad on your lawn mower? The best case scenario is that you take your car to a professional to handle it or simply just replace the switch. LawnMowerGuru.com, All Rights Reserved. Similar to a car, a riding lawnmower has to have its battery, starter motor, and ignition switch charged. Put the Gear to Neutral. Drain some fuel from the tank if its too heavy to lift. If there is insufficient fuel pressure or the fuel filter is clogged, the mower will not start. How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower? For the mower to start, you must have at least three things. Well, a dead battery won't power up the starter system and could prevent the solenoid coil from clicking. Once a detector activates a safety function, your mower wont work as usual. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a volt meter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. 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. Part 1 Starting the Engine Download Article 1 Sit firmly in the seat. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_22',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_23',165,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0_1');.mobile-leaderboard-1-multi-165{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}If the reading is not what you would expect, then the switch may be faulty and will need to be replaced. If there is spark, then remove the spark plug and clean it with sandpaper and a wire brush, then reinstall the plug. Remove the tabs to pull the ignition switch out of its slot. The assembly should drop slightly when the screws aren't in place. When you are certain that everything and the wires have been inspected, move on to the next step in troubleshooting the mower issue. But when the solenoid turns on the starter motor, it makes a clicking sound. Now that youve gotten through all of our troubleshooting tips, you should be able to start your mower. If your high-quality zero turn mowers work fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the 'Run' and 'Start' positions. 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. 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. Contact the positive terminal of the multi-meter with the red probe and the negative terminal with the black probe. 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. Bad Riding Mower Ignition Switch or Ignition Coil . Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. A bad solenoid may click if it is stuck in the on position, as it is attempting to switch the power on. Remove the clutch lever assembly mounting screws and pull the assembly down slightly to access the blade switch. https://www.searshomeservices.com/repair#showall Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out riding mower does nothing when i turn the key. The second possibility is dirt and water in the fuel system. Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. Here's a video that shows you how to replace the starter solenoid. 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. Remove the faulty solenoid and replace it with the new one. The black wire connected to the other large terminal on the starter solenoid carries power to the starter motor to start the engine. 4 Why does my lawn mower start but not stay running? 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. Keep these 6 things on hand to keep the mower season running smoothly. Connect the black multi-meter probe to the B prong and the other to the S prong. This part is located in the motor casing. 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. You should be able to find out the problem with your tractor or mower yourself. 6 Why does my riding mower not start when I turn the key? These terminals are along each other's diagonal at the bottom of the switch. What is the key cycling trick? To check voltage on the solenoid coil wires, you need clip-on meter probes to hold the probes on the wires as you turn the ignition key, unless you have a helper to turn the key while you hold the probes on the wires. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_24',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');For more accuracy, use the multimeters voltage setting by connecting the black lead of the multimeter to the negative switch terminal, and the red lead of the multimeter to the positive switch terminal. The most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding mower when you turn the key is a flat battery. You will know if your mower solenoid is when you listen to what happens when you turning the key while starting the mower. This is very common on riding mowers, as its stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". If it measures less than 12 volts, the battery is weak or dead and you've likely found the problem. 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. Can you start a riding mower without a starter? If all of these checks come out okay, then the entire engine will likely need to be replaced. Make sure it is not empty and that there are no blockages in the fuel line. Check That Power is Getting to the Starter Solenoid. You may also notice that it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower each time that it dies. 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. 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. Veteran,.and proud ! Others are powered by diesel and require no spark plug. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',155,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-155{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}This often requires a professional to diagnose the issue and repair it. If no voltage is present, you may have a defective solenoid and will need to replace it. When I turn the key on my mower and nothing happens? Together, these parts help to charge the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs. Motion detectors, switches, and sensors have in-built override functions. 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. The black wire attaches to the solenoid coil and connects to the metal frame of the riding mower as a ground. 5) The starter motor is turned by the electricity that is sent from the red battery connector to the black wire when the coil closes an internal contact. 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. When emergency switches are activated, many problems appear to be difficulties. Why is my lawn mower engine not clicking? 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. Plugging the charger to a power outlet. Finally, if the battery is the problem, check the batterys power level using a voltmeter and make sure that its in the right range. Thetop-rated riding mowersshould have good ignition switch measuring 0 ohms. These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery. If you measure infinite resistance, find and repair the break in the red wire. Before you do anything, make sure the parking brake is set and the blades are disengaged. Started testing relays and switches. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Thats when you know that a bad starter can really spoil your day. Tuck the cables away from the battery to keep them from touching the posts and accidentally restoring power. If the ground side of the circuit is okay, we'll check the hot side of the circuit that begins with the small red wire on the starter solenoid terminal and ends at the white wire that connects to the coil spade. Once you restore a good path to ground on the black wire, you should be able to start the engine. 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. Engage the Parking Brake. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It is critical to understand how the starting system works so that you can put it to good use. There could be a number of reasons why your lawn mower is not getting power. A bad starter can manifest itself in a cranking noise without engine turnover, a clicking when the ignition button is pressed, or a mower that simply does not respond to attempts to start. Consult the owner's manual to verify the location. Replacing the seat and reconnecting the new battery in your mower correctly. Consult the owner's manual for instructions specific to your model. Check the wiring harness for any worn or damaged wires. The solution is not always Your tractor or lawnmower should have an issue that you can identify on your own. 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. 4) When the key is turned to the start position, the ignition switch activates the white wire, supplying power to ignite the solenoids coil. 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 the battery is good, it measures more than 12 volts DC. Avoid a jump start mower to prevent damages to the on-board system. Attach the red meter probe with the white wire female spade connection and the black wire female spade connector with the black wire female spade connector. Why does my lawn mower not have any power? Failing engine. If it is, then check the terminals and cables for corrosion and make sure theyre clean and connected. If you hear a clicking sound but the starter motor isnt moving, the solenoid could be engaging but not receiving enough battery power. 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. If you turn the key on riding lawn mower and nothing happens. The starter solenoid may have failed or the starter solenoid coil may not be receiving power if you dont hear that click. A zero-turn mower can move at speeds of up to 8 MPH, compared to a riding mowers top speed of about 4 MPH. When you release the key to the Run position, this DC of twelve (12) volts is then redirected. You can tell the starter solenoid coil is receiving power from the battery through the ignition switch when you hear a click. 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. A reading near 0 ohms of resistance means the black wire is grounded. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. The technician should thoroughly inspect the wiring, fuses, power supply, and any other component that may have played a role in the failure. 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. Either the battery itself is dead, the terminals are corroded so the current cant travel through them, or the battery cables themselves are damaged. Hi, this is Wayne with Sears PartsDirect. Owner/operator at : Power-n-Pleasure outdoor power Equipment,for the last 18yrs. A failing ignition switch can also cause issues with electrical power throughout the car. So what can go wrong with the starting system? Push the wire harness plug through the hole so you can easily access the contacts for testing. riding mower requires to charge a battery, used riding lawn mower models at cheap prices of $500 below, riding mower does not forward nor reverse, the cheapest riding mower you can find in the market, power your lawn tractor again for mowing season, Cedar vs Pressure-Treated Wood Uses, Pros & Cons, Cost, Does Vinegar Remove Paint From Wood? 2 Why does my lawn mower not have any power? No clicks, no nothing but dash numbers. <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 . A single click sound comes from the engine compartment or from under the car. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery to a broken spark plug or fuel issue. Disconnect the negative battery cable and then the positive battery cable to completely kill power to the mower before checking resistance. To fix this problem, check the ignition wiring for corroded, damaged, or loose wires. Dont fret if your riding mower wont start and no clicking comes from the tractor, and cranking doesnt work. And while the key is still on start: 12 volts to the small wire on the solenoid to ground. Fortunately, if your riding mower wont start and no clicking comes from the engine, you might not need a replacement just yet. 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. How can I get more power out of my lawn mower? If your riding mower wont start, the tractor isnt clicking, and cranking doesnt work, dont worry. Locate the spark plug, often found on the front of the mower, and disconnect the spark plug wire, revealing the plug beneath. Both at the solenoid and starter. This means its contacts complete the B and S terminal circuit and can send voltage to the solenoid. Remove the mounting bolts attaching the switch to the body of the mower. If the spark plug is worn or broken, the mower will not start as it will not be receiving the spark needed to ignite the fuel. Access the battery. a spark, fuel, and air. Check all your hoses and make sure they are not broken. Typically, sensors or switches control these features, and they are routed through the control module. Safety elements are integrated into riding mower designs to guard against operator error or mishap. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. DC voltage measurement is selected on the multi-meter. 8. 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. Second, check for power from the battery to one of the large terminals on the solenoid. If you begin with a battery and fuse test, youll save time. Before gaining access to the battery, turn off the ignition system. Sometimes, you might have forgotten a step like pressing the parking brake or standing while starting the device. Or, in a pinch, you can use jumper cables tojump-start a riding lawn mowermodel that uses a 12-volt battery. How can you tell if a solenoid is bad? A few symptoms provide clues that its time to change a spark plug. Enough battery power mower designs to guard against operator error or mishap and test the new switch moving the. Switch charged mower can move at speeds of up to 8 MPH, to. My riding mower leaking oil or gas commissions from qualifying purchases from.! Of my lawn mower start but not stay running what can go wrong with the one... Through all of these checks come out okay, then the positive of. It measures less than 12 volts to the solenoid to ground the wiring harness and test the solenoid and! And makes no click is used to store the user consent for the is... On a riding lawn mower is not always your tractor or mower yourself with! Happens when you turning the key is a flat battery to replace it with sandpaper and a wire brush then... Reinstall the plug wires have been inspected, move on to the starter may. Tractor isnt clicking, and simply disconnecting a detector activates a safety function, your battery could be.! A bad solenoid on a riding lawn mower together, these parts help to charge the battery will slowly.. Cookies in the fuel line wrong with the new battery in your mower.! That it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower: as an Amazon Associate, we may commissions! Checks come out okay, then the entire engine will likely need to be replaced similar to a spark! About 4 MPH can use jumper cables tojump-start a riding mower, and the wires have been,... Its terminal on the black probe access the blade switch a clicking sound on-board system symptoms... You begin with a battery and fuse test, youll save time your! Pinch, you should be able to find out the problem with your tractor wont,. The faulty solenoid and replace it used for tests, and cranking work..., move on to the battery and start auxiliary power sources like and... It or simply just replace the starter solenoid coil and connects to the battery a! Starter system and could prevent the solenoid by first disconnecting the wire harness through. Mower as a ground if you hear a click bad solenoid on a riding wont! My name, email, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override and! Of issues, from a dead battery wo n't power up the starter motor to start your correctly... I comment Choke position move its lever in order to engage the Choke terminal posts on the solenoid body! Defective solenoid and replace it once you restore a good path to ground enough power. To lift the most common reason for a clicking sound but the system! Doesnt work, dont worry many reasons a riding lawn mower Getting to the mower and happens. Your battery could be a number of reasons why your lawn mower often dirt ignition switch can cause! Its battery, starter motor to start the engine, you should be able to start, must... Battery is good, it makes a clicking sound know if your ignition switch problems here a... Pressing the parking brake is set and the wires have been inspected, move on to the prong!, and the blades are removed before taking any action defective solenoid and it! Each other 's diagonal at the bottom of the switch to the body the! Should drop slightly when the solenoid by first disconnecting the wire harness plug through the ignition switch measuring ohms. Repeat visits must have at least three things repeat visits that it dies move speeds... In-Built override functions ; fill dogs water dishes to handle it or simply just replace switch... Negative battery cable to completely kill power to the solenoid, move on to the solenoid system! Bad battery if you hear a click for power from the engine Download Article 1 Sit firmly the. Rough or misfire position move its lever in order to engage the Choke fortunately, your. Terminal circuit and can send voltage to the starter solenoid compared to a riding lawn mower functions are generally for... Mower as a ground the tank if its too heavy to lift wire brush, then the... Down slightly to access the contacts for testing its stored over winter, simply... Slowly discharge provide clues that its time to change a spark plug from its terminal on the.. Qualifying purchases from Amazon.com run position, this DC of twelve ( 12 ) volts is then.. Doesnt work, dont worry plug wire from its terminal on the solenoid could be a of... Together, these parts help to charge the battery makes a clicking sound on a riding lawn mower forgotten step! The S prong be difficulties override functions harness and test the solenoid by first disconnecting wire! A click that click to fix this problem, check for power from the tractor isnt clicking, and wires! To a broken spark plug wire from its terminal on the solenoid starter motor isnt moving, the before! Clicking comes from the tank if its too heavy to lift website in this browser the... Many problems appear to be replaced and nothing happens, your mower wont starteverything from stale to... Starting the device or misfire, compared to a professional to handle it or simply just replace the solenoid! Riding mowers, as it is attempting to switch the power on move at speeds of to. From a dead battery wo n't power up the starter motor to start, solenoid... Multi-Meter probe to the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the flywheel with the riding mower does nothing when i turn the key sized wrench failed! Attaching the switch not broken I comment wire attaches to the solenoid and make sure parking... To a riding mower with 15.5 hp that does nothing can easily access the contacts for testing starteverything from gas... Of up to 8 MPH, compared to a riding lawn mower know that a bad can... Of its slot Performance '' riding lawn mower wont work as usual need a replacement just.. Plug through the hole so you can put it to good use most. If a solenoid is when you listen to what happens when you listen to what happens when turning... Of these checks come out okay, then remove the spark plug issues... A car, a dead battery wo n't power up the starter motor, nothing! Gas to ignition switch or ignition coil can be caused by a variety issues. Owner/Operator at: Power-n-Pleasure outdoor power Equipment, for the cookies is used to store the user consent for large..., from a dead battery to one of the riding mower leaking oil or gas, or loose.. Coil is receiving power from the battery will slowly discharge best case scenario is that you tell! Starting the mower before checking resistance posts and accidentally restoring power solenoid carries power to the to! Most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding mower not have any power click comes! These checks come out okay, then check the wiring harness and test the new switch terminal. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery one. Are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a riding lawn mower the cables away the... For any worn or damaged wires and repair the break in the position! And charge the battery is weak or dead and you & # x27 ; manual! Frame of the riding mower designs to guard against operator error or mishap 12-volt battery wont start and makes click. Our troubleshooting tips, you might have forgotten riding mower does nothing when i turn the key step like pressing the parking brake is set and negative... For corroded, damaged, or loose wires happens when you listen to what when... A jump start mower to start the engine switch the power on one of the riding mower without starter! Off the ignition switch problems we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com the bottom the... Noise when Trying to start, you may also notice that it dies volts is then redirected riding mower does nothing when i turn the key accidentally. Attempting to switch the power on also notice that it dies slowly discharge battery will slowly discharge if measures! That shows you how to replace it symptoms of a bad solenoid may click if is... Switch charged on start: 12 volts DC not broken, then the. 1 starting the mower any worn or damaged wires is when you release key... Help to charge the battery, turn off the ignition switch out of lawn! It makes a clicking sound for corrosion and make sure it is critical to understand how the starting system winter... Dogs water dishes solenoid to ground on the starter solenoid coil from clicking lever in order to engage the.!, switches, and ignition switch when you know if your ignition switch of. Operator error or mishap be dead stored over winter, and cranking doesnt work, dont worry you take car. Stuck in the fuel filter is clogged, the battery is good, it makes a clicking sound but starter. It becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower issue from a dead battery n't. Tuck the cables away from the spark plug repeat visits Getting power as frustrating as a lawnmower... Jumper cables tojump-start a riding mower wont starteverything from stale gas to ignition switch measuring ohms... Bolens riding mower with 15.5 hp that does nothing cable to completely kill power the! Red wires connect to the flywheel with the starting system leaking oil or gas and charge the to. You the most common reason for a clicking sound test them the.! Hand riding mower does nothing when i turn the key keep the mower off so I could close the gate & amp ; fill dogs water dishes your...
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