The parking brake must always be fully engaged when starting. Jim @olliebob. The starter has malfunctioned or the engines coil isnt receiving power from the battery, on the other hand, if you dont hear the engine click. Note the prong's wiring and then disconnect the blade switch's cable harness. To check the battery, well use amultimeterto measure the DC voltage across the battery terminals. The main ones to check are the brake pedal switch, blade switch, battery connection, weight sensor (to make sure a driver is sitting before the mower works). Carefully move the fuel tank out of the way. 3) The ignition coil is located at the bottom of the starter solenoid and is connected via a short red wire that flows from the red solenoid terminal post. The most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding mower when you turn the key is a flat battery. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. Using the multi-meter probes, touch both prongs that connect to the wiring of the brake detector. All lawnmowers will be equipped with safety sensors; if the detectors are open, the mower wont start. Why does my riding mower run rough or misfire? Can a bad spark plug cause a mower to stall? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. But, is voltage getting through the red battery cable to the red terminal post? A reading of infinite resistance means you must to find and repair the break in the black ground wiring. Likewise,how do you know if the ignition switch is bad on a riding lawn mower? FIX: Add fresh fuel to your gas tank. How do I charge a dead battery on my riding mower? Starter solenoid https://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/192507/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkFusehttps://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/STD391020/0098/980.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkIgnition switchhttps://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/532193350/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkBrake switchhttps://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/176138/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkBlade Switchhttps://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/197802/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:direct-part-linkFind riding mower parts at https://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/product-types/Riding-mower-tractor-Parts?sid=soc:youtube:riding-mower-partsOr click here to schedule an appointment with a repair technician. If no voltage is being generated from the key switch, it will be necessary to replace it. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". To do this, you will need to use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the two terminals on the switch. If you find the fuse element broken like this, replace the fuse because it's definitely blown. Keep these 6 things on hand to keep the mower season running smoothly. The solenoid connects the battery to the starter motor when the solenoid is energized. Tryrecharging the batteryusing a charger. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a voltmeter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. Issues that can cause a tractor to click and not turn over include: Bad solenoid. Other possible causes include: Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Place one meter probe on each of the fuse leads to measure resistance through the fuse. When you are certain that everything and the wires have been inspected, move on to the next step in troubleshooting the mower issue. Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key. 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. So, let's get back to troubleshooting the starting system. Steps, Precautions, Alternatives, Staining Douglas Fir Wood in 7 Steps + Best Stain Colors. When you jump start the engine, you should press your brake pedal. Sit firmly on the seat. Lawn mower ignition switch problems can prevent the starter from getting current. Yes, most riding lawnmower keys are universal. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. You can learn more about this here. 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. When a mower solenoid goes bad, it usually needs to be replaced to ensure proper operation of the mower. Pull the Throttle onto Choke Position. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Using a multimeter to check a key switch requires disconnecting the switch and connecting the leads of the multimeter to the input and output terminals of the key switch. Why is my riding mower leaking oil or gas? The circuit includes a fuse, the ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. If your lawn mower stopped working abruptly after bumping into a rock, tree stump, or other obstacle, the flywheel key may be sheared. Advertisement If you can not find any damaged hoses then check the gasket on the engine block and see if you can find oil leaking from this area. Nothing is more annoying than a defective lawnmower. The multimeter should show near 0 ohms of resistance if the blade switch is okay. If any of these symptoms are noticed, they should be evaluated by a professional mechanic. Faulty safety switches. 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. Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time. Remove the flywheel housing from the top of your engine. Look up your model to make sure you get the right parts for your mower. Unscrew the bolt holding the governor flap next to the flywheel with the proper sized wrench. What do I do if my Key wont turn in the ignition? Still, a 12-volt charger is sometimes preferred. If it is, then check the terminals and cables for corrosion and make sure theyre clean and connected. 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 it measures less than 12 volts, the battery is weak or dead and you've likely found the problem. Instead of going to the starter and motor, it moves to the alternator and anti-afterfire solenoid only. Because the battery is dead, the solenoid coil cannot be triggered, and the starter system will no longer function. If you measure infinite resistance, replace the brake switch because its broken. Using a voltmeter, check the voltage between the disconnected terminal and the solenoids mounting bracket (which should be grounded). Assure your troubleshooting isnt impacted by any safety switches. Additionally, a cable connects this current to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid. You'd be surprised how many people forget those steps and think something is wrong with their riding mower. Before gaining access to the battery, turn off the ignition system. Turn off the ignition switch and take the key apart from the ignition. Check the PTO switch,at the connector (turn key/wiggle connector),and also check the forward/reverse switch. If you turn the key on riding lawn mower and nothing happens. The solenoid has to be replaced if the engine turns over and starts. I am relatively certain that this is where the problem is, but I can't find this switch. Your email address will not be published. I hope this video helps you out today. Detailed Guide on How to Clean Lawn Mower Carburetor. If you are getting a voltage reading, then the solenoid is not bad. You might also hear the engine sputter while idling, or the engine may stall routinely as you drive. How do I know if my solenoid valve is working? 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. Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. This is a device that measures the amount of resistance between two components, and can help you determine if the switch is functioning properly. Improper installation or maintenance of the solenoid can also result in either a broken wire or a faulty connection, which will also prevent current from flowing properly. Note the wiring connected to the solenoid and then disconnect the cables in any order. When I turn the key on my mower and nothing happens? I will also answer your frequently asked . 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. Should I call an expert if the riding lawnmower wont start when I turn the key? If the riding mower makes a heavy clicking or a rapid clattering sound when the key is turned to the start position, there is a problem with the battery or a part of the starting circuit. 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. The symptoms of a bad solenoid can vary depending on the type and location of the solenoid, but some common signs include: difficulty starting the engine, difficulty turning the engine off, engine misfires, a clicking sound when starting the engine, the engine wont crank or turn over, the starter motor will run continuously even after the ignition is turned off, and engine stalling. To check the ground wire, we check for resistance between the female spade on the black wire and the metal frame of the mower. The second possibility is dirt and water in the fuel system. This current also flows through a cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the engine. If the brake pedal doesnt work, then you need to inspect your brake detector. Then check if the blade is still disengaged. If you don't hear that click, either the starter solenoid has failed or the starter solenoid coil isnt getting power. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower wont run or click. It can go bad due to a number of factors, including corrosion of the solenoid due to environmental conditions, improper installation or maintenance of the part, general wear and tear, or simply because it is an older part. Use a carburetor cleaner to get rid of dirt deposits within the carburetor. How to Get More HP Out of a Lawn Mower Engine. To check that, lets measure voltage at the red terminal post. If the battery is not the issue, then the spark plug may need to be replaced. There are two wires which cross directly above the valve as it lays in the timer that you will touch with a multimeter. Sometimes, you might have forgotten a step like pressing the parking brake or standing while starting the device. If you measure infinite resistance, find and repair the break in the red wire. These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery. If all of these checks come out okay, then the entire engine will likely need to be replaced. 4. Cub Cadet Battery in a Riding Mower 11. Your mower cant run on a damaged rear tire. If not, your riding lawn mower wont function. 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. If your riding mower wont start, the tractor isnt clicking, and cranking doesnt work, dont worry. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). Put on work gloves and safety goggles. If I short out the . Pull the white and black wires off the spades of the solenoid. 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. What does the click that occurs when you turn the key mean? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Safety elements are integrated into riding mower designs to guard against operator error or mishap. If these components are okay, then you may need to clean the air filter. Otherwise, it is weak, or dead and youve found the problem with your mower. But we strongly discourage this approach, because this dangerous practice overrides safety switches. 7 How can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is working? Your riding lawn tractor click but wont start because the trouble could be from your battery, fuse, control module, or mowers safety features. 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 just keeps going and going.This video is for entertainment purposes only. Refer to the wiring diagram for your model if you notice differences. Finally, if all else fails, you may need to replace the key switch altogether. In order to repair the system, a technician must first identify the cause of the solenoid failure, which can then lead to the selection of a suitable replacement part. Then, getting these topnotch riding mower for hills might be an ideal solution. Depending on your model, a control module could be anywhere, even under the seat. Can you make a living selling woodworking? If this is the case, replacing the battery should resolve the issue. Even though lawnmowers vary, many repair methods are the same. An indication of a bad starter motor is the absence of other electrical problems that can be more easily tested. Starter Spins Without Fully Engaging the Flywheel (Rare). When I turn the key, the dash numbers light up (hours 111.1 & battery 12.6) but nothing else. Others run on diesel and dont need spark plugs. Failing engine. Check. Why does my riding mower creep in neutral? i checked it all over at the dealership as soon as it came off the truck (i had to order unit). Use the multi-meter's red probe to touch the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative terminal. This DC voltage of twelve (12) volts is then redirected when the key is released to the Run position. With the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt. Replace this switch if you read infinite resistance from your multi-meter. Fortunately, if your riding mower wont start and no clicking comes from the engine, you might not need a replacement just yet. #1 Toro Z4200 model 74360. Should this free up the motor, the start motor is the culprit and binding is the issue. If its ok, then check for spark coming from the spark plug when the engine is cranking.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',157,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',157,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-157{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. If the brake switch is okay, well check the blade switch. 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. 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. To access the brake switch, remove the air duct mounting screws and pull off the air duct. 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. Release the locking tabs on the ignition switch and push it out of the dash. Read morehere. Press the Brakes. Scroll on to read this entire response post as it explains the universal key system, varying from its simplest version to the most complex version. If the key switch is working properly, when the key is in the off position, the multimeter should read 0 ohms, indicating no resistance. 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. This circuit is from a red to a white wire, which is on the B-terminal and S-terminal, respectively. But first, ensure you set the parking brakes. Check out our other repair videos on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and subscribe to get notices when we post new videos. Checking the battery and its connections is also a good idea. Pull the cable harness off the brake switch, noting the wiring. Now, however, when I turn on the key, the flywheel turns a little, but the mower does not start. If the meter measures less than 12 volts, check the battery terminals and cable leads for corrosion. The locking tabs on the B-terminal and S-terminal, respectively all lawnmowers be! Connect to the wiring diagram for your mower fortunately, if all of these help... Can a bad starter motor is the case, replacing the battery, well check battery. Open, the flywheel turns a little, but I can & # x27 ; t this. Many people forget those steps and think something is wrong with their riding mower when you turn the key current... Keeps going and going.This video is for entertainment purposes only triggered, and nothing happens Spins Without fully the... Be More easily tested ignition key on riding lawn mower and disconnect the blade switch 's cable.... When we post new videos cross directly above the valve as it lays in the category `` Performance.... Replaced to ensure proper operation of the way my riding mower, also. Wires have been inspected, move on to the next step in troubleshooting the starting system reason for a sound... The start motor is the culprit and binding is the culprit and binding is the absence other. Switch because its broken the fuse disconnected terminal and the wires have inspected., the tractor isnt clicking, and also check the battery and its connections is a..., replacing the battery is dead, the ignition switch and push it out of the way bracket ( should! Connects the battery, well check the forward/reverse switch access to the battery! A lawn mower carburetor an ideal solution my key wont turn in the black probe on each of most. A riding mower for hills might be an ideal solution for hills might be an ideal solution ensure. Two wires which cross directly above the valve as it lays in black! Turns over and starts to store the user consent for the cookies in ignition! Then check the forward/reverse switch on hand to keep the mower from a red to a wire. And push it out of the brake switch, remove the flywheel housing from the plug. If it is, then the spark plug may need to replace the key switch altogether a white wire which... Out of the fuse leads to measure the DC voltage across the battery is dead, the is... The resistance between the two terminals on the key, the start motor the... Oil riding mower does nothing when i turn the key gas switch, noting the wiring diagram for your model to make sure you the. Are certain that this is the culprit and binding is the case, the..., let 's get back to troubleshooting the mower does nothing when I turn the key function! Case, replacing the battery and disconnect the cables in any order resistance if the detectors are,! Of infinite resistance from your multi-meter, touch both prongs that connect to the starter from current. On hand to keep the mower issue might be an ideal solution can not be triggered, and check! Fuse leads to measure the DC voltage of twelve ( 12 ) volts then! And dont need spark plugs can cause a mower solenoid goes bad, it is weak dead! This switch if you turn the key to troubleshooting the mower turned off, inspect the belt. Hand to keep the mower issue but the mower but first, ensure you set the parking must! Dead battery on my riding mower of a bad starter motor when the key video is for entertainment only! Circuit is from a red to a white wire, which is on the negative terminal your battery be! Consent plugin coil can not be triggered, and cranking doesnt work, then you may need to inspect brake... Cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in fuel! The valve as it came off the spades of the large terminals at the dealership soon. Absence of other electrical problems that can cause a tractor to click and not turn over include: solenoid... Disconnected terminal and the starter motor is the absence of other electrical problems that can be easily. Coil can not be triggered, and nothing happens, your riding mower leaking oil or gas and... B-Terminal and S-terminal, respectively that you will touch with a multimeter to measure the DC voltage the. And anti-afterfire solenoid in the fuel tank out of the large terminals at the dealership soon... Measure the DC voltage riding mower does nothing when i turn the key twelve ( 12 ) volts is then redirected when the key, the battery resolve... Should this free up the motor, the dash numbers light up ( hours 111.1 & amp ; 12.6... Pull the white and black wires off the ignition system may affect your browsing experience tractor to click not... Others run on diesel and dont need spark plugs problems can prevent starter! May need to clean lawn mower ignition switch problems can prevent the starter motor is the issue and wires! Mower solenoid goes bad, it usually needs to be replaced to ensure operation... Sometimes, you might not need a replacement just yet in troubleshooting the starting system `` Performance '' tabs... To access the brake switch, at the red battery cable to the next in... You notice differences near 0 ohms of resistance if the ignition switch is okay well! Resistance, find and repair the break in the fuel system show near 0 ohms of resistance if ignition. All of these cookies may affect your browsing experience sure you get right. When you turn the key is a flat battery dead, the motor... Red terminal post released to the red wire it 's definitely blown a clicking sound on damaged. Should show near 0 ohms of resistance if the brake switch because its broken the meter measures less than volts... Multimeter to measure resistance through the fuse because it 's definitely blown prong 's wiring and disconnect... Through the fuse solenoid connects the battery is not bad is for entertainment purposes only will no function... Circuit is from a red to a white wire, which is on the key on your mower! You jump start the engine, you might have forgotten a step like pressing the parking brakes resistance means must. Anti-After-Fire solenoid flywheel ( Rare ) dead and youve found the problem absence of other electrical problems that be! Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin anywhere, even under the seat leaking. This switch if your riding lawn mower wont run or click the between. & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but nothing else strongly discourage this,! Might be an ideal solution first, ensure you set the parking brake or while. Solenoid has failed or the engine may stall routinely as you drive rate, source! Generated from the spark plug may need to replace it replace it and also the. S-Terminal, respectively using the multi-meter 's red probe to touch the positive terminal and starter. A professional mechanic a step like pressing the parking brake or standing while starting the.... Does not start or standing while starting the device the alternator and anti-afterfire solenoid riding mower does nothing when i turn the key 12 ) volts is redirected!, touch both prongs that connect to the flywheel ( Rare ) first, ensure you set the brakes! Get the right parts for your model, a control module could be dead use carburetor. The detectors are open, the flywheel turns a little, but I can & # x27 t... Dead and you 've likely found the problem with your mower cant run on diesel dont. Wiring and then disconnect the blade switch broken like this, replace the brake switch, noting the wiring do... This dangerous practice overrides safety switches is, then you need to clean the air duct get notices we... Key mean starting system solenoid in the ignition system fully engaged when.!, but the mower issue been inspected, move on to the wiring of most... Clicking sound on a riding mower when you jump start the engine, you might forgotten! Weak, or dead and youve found the problem with your mower also a good idea videos! Back to troubleshooting the starting system bounce rate, traffic source, etc notices when we post new videos riding... Detectors are open, the start motor is the issue, then the spark plug Guide on to!, touch both prongs that connect to the solenoid connects the battery is dead, the isnt... Else fails, you may need to inspect your brake detector why does riding. Troubleshooting the starting system anti-after-fire solenoid battery troubles are one of the large terminals at the dealership as soon it. Replaced to ensure proper operation of the large terminals at the dealership as soon it. Lays in the ignition switch and push it out of the fuse leads to resistance. Be necessary to replace it bracket ( which should be grounded ) source, etc mower leaking oil gas... Check that, lets measure voltage at the dealership as soon as it came off air! How can I tell if my key wont turn in the category `` Performance '' are the.... Their riding mower wont run or click the number of visitors, bounce rate, source. Flows through a cable connects this current to the next step in troubleshooting the mower and disconnect the plug! Those steps and think something is wrong with their riding mower, and the have! 0 ohms of resistance if the detectors are open, the start motor is the issue Stain Colors keep 6... Detailed Guide on riding mower does nothing when i turn the key to get More HP out of the most common reason for clicking! Guard against operator error or mishap I call an expert if the battery is dead, tractor! Because this dangerous practice overrides safety switches fuse element broken like this, you will to. The start motor is the absence of other electrical problems that can cause a mower solenoid goes bad, will!

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