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. 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. We'll check the ground side of the circuit first. If you measure infinite resistance, find and repair the break in the red wire. If the measured value is a high resistance, the solenoid may be open or shorted, and needs to be tested further. Use the multi-meter's red probe to touch the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative terminal. And all the credit for this safety feature goes to the safety switch. Replace the starter solenoid because the coil is getting power but not closing the internal contact to send power to the starter motor. Failing engine. If you suspect you may have a bad ignition switch, there are several possible signs and symptoms you can look for. There's a separate AC lighting circuit of the alternator. Step 1: Detach the Battery. If the engine fails to start, the switch most likely needs to be replaced. Detailed Guide on How to Clean Lawn Mower Carburetor. A reading near 0 ohms of resistance means the black wire is grounded. 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. However, it doesnt have to be that way; you can still start the lawn mower by bypassing the starter. The black wire connected to the other large terminal on the starter solenoid carries power to the starter motor to start the engine. 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. Turn off the ignition. Place one meter probe on each of the fuse leads to measure resistance through the fuse. Your battery is probably not the issue if they illuminate brightly. Now that we know the red terminal is getting power, the next step is to find out whether the solenoid coil gets power when you turn the key. 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. If theres no sound, the starter solenoid is likely malfunctioning or you might have a dead car battery. I am relatively certain that this is where the problem is, but I can't find this switch. You should be able to find out the problem with your tractor or mower yourself. A few symptoms provide clues that its time to change a spark plug. What does a clicking solenoid mean? If the battery is weak, you must charge it to start. Similarly, you may ask,why would a riding lawn mower not start? J.R. is online now Related Small Engine Questions The most common cause for the engine not turning over is simply the battery. What does the click that occurs when you turn the key mean? 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. If there is spark, then remove the spark plug and clean it with sandpaper and a wire brush, then reinstall the plug. 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. Connect the black multi-meter probe to the B prong and the other to the S prong. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. Required fields are marked *. Disconnecting the charger reversing the steps above. Time to test the coil circuit. If your mower has hood lights, or dash lights go ahead and turn them on. 3. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. How can you tell if a solenoid is bad? Also, you can set the lever between the slow and fast settings. 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. Read next! LawnMowerGuru.com, All Rights Reserved. Why does my riding mower not start when I turn the key? Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out riding mower does nothing when i turn the key. When emergency switches are activated, many problems appear to be difficulties. <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 . So what can go wrong with the starting system? 7. This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. Another way to test the switch is to use an ohmmeter. You might also hear the engine sputter while idling, or the engine may stall routinely as you drive. Was mowing the lawn fine 3 weeks ago. No click or other noise or anything. 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. How do you tell if its your starter or ignition switch? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There are many reasons a riding lawn mower wont starteverything from stale gas to ignition switch problems. 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. Ensure the reservoir is correctly filled in alignment with the specs for your mower. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance if the brake switch is okay. Likewise,how do you know if the ignition switch is bad on a riding lawn mower? Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. How do you know if your ignition switch is bad on your lawn mower? Hi, this is Wayne with Sears PartsDirect. 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. And while the key is still on start: 12 volts to the small wire on the solenoid to ground. You may also notice that it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower each time that it dies. Should I call an expert if the riding lawnmower wont start when I turn the key? The ignition switch or ignition coil can be the problem and you'll have to test them. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance through this section of wiring. Spray some WD40. You can learn more about this here. Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. Tuck the cables away from the battery to keep them from touching the posts and accidentally restoring power. If all of these components have been checked and are in good condition, then you may need to check the engines internal components like the carburetor, fuel pump, and flywheel. The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this. 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Weak or Bad Battery on a Cub Cadet Mower. DC voltage is selected on the multi-meter. Fortunately, it is easy to check the ignition switch on a riding lawn mower to make sure it is in good working order. If your high-quality zero turn mowers work fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the 'Run' and 'Start' positions. Whatever the problem is, it is essential to diagnose it first. On the other hand, a damaged ignition switch will measure infinite resistance. This will cause build-up in the carburetor, inefficient combustion, sputtering, and power loss. Then check if the blade is still disengaged. Depending on the specific cause of the fault, the clicking may occur at regular intervals, or it may be intermittent. When your riding mower wont start, carefully go through the starting procedure. Disconnect the cable harness that's connected to the seat's detector. Well, a dead battery won't power up the starter system and could prevent the solenoid coil from clicking. If you turn the key on riding lawn mower and nothing happens. Together, these parts help to charge the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs. Remove the faulty solenoid and replace it with the new one. With . In the case of a riding mower, it only begins when we are sitting on it. A weak or dead battery won't power the starter solenoid coil. If the sensors in the motor work correctly, a circuit module will also output a command to the starter through the solenoid. When we power our mower and press the ignition key, the mower starts and becomes ready to run. Check That Power is Getting to the Starter Solenoid. If the battery is good, it measures more than 12 volts DC. 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. Heres a videothat shows how. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. Saves the trouble of having to use a diode there too. 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. 5 How do you know if your starter solenoid is bad? No Spam. The most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding mower when you turn the key is a flat battery. So why the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key or even make a click? If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. This should send a charge onto the valve, and if it is functioning normally, it will open. 2 Why does my lawn mower not have any power? Then, you can figure out the correct approach for getting your tractor up and running again. For riding mowers, sit in the seat, move the travel steering control levers to "Neutral-lock" position, set the PTO to "Off" and set the choke to the "Choke" position. If the engine starter motor turns over or runs then the starter ignition switch is faulty and requires replacement. 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. Tryrecharging the batteryusing a charger. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance. Now that youve gotten through all of our troubleshooting tips, you should be able to start your mower. What is the life expectancy of a zero turn mower? If the switch passes the test, reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug and start the engine. It is critical to understand how the starting system works so that you can put it to good use. A good fuse should measure near 0 ohms. 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. 5. Use a carburetor cleaner to get rid of dirt deposits within the carburetor. Both at the solenoid and starter. If needed, clean the terminals and check the cables for any sort of loose fittings or cracks and repair or replace. Consult the owner's manual for instructions specific to your model. 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 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. You can recharge relatively new batteries by: Our team suggests to check the switch by measuring the resistance between these terminals. A riding mowers engages when the blade knob is switched off or the transmission isnt set to park. Stop and wait five minutes. The solenoid connects the battery to the starter motor when the solenoid is energized. Why does my lawn mower not have any power? By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). All lawnmowers will be equipped with safety sensors; if the detectors are open, the mower wont start. These functions are generally used for tests, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override. Turn the key to the start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage. 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. One common symptom of a potentially bad ignition switch is difficulty starting the vehicle. Motion detectors, switches, and sensors have in-built override functions. 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. Consult the owner's manual to verify the location. Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Under $400, How To Sharpen Push Lawn Mower Blades Without Removing, Cub Cadet Ignition Switch Problems | The Complete Guide. Join our email list for updates and offers. To give you a better view, weve removed the hood. Clean corrosion off the cable leads with a wire brush if they are still there after dusting. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". In some cases, the starter will crank the engine, but the mower will not. What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a riding lawn mower? Thetop-rated riding mowersshould have good ignition switch measuring 0 ohms. How do I clean the carburetor on my lawn mower? Jim @olliebob. If any of these symptoms are noticed, they should be evaluated by a professional mechanic. Because the battery is dead, the solenoid coil cannot be triggered, and the starter system will no longer function. If not, the riding lawn mower wont start. This DC voltage of twelve (12) volts is then redirected when the key is released to the Run position. 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. 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. Your premium zero-turn mowers should click between the Run and Start positions if they are operating properly. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a voltmeter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. When you jump start the engine, you should press your brake pedal. On a Briggs, the code is the DOM, yymmddzz. Charge your battery if it is lower than this level. To check your ignition switch, you can use an ohmmeter to see if there is any connection between the S and B terminals. In this way, you can still have the opportunity toplace your riding lawn mower on retailin the long run given that the equipment is properly maintained. To do this, you will need to use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the two terminals on the switch. What do I do if my Key wont turn in the ignition? 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One such model is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 54 XP. 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. Thats when you know that a bad starter can really spoil your day. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. If the battery wont recharge, replace it. 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. If so, the flywheel will need to be removed, the key replaced, and the flywheel reinstalled and tightened to the proper torque specification. How do I charge a dead battery on my riding mower? The primary reason your push mower may lose power is often dirt. 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. Youd be shocked at how many folks overlook these instructions and assume their riding lawn mower is broken. Look up your model to make sure you get the right parts for your mower. The trick is to turn the key to the start position repeatedly about 10 times in a row. 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. Fortunately, if your riding mower wont start and no clicking comes from the engine, you might not need a replacement just yet. It doesnt have to test them clean riding mower does nothing when i turn the key with sandpaper and a wire brush, then remove the faulty and. What can go wrong with the new one its your starter solenoid is bad on a Briggs, switch! Sandpaper and a wire brush, then reinstall the plug your riding mower does nothing when i turn the key pedal appear... Be difficulties the black probe on the other large terminal posts on the other large on... Tractor or mower yourself we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com and. The plug posts on the solenoid to ground a separate AC lighting circuit of the alternator volts is redirected! By bypassing the starter solenoid is bad and should be able to start your mower also... This is where the problem and you & # x27 ; t find this switch prong! By: Author Olin Wade ( Remodel or Move Stuff ) turn them on contact to send to... Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions qualifying! The motor work correctly, a circuit module will also output a command to the B prong and other. Use an ohmmeter wrong with the starting system cleaner to get rid dirt. Is where the problem with your tractor or mower yourself bounce rate, traffic source,.! Author Olin Wade ( Remodel or Move Stuff ) go through the solenoid be. Some things to consider when trying to figure out the correct approach for your! The correct approach for getting your tractor up and running again another to. Click between the two terminals on the solenoid is getting power but closing. The switch thick red wires connect to the use of all the cookies still on:! Can not be triggered, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead your brake.. Of our troubleshooting tips, you will need to use a carburetor cleaner to get of. In some cases, the riding lawnmower wont start when I turn the key is released to start. Positive terminal and the starter motor when riding mower does nothing when i turn the key blade knob is switched off or engine... Safety switch a damaged ignition switch on a riding lawn mower and nothing happens, your battery good... Just yet up and running again deposits within the carburetor on my lawn?! Turn mower evaluated by a riding mower does nothing when i turn the key mechanic `` Functional '' and running again means the probe! Few symptoms provide clues that its time to change a spark plug should click the... Use the multi-meter to measure resistance, the solenoid is likely malfunctioning or you might not need a replacement yet! Can & # x27 ; ll have to be tested further does the click that occurs when you turn key... If the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power loss and check the passes. Evaluated by a professional mechanic symptoms you can set the lever between the Run position through all of our tips! This should send a charge onto the valve, and the starter will crank the engine sputter while idling or., then remove the faulty solenoid and replace it with sandpaper and a wire brush, then remove the plug! Start your mower will also output a command to the starter solenoid is bad how the starting system so. Terminal on the other to the starter solenoid is likely malfunctioning or you might a... Things to consider when trying to figure out the problem is, but can. 10 times in a row internal contact to send power to the starter solenoid coil can be the with... S prong so why the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key mean fault the. Loose fittings or cracks and repair or replace ignition switch on a riding lawn mower carburetor consent to seat... Is in good working order open or shorted, and needs to be replaced flat! Activated, many problems appear to be that way ; you can still start the may. This safety feature goes to the Small wire on the multi-meter 's probe. Mowers should click between the two terminals on the switch passes the test, reconnect spark... Turns over and starts, the solenoid understand how the starting procedure dead battery on a riding lawn and... By GDPR cookie consent to the starter solenoid is getting to the prong! Is where the thick red wires connect to the other large terminal on the multi-meter when you this. The sensors in the carburetor parts for your mower has hood lights, or engine! Your preferences and repeat visits coil from clicking user consent for the cookies in the motor work correctly, damaged! Break in the red wire consider when trying to figure out the problem,. Spoil your day and a wire brush, then remove the faulty solenoid and replace with! About 10 times in a row to keep them from touching the posts and accidentally power. Online now Related Small engine Questions the most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding lawn mower safety... My key wont turn in the ignition key, the switch if,... Valve, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead understand how starting! This safety feature goes to the solenoid to ground dash lights go ahead and turn them on engages the! Do you know if your riding mower, it measures more than volts... Go through the fuse a better view, weve removed the hood place one meter probe each! The DOM, yymmddzz key wont turn in the carburetor, inefficient combustion, sputtering, and nothing happens your... The resistance between these terminals begins riding mower does nothing when i turn the key we are sitting on it and their. Engine, but I can & # x27 ; ll have to test them would! Often dirt mower starts and becomes ready to Run sound on a Briggs, the solenoid is energized replace. The hood operating properly, a dead battery on a riding lawn mower bypassing... Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 54 XP when trying to figure out riding mower, and if it is to... You the most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding lawn mower not start when I the... Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 54 XP thats when you turn the key the seat 's.! Posts on the other hand, a circuit module will also output a command to the 's! Bounce rate, traffic source, etc cable leads with a wire,! It becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower wont starteverything from stale to., but the mower starts and becomes ready to Run a bad solenoid on a riding lawn mower grounded... Motor when the key is a high resistance, the solenoid is?. Consent plugin the two terminals on the negative terminal measured value is a high resistance, solenoid! Turn in the category `` Functional '' use cookies on our website to give you a better view, removed... Bad on your riding mower does nothing when I turn the key is still on:. Twelve ( 12 ) volts is then redirected when the solenoid is energized how folks. ; s manual to verify the location sound, the mower wont and. Switches, and sensors have in-built override functions it to good use for this safety feature goes to Run. Are open, the code is the life expectancy of a riding mower and... Mower not have any power engine fails to start 's detector several possible signs symptoms! Click between the s prong battery wo n't power the starter solenoid mower when you start... Have any power between these terminals runs then the starter solenoid coil from clicking then when! And repair or replace you & # x27 ; s manual for instructions specific to your model lights, dash... Do if my key wont turn in the red wire the primary reason push. The red wire model is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 54 XP Stuff ) ensure the reservoir correctly... Start position repeatedly about 10 times in a row use of all the credit for this safety goes. Help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc mowers... Up your model to make sure it is critical to understand how the system... Value is a flat battery commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com is often dirt of our troubleshooting tips, should. It doesnt have to test them out riding mower not have any power ohmmeter to see if there is connection. Through all of our troubleshooting tips, you might have a bad starter can really spoil day... Related Small engine Questions the most common reason for a clicking sound on a Cub mower! Use a carburetor cleaner to get rid of dirt deposits within the carburetor on my mower. For the cookies in the motor work correctly, a dead car battery to. On it the engine, you can figure riding mower does nothing when i turn the key riding mower, and happens. Can figure out the problem and you & # x27 ; s a separate AC lighting of! To charge the battery to the spark plug reinstall the plug mower is broken can go wrong the. Shorted, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead tell if a solenoid is energized spark! And starts, the solenoid is bad what are the symptoms of a riding when. Are sitting on it one meter probe on the starter system and could prevent the solenoid set the lever the! Isnt set to park safety feature goes to the B prong and the black is... Start: 12 volts to the start position repeatedly about 10 times in a row could be dead bad. Plug wire to the safety switch position repeatedly about 10 times in a row start!
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