What do I do if my Key wont turn in the ignition? 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. With the multimeter set to measure DC voltage, touch the red multimeter probe to the positive or red battery terminal and the black meter probe to the negative or black battery terminal. If your lawn mower stopped working abruptly after bumping into a rock, tree stump, or other obstacle, the flywheel key may be sheared. The most common problem associated with a bad spark plug in a lawnmower is that the mower is. On the other hand, a damaged ignition switch will measure infinite resistance. Why does my lawn mower not have any power? 9. The starter solenoid may have failed or the starter solenoid coil may not be receiving power if you dont hear that click. 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. Disconnecting the charger reversing the steps above. There are two major locations to check out the air cleaner elements, and the fuel system. Pushed it to the garage, and assuming it is an electrical problem, printed offline a toro 74360 electrical guide. To check your ignition switch, you can use an ohmmeter to see if there is any connection between the S and B terminals. Note the prongs that the white wires connect to and then disconnect the wire harness from the blade switch. Try to turn engine by hand, to ensure engine is not seized. These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery. Connect the black multi-meter probe to the B prong and the other to the S prong. Additionally, a cable connects this current to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid. Use a carburetor cleaner to get rid of dirt deposits within the carburetor. Weak or Bad Battery on a Cub Cadet Mower. It turns the safety switch on while sitting on the seat, establishing a connection between the electrical wires. If you choose the, Without clear and comprehensive information on vinegars removal and cleaning capabilities, you risk causing irreparable damage to your wooden surfaces, resulting in costly repairs or. Learn about the top 10 must-have electric lawn & garden tools for 2023, Learn how a blade removal tool makes replacing the blade easier and safer. Recheck the voltage. 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. This will cause build-up in the carburetor, inefficient combustion, sputtering, and power loss. To check the battery, well use amultimeterto measure the DC voltage across the battery terminals. Next, remove the lower right dash fastener and pull off the lower dash. Some of you may be tempted to short across the solenoid posts intentionally using an insulated screwdriver to start the engine. Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. If the measured value is a high resistance, the solenoid may be open or shorted, and needs to be tested further. Clip the red meter probe to the white wire female spade connector and the black meter probe to the black wire female spade connector. Turn off the ignition. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-leader-4','ezslot_18',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-leader-4','ezslot_19',164,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-4-0_1');.leader-4-multi-164{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}Ultimately, if you are experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms, it is likely time to get your ignition switch checked and potentially replaced. And all the credit for this safety feature goes to the safety switch. You can tell the starter solenoid coil is receiving power from the battery through the ignition switch when you hear a click. This circuit is from a red to a white wire, which is on the B-terminal and S-terminal, respectively. It is critical to understand how the starting system works so that you can put it to good use. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance through this section of wiring. Turn on your mowers hood and dash lights if they are equipped with them. Other problems, though not as frequent, include a bad starter motor, a wiring failure, a weak battery or a locked-up engine. 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. Although mowers differ from models, they all work on the same principles. 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. 7 How can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is working? DC voltage is selected on the multi-meter. 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. If the internal contact does not click yet the voltage is recorded at the coil, and the starter solenoid is to a fault. 10. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Was mowing the lawn fine 3 weeks ago. A reading of infinite resistance means you must to find and repair the break in the black ground wiring. 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. Finally, if all else fails, you may need to replace the key switch altogether. The quickest way to test the solenoid valve is to apply a charge directly to it. " I'm busier than a one-legged cat in a sandbox! Disconnect the negative battery cable and then the positive battery cable to completely kill power to the mower before checking resistance. This video shows you how to pinpoint the cause by checking the riding mowers battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. Hire a local automotive locksmith to come out and fix it. The solenoids spades must be free of white and black wires. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a voltmeter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. Should I call an expert if the riding lawnmower wont start when I turn the key? 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. When connecting the thick red wires to the solenoid, locate the large terminal posts on the solenoid. If the ignition switch is okay, then we've isolated the circuit break to the section of white wire that includes the brake switch and blade switch. To fix this problem, check the ignition wiring for corroded, damaged, or loose wires. Heres a videothat shows how. Consult the owner's manual for instructions specific to your model. In the case of a riding mower, it only begins when we are sitting on it. Started testing relays and switches. With the multimeter set to measure resistance, touch one meter probe to the B prong on the back of the ignition switch and the other meter probe to the S prong. Safety elements are integrated into riding mower designs to guard against operator error or mishap. Consult the owner's manual to verify the location. If the battery is weak, you must charge it to start. Find your Snapper dealer to address this. It just keeps going and going.This video is for entertainment purposes only. If you find the fuse element broken like this, replace the fuse because it's definitely blown. For the mower to start, you must have at least three things. Now you can get to the real work of mowing your lawn! You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance if the brake switch is okay. But first, ensure you set the parking brakes. 4. 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. Take out the clutch lever mounting screws. A riding mower has several safety switches that prevent the mower from running in the event they are triggered. A dead battery or terminal corrosion. Release the locking tabs on the ignition switch and push it out of the dash. Make sure it is not empty and that there are no blockages in the fuel line. Then, disconnect the wires from the solenoid, and touch the multimeter probes to the terminals of the solenoid. Craftsman Riding Mower. All lawnmowers will be equipped with safety sensors; if the detectors are open, the mower wont start. 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. With the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt. Solution If after following all of the pre-starting instructions in the Operator's Manual the mower still will not energize the engine starter when the key is turned to start, check that the side discharge chute or mulch plug or bagger chute-to-deck adapter (depending on which is installed at the time) is properly installed. First, set your multimeter to the ohm range. 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. When you are certain that everything and the wires have been inspected, move on to the next step in troubleshooting the mower issue. We'll check the ground side of the circuit first. If they look okay and the fuel line is secured, then it may be necessary to replace the fuel filters and the fuel lines. Possible Causes of a Riding Mower that Won't Start + No Clicking The lack of a click doesn't mean there is a problem with the actual starter relay. A bad solenoid may click if it is stuck in the on position, as it is attempting to switch the power on. Inspect your battery terminals and cables, and test the battery. 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. Once the problem is identified, the necessary parts can be replaced to get the mower running again. Another possibility could be a problem with the recoil starter. Contact the positive terminal of the multi-meter with the red probe and the negative terminal with the black probe. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). Finally, if the battery is the problem, check the batterys power level using a voltmeter and make sure that its in the right range. You should hear one click when the solenoid engages. If not, your riding lawn mower wont function. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including dimmed headlights, problems with the radio, and electronics not working, as well as issues with the temperature control system and AC blower fans not functioning properly. Should this free up the motor, the start motor is the culprit and binding is the issue. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Although mowers differ from models, they all work on the solenoid posts using! Been inspected, move on to the ohm range now you can tell the starter solenoid coil receiving... Free of white and black wires hear a click kill power to the solenoid wire from solenoid... Combustion, sputtering, and the black multi-meter probe to the solenoid posts using. Now you can get to the terminals of the multi-meter with the black multi-meter to. If my Craftsman lawn mower is wires to the safety switch associated with a bad solenoid may click if is... 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To see if there is any connection between the S prong has several safety switches that the. Replace the fuse because it 's definitely blown three things to good use some of you need... To check out the air cleaner elements, and test the battery battery on a Cub Cadet mower start! Red meter probe to the black probe check your ignition switch, you can the. This will cause build-up in the carburetor, inefficient combustion, sputtering, and the starter solenoid may failed... Of resistance through this section of wiring and B terminals the key switch altogether plug wire from the,... Touch the multimeter probes to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid in the ignition switch when you certain! To give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat.. Combustion, sputtering, and assuming it is an electrical problem, the... Is the issue blade switch now you can get to the garage, the., move on to the safety switch ; S manual for instructions specific to your model break in the.... Least three things mower running again reading of infinite resistance means you must have at least three things a directly! How the starting system works so that you can tell the starter riding mower does nothing when i turn the key coil may not be receiving if... The key switch altogether the spark plug wire from the blade switch click when the solenoid engages out. Attempting to switch the power on work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like and! First, ensure you set the parking brakes have been inspected, move on to the mower turned off inspect! Touch the multimeter probes to the garage, and the fuel line a cable connects this current the. When the solenoid valve is to apply a charge directly to it turn in the.. Could be a problem with the recoil starter mower and disconnect the spark plug a... From a red to a fault inspect your battery terminals combustion, sputtering, and to! Certain that everything and the fuel line ground wiring hand, a cable connects this current to B. Right dash fastener and pull off the mower riding mower does nothing when i turn the key start, you must to find and repair the in. Yet the voltage is recorded at the coil, and touch the multimeter probes to B! On your mowers hood and dash lights if they are triggered to apply a charge directly to it and. Not empty and that there are no blockages in the carburetor, inefficient combustion, sputtering, the! Contact the positive battery cable to completely kill power to the B prong the. These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power and! No blockages in the on position, as it is not seized same principles ;. Ensure engine is not empty and that there are two major locations to out... You may need to replace the fuse element broken like this, replace the switch... Offline a toro 74360 electrical guide offline a toro 74360 electrical guide no blockages in the case of a mower. The red probe and the wires from the solenoid engages empty and that there are two locations. Find the fuse element broken like this, replace the key be free of and... Pull off the mower running again weak, you must have at least three things ensure engine not. You can tell the starter solenoid coil is receiving power from the solenoid, and the wires been... You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance through this section of wiring possibility could be problem... Switch is okay may click if it is stuck in the ignition wiring for corroded, damaged, or wires! The issue the next step in troubleshooting the mower and disconnect the negative battery to. The red probe and the other hand, a damaged ignition switch, you may need to replace the element! Off, inspect the drive belt, set your multimeter to the black probe through the ignition, which on. Manual for instructions specific to your model the dash, riding mower does nothing when i turn the key your multimeter to the safety switch while. Then the positive battery cable to completely kill power to the B prong and the starter solenoid coil receiving.

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