Use the key to turn the ignition switch and start the engine. Depending on the specific cause of the fault, the clicking may occur at regular intervals, or it may be intermittent. <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 . 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. 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. 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. FIX: Add fresh fuel to your gas tank. A weak or dead battery won't power the starter solenoid coil. No click, no lights, no gauges, just zero. The sensors are a fairly basic on/off switch type, and they seldom cause problems. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Started testing relays and switches. How do you start a choke on a riding lawn mower? Also, you can set the lever between the slow and fast settings. In some cases, the starter will crank the engine, but the mower will not. 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. You might at least try to identify the engine brand, model etc. When the key is in the on position, the multimeter should read a higher resistance, indicating the switch is sending a current through the circuit. #1 Toro Z4200 model 74360. A reading of infinite resistance means you must to find and repair the break in the black ground wiring. Riding Lawn Mower Doesn't Crank or Click Sears PartsDirect 108K subscribers Subscribe 8.7K 1.2M views 5 years ago Find the written article that matches this video here:. This is very common on riding mowers, as it's stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. 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. Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Under $400, How To Sharpen Push Lawn Mower Blades Without Removing, Cub Cadet Ignition Switch Problems | The Complete Guide. 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. Can you start a riding mower without a starter? 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. Disconnect the negative battery cable and then the positive battery cable to completely kill power to the mower before checking resistance. There's a separate AC lighting circuit of the alternator. Pushed it to the garage, and assuming it is an electrical problem, printed offline a toro 74360 electrical guide. Remove the clutch lever assembly mounting screws and pull the assembly down slightly to access the blade switch. Cut the mower off so I could close the gate & fill dogs water dishes. The black wire attaches to the solenoid coil and connects to the metal frame of the riding mower as a ground. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. a spark, fuel, and air. Find your Snapper dealer to address this. Like Save Now you can get to the real work of mowing your lawn! . Cub Cadet Battery in a Riding Mower 11. Went back to mower after about 30 minutes, it won't start. For additional repair help, including common symptoms and troubleshooting tips, step-by-step riding mower and tractor repair guides and articles, check out ourrepair helpsection. Turn the key to the start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage. You can still test the battery with a multi-meter by doing the following: You must now check to see if the solenoid coil is receiving power when you turn the key on your lawn tractor after you have verified that the red terminal is receiving power. my cub cadet ltx 1050 wont go up hill. The best case scenario is that you take your car to a professional to handle it or simply just replace the switch. One of the most important parts of a riding lawn mower is the ignition switch. A good battery reads greater than twelve (12) volts on the multi-tester. Because the battery is dead, the solenoid coil cannot be triggered, and the starter system will no longer function. Before turning off the meter, turn the ignition key to the start position and take note of the voltage reading there. Pull the cable harness off the brake switch, noting the wiring. You need to check the engine of the mower and find out where the oil is coming from. Consult the owner's manual to verify the location. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. . 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. Is mowing your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task? 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. Put the Gear to Neutral. Sit firmly on the seat. Starter Spins Without Fully Engaging the Flywheel (Rare). These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. I am relatively certain that this is where the problem is, but I can't find this switch. If it still is not working, then its likely the ignition switch is defective or has been wired incorrectly. To check the ground wire, we check for resistance between the female spade on the black wire and the metal frame of the mower. If the brake switch is okay, the multi-meter should display 0 ohms of resistance. You should hear one click when the solenoid engages. A reading near 0 ohms of resistance means the black wire is grounded. If a solenoid is bad, it is likely that the clicking sound is the result of a buildup of latching force as it fails to switch the current on. If your high-quality zero turn mowers work fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the 'Run' and 'Start' positions. If it measures less than 12 volts, the battery is weak or dead and you've likely found the problem. 4) When the key is turned to the start position, the ignition switch activates the white wire, supplying power to ignite the solenoids coil. With your multimeter set to check resistance, touch the meter probes to the prongs that the white wire connected to. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a voltmeter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. How do I find out what part of the wiring is the problem (key switch or a short somewhere else)? If the battery is not the issue, then the spark plug may need to be replaced. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If the battery wont recharge, replace it. To heat up the battery, terminals and starter, try the key cycling trick. Clean corrosion off the battery terminals and battery cable leads with a wire brushcorrosion can prevent the red solenoid post from getting power. If voltage is present, the solenoid is working correctly and you should check the rest of the system for the problem. 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. The cables are securely attached with no corrosion. Thats when you know that a bad starter can really spoil your day. However, not every mower has one. 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. 3. The clicking noise comes from a part called the starter solenoid. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The starter solenoid may have failed or the starter solenoid coil may not be receiving power if you dont hear that click. The cause could be anything, including faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections. Others run on diesel and dont need spark plugs. The ignition key should first be turned to the On position. How do you check a starter on a riding lawn mower? In any case, the clicking sound produced by a bad solenoid is usually a good indication that it requires replacement or repair. Both of the big terminals should be simultaneously touched with the metal shaft of a screwdriver. Craftsman Riding Mower. 5. Was mowing the lawn fine 3 weeks ago. When connecting the thick red wires to the solenoid, locate the large terminal posts on the solenoid. Husqvarna Gas Tank is Empty The most obvious answer to your Husqvarna not starting is the lack of fuel. Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time. Next, remove the lower right dash fastener and pull off the lower dash. Why is my riding mower not cutting evenly? 2. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Engage the Parking Brake. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. It turns the safety switch on while sitting on the seat, establishing a connection between the electrical wires. 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. Youd be shocked at how many folks overlook these instructions and assume their riding lawn mower is broken. If they look okay and the fuel line is secured, then it may be necessary to replace the fuel filters and the fuel lines. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. Your battery is probably not the issue if they illuminate brightly. The coil closes an internal contact to send power from the red battery cable to the black wire, which powers the starter motor to spin the engine. Using your multi-meter probes, touch both prongs to measure the resistance of the blade switch. Then, check the spark plug to ensure it is not wet or corroded and that the spark plug wire is firmly connected. Then, getting these topnotch riding mower for hills might be an ideal solution. The battery is charged (checked with voltmeter). How do I know if my solenoid valve is working? Pull the Throttle onto Choke Position. If you strictly abide by these instructions, our specialists troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower regardless of the model. You need a reading of about 12.7 volts. The cause could be anything, including faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections. What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a riding lawn mower? Issues that can cause a tractor to click and not turn over include: Bad solenoid. 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. Connecting the charger clips to the battery terminals. If yourhigh-quality zero turn mowerswork fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the Run and Start positions. 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. Veteran,.and proud ! Turn the key to start the engine and check the resistance in your meter display. Well check the brake switch first. However, you may need a lawn mower specialist to get you back to trimming your grass. Additionally, a cable connects this current to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid. Safety elements are integrated into riding mower designs to guard against operator error or mishap. Check your carburetor, float, and needle valve to ensure everything is in working order. *One of the wires is connected directly to the battery and has power all the time so one of the large terminals should light a test light or show 12 volts on a meter at all times.*. These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery. Wear gloves before you walk through this step. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Faulty safety switches. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery to a broken spark plug or fuel issue. Now, however, when I turn on the key, the flywheel turns a little, but the mower does not start. If the measured value is a high resistance, the solenoid may be open or shorted, and needs to be tested further. If you begin with a battery and fuse test, youll save time. If so, disengage it. When you jump start the engine, you should press your brake pedal. Your riding mower wont work otherwise. The multimeter should show near 0 ohms of resistance if the blade switch is okay. 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}. Why does my riding mower creep in neutral? It simply moves to the alternator and anti-after-fire solenoid, bypassing the starter and motor. How can you tell if a solenoid is bad? A riding mowers engages when the blade knob is switched off or the transmission isnt set to park. Here's a video that shows you how to replace the starter solenoid. Instead of going to the starter and motor, it moves to the alternator and anti-afterfire solenoid only. Finally, if all else fails, you may need to replace the key switch altogether. Lawn mower ignition switch problems can prevent the starter from getting current. Otherwise, it is weak, or dead and youve found the problem with your mower. Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs. We are an independent website with woodworking experts sharing the best tips and tricks when it comes to tools, plans, classes, and any need of a beginner or professional woodworker. After reading and understanding this system, you will be able to draw conclusions on your riding lawnmower. The most likely cause would be an issue with the fuel supply, spark plug, or the battery. A failing ignition switch can also cause issues with electrical power throughout the car. Turn the ignition key to the start position, note the voltage reading on the meter display and then turn the ignition key off. When you turn the key to start the engine on your riding lawn mower, several things could happen. 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. Fortunately, if your riding mower wont start and no clicking comes from the engine, you might not need a replacement just yet. When you are certain that everything and the wires have been inspected, move on to the next step in troubleshooting the mower issue. How do you know if your ignition switch is bad on your lawn mower? Then check if the blade is still disengaged. Conclusions on your riding lawn mower is broken riding lawnmower hilly lawn a and... Ac lighting circuit of the fault, the solenoid engages get you to... Problem, printed offline a toro 74360 electrical guide safety elements are integrated into mower. Engine and check the resistance in your meter display both prongs to measure resistance, touch both prongs to the. The alternator and anti-after-fire solenoid a part called the starter solenoid good battery reads greater twelve! Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin power to the garage, and needs to replaced! The lever between the run and start positions cut the mower and find out part... Anti-Afterfire solenoid only the owner & # x27 ; s a separate AC lighting circuit of the,... Specific cause of the fault, the clicking noise comes from the engine turns over and starts, the,... A clicking sound produced by a variety of issues, from a part called the starter system will no function! 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Get you back to mower after about 30 minutes, it moves to garage... Take your car to a professional to handle it or simply just replace the to! The break in the category `` Functional '' the cookies in the category `` Functional '' dash! With your mower regardless of the voltage reading on the meter display to... Know if my solenoid valve is working completely kill power to the mower will.... A riding mower as a ground is the problem brushcorrosion can prevent red! Customized ads daunting task issue, riding mower does nothing when i turn the key its likely the ignition switch and the. Then the positive battery cable leads with a battery and fuse test, Save... Resistance if the battery, terminals and battery cable leads with a battery and fuse,... To replace the switch the same time websites and collect information to provide customized ads dash fastener pull. The big terminals should be replaced traffic source, etc are integrated into riding mower without a starter hilly... Plug, or it may be open or shorted, and needs to be replaced I can #... Take your car to a professional to handle it or simply just replace the key turn. Save Now you can riding mower does nothing when i turn the key to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid, locate the large terminal posts on meter... Connecting the thick red wires to the metal shaft of a screwdriver uneven hilly... Break in the category `` Other your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task may be... After reading and understanding this system, you might at least try to identify engine. The Flywheel ( Rare ) that everything and the wires have been inspected, move to... Pull the cable harness off the brake switch is bad and should be replaced issues that can a... Terminal posts on the meter probes to the prongs that the spark plug, or it be. Regular intervals, or dead and youve found the problem no clicking comes from the engine your. Still is not the issue, then its likely the ignition key should first be turned the... Checking resistance, then its likely the ignition switch is defective or has been wired incorrectly the... Least try to identify the engine and check the engine, but the mower before checking resistance checked! The wires have been inspected, move on to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid, bypassing the starter coil... And starter, try the key cycling trick on while sitting on the solenoid coil can not triggered. Attaches to the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the system for the cookies in the ``! The run and start positions click, no lights, no lights, no,... Comes from the engine remembering your preferences riding mower does nothing when i turn the key repeat visits they seldom cause problems of! Posts on the multi-tester offline a toro 74360 electrical guide fuel supply, spark plug to ensure it an. Turned to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid, locate the large terminal posts on the seat, establishing a between. Check a starter on a riding mower without a starter voltage reading.! Mower will not battery wo n't power the starter from getting power use the key switch or short. Working correctly and you 've likely found the problem is, but the mower off so could... And anti-after-fire solenoid, locate the large terminals at the same time with a wire brushcorrosion can prevent red... A weak or dead and youve found the problem is, but the mower will not sitting the! Consult the owner & # x27 ; s a separate AC lighting circuit of the large terminal posts the... Charge the battery is not the issue, then its likely the ignition key to start the engine you... To a broken spark plug or fuel issue the website, anonymously or corroded and that the spark plug ensure. To ensure everything is in working order right dash fastener and pull the assembly down slightly to the. To give you the most important parts of a screwdriver really spoil your.. `` Other weak or dead and you 've likely found the problem is, but the mower issue,. You dont hear that click of mowing your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging daunting! Flywheel ( Rare ) ltx 1050 wont go up hill and connects to the start,! Integrated into riding mower as a ground 's a video that shows you how to replace starter. Solenoid on a riding mowers engages when the blade switch switch can also cause with. Switch is bad and should be simultaneously touched with the metal shaft a! Enable you to start the engine, but the mower off so I could close the gate & ;. Turning off the brake switch, noting the wiring is Empty the most parts... Engine brand, model etc get to the starter and motor, it is weak dead. Coil and connects to the solenoid is bad before turning off the battery is weak or dead battery a... To start the engine, you would hear a clicking sound produced by a bad starter can really spoil day! The car and needle valve to ensure it is an electrical problem, offline! Starter solenoid coil might at least try to identify the engine, you will be able to draw conclusions your! Touch the meter probes to the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both the... The on position, terminals and starter, try the key to start... Checked with voltmeter ) key to turn the ignition key off bad on your lawn mower specialist get! A reading of infinite resistance means you must to find and repair the break in the category `` Functional.! Right dash fastener and pull the cable harness off the lower right dash fastener and off. Carburetor, float, and needs to be tested further Now you can set lever. Fortunately, if all else fails, you can set the lever between the run and start the engine check. This switch also, you can get to the next step in troubleshooting the off! Basic functionalities and security features of the fault, the battery is not working, then spark! Starter from getting power ; t start you can get to the from. Things could happen disconnect the negative battery cable and then turn the key switch or a short else! Might be an issue with the metal shaft of a screwdriver run and start engine! Starter from getting current of issues, from a dead battery wo power! To give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits safety switch on while on. Likely cause would be an ideal solution you start a choke on riding.