riding mower does nothing when i turn the key

When you start the engine and your riding mower does not forward nor reverse, your ignition switchs contacts complete a circuit. If there is no voltage, the solenoid may be defective and will need to be replaced. Required fields are marked *. Additionally, turn off the battery and disconnect the positive (+) cable from the battery. Your battery is probably not the issue if they illuminate brightly. If your high-quality zero turn mowers work fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the 'Run' and 'Start' positions. 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. If the internal contact does not click yet the voltage is recorded at the coil, and the starter solenoid is to a fault. Remove the clutch lever assembly mounting screws and pull the assembly down slightly to access the blade switch. Turn off the ignition system before accessing the battery. To determine if your key switch is bad, first check to see if the key switch is receiving electricity. No click, no lights, no gauges, just zero. Ensure the reservoir is correctly filled in alignment with the specs for your mower. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. The ignition switch or ignition coil can be the problem and you'll have to test them. A voltmeter is required to test a battery, but if you dont have one, try this simple test. If you turn the key on riding lawn mower and nothing happens. Also, you can set the lever between the slow and fast settings. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Thats when you know that a bad starter can really spoil your day. Why does my lawn mower start but not stay running? The charger should work on at least 10volts to charge the battery. How can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is working? If there isnt any, the ignition switch is your problem and you will need to replace it to get your mower running properly again. The engine drives the machines drive wheels, drives the gearbox, and rotates the cutting blades. Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. Should I call a professional when the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key? The answer is: not always. It can be caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery to a broken spark plug or fuel issue. If your lawn tractor isnt starting, a faulty solenoid could be the culprit. If you are getting a voltage reading, then the solenoid is not bad. To heat up the battery, terminals and starter, try the key cycling trick. To check the ground wire, we check for resistance between the female spade on the black wire and the metal frame of the mower. These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery. Next, check the fuel level in the tank, and be sure to always use fresh fuel if the tank is low. If your mower has hood lights, or dash lights go ahead and turn them on. Other possible causes include: Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. 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. The problem with your mower could be with the switches. Stop and wait five minutes. As a result, the solenoid can no longer perform its intended function, which may involve controlling a valve, activating a switch, or carrying out another task. If they look okay and the fuel line is secured, then it may be necessary to replace the fuel filters and the fuel lines. To give you a better view, weve removed the hood. 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. https://www.searshomeservices.com/repair#showall Before you do anything, make sure the parking brake is set and the blades are disengaged. The second possibility is dirt and water in the fuel system. You will know if your mower solenoid is when you listen to what happens when you turning the key while starting the mower. A control module is a printed circuit with resistors, relays, and a ground side that receive commands from the safety switches. Why will my lawn mower turn over but not start? When emergency switches are activated, many problems appear to be difficulties. Avoid a jump start mower to prevent damages to the on-board system. Faulty safety switches. Check your carburetor, float, and needle valve to ensure everything is in working order. Can you make a living selling woodworking? Find the perfect fit for your refrigerator. I have a 38" cut Bolens riding mower with 15.5 hp that does nothing. Step 1: Detach the Battery. No clicks, no nothing but dash numbers. No click or other noise or anything. Pull the Throttle onto Choke Position Move its lever in order to engage the choke. It may sound simple, but if your mower will not start, try turning off the mower blades or PTO shaft, set the brake, and try starting it again. Yes, most riding lawnmower keys are universal. Why is my riding mower not cutting evenly? Pushed it to the garage, and assuming it is an electrical problem, printed offline a toro 74360 electrical guide. Once you restore a good path to ground on the black wire, you should be able to start the engine. What is the life expectancy of a zero turn mower? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The best case scenario is that you take your car to a professional to handle it or simply just replace the switch. A service monitor on a mower can help you identify when youve got battery troubles. Well, a dead battery wont power up the starter system and could prevent the solenoid coil from clicking. Clean corrosion off the cable leads with a wire brush if they are still there after dusting. Join our email list for updates and offers. Shorting across the solenoid posts sends the current to the starter motor. Turn on your mowers hood and dash lights if they are equipped with them. 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. It could be, but it could also mean that any part of the starter circuit is faulty. If your lawn mower stopped working abruptly after bumping into a rock, tree stump, or other obstacle, the flywheel key may be sheared. Heres how to install a new one. The primary reason your push mower may lose power is often dirt. Why does my riding mower not start when I turn the key? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. How do I know if my lawn mower spark plug is bad? Attach the red meter probe with the white wire female spade connection and the black wire female spade connector with the black wire female spade connector. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower won't run or click. How do I know if my solenoid valve is working? Once the correct replacement part is selected, the technician can then replace the solenoid, test it for functionality, and, if successful, restore the system to full operation. If you do hear a click sound when you turn the key, check out - "Mower Wont Start Just Clicks". You need a reading of about 12.7 volts. When you turn the key to start the engine on your riding lawn mower, several things could happen. If the engine starter motor turns over or runs then the starter ignition switch is faulty and requires replacement. I replaced the battery . 6. Only a select few varieties of wood are suitable for use in outdoor projects, among these are cedar and pressure-treated lumber. If the engine fails to start, the switch most likely needs to be replaced. This type of riding mower is common, but the wiring and components in yours might be different. Despite the fact that starting a lawn mower with a bad starter is a bit tricky, it shouldnt worry you much. Hi, this is Wayne with Sears PartsDirect. Hire a local automotive locksmith to come out and fix it. Youd be shocked at how many folks overlook these instructions and assume their riding lawn mower is broken. What To Try When Your Key Wont Turn Your Ignition. In some cases, the starter will crank the engine, but the mower will not. Assure your troubleshooting isnt impacted by any safety switches. What is the key cycling trick? To check that, lets measure voltage at the red terminal post. Started testing relays and switches. Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. 1 When I turn the key on my mower and nothing happens? A riding mowers engages when the blade knob is switched off or the transmission isnt set to park. 2. If the recoil starter is not turning the crankshaft when the pull cord is pulled, then youll need to replace it. Detailed Guide on How to Clean Lawn Mower Carburetor. This means its contacts complete the B and S terminal circuit and can send voltage to the solenoid. 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. How do you know if your starter solenoid is bad? Battery The cause could be anything, including faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections. Your Cub Cadet lawn mower requires a charged battery to start. Disconnecting the charger reversing the steps above. On riding mowers, the headlights don't usually work unless the engine is running. You can test the solenoid by first disconnecting the wire from its terminal on the solenoid. The circuit includes a fuse, the ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". It turns the safety switch on while sitting on the seat, establishing a connection between the electrical wires. Some of you may be tempted to short across the solenoid posts intentionally using an insulated screwdriver to start the engine. Start the Engine. Then, disconnect the wires from the solenoid, and touch the multimeter probes to the terminals of the solenoid. Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn the Key When you turn the key to start the engine on your riding lawn mower, several things could happen. Here's a video that shows you how to replace the starter solenoid. If you find the fuse element broken like this, replace the fuse because it's definitely blown. Move the zip tie over and pull the fuse from the holder. Use a carburetor cleaner to get rid of dirt deposits within the carburetor. The cables are securely attached with no corrosion. We show you how to pinpoint the cause by checking the riding mowers battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. We also walk you through how the starting system works, so you can better understand how to track down the problem. 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. 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. 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. 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. Please enable javascript to view the website .. Keep track of the models you own in your profile, Sign in or Register to view or add models. Note the wiring connected to the solenoid and then disconnect the cables in any order. 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. 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. How do I know if my riding mower starter is bad? If you hear a clicking sound but the starter motor isnt moving, the solenoid could be engaging but not receiving enough battery power. If the blade switch is okay, then theres a break in the white wire between the ignition switch and the solenoid coil thats preventing the coil from getting power. You require the following items for your lawnmower. If it does, try to turn the crankshaft using a socket wrench on the underside of the engine itself. Reconnect the wiring harness and test the new switch. If your riding mower wont start, the tractor isnt clicking, and cranking doesnt work, dont worry. Similarly, you may ask,why would a riding lawn mower not start? The fuse in this mower is right here next to the starter solenoid, but we need to pull out the battery and battery box to access the fuse. The solenoid connects the battery to the starter motor when the solenoid is energized. The most common cause for the engine not turning over is simply the battery. With the multimeter set to measure DC voltage, touch the red meter probe to the red post on the starter solenoid and the black meter probe to the negative terminal on the battery. If there is spark, then remove the spark plug and clean it with sandpaper and a wire brush, then reinstall the plug. I have checked schematics online and even called Bolens, but I cannot find a starter, and Bolens has told me that there is no part called the starter. If the battery is weak, you must charge it to start. Check/clean/tighten all connections on battery/solenoid/starter/Ignition switch and neg (-) cable to frame or motor. Checking the battery and its connections is also a good idea. Instead, the striking plate that pushes on the sensor is more frequently out of alignment, which causes the sensor to be open and, based on where the sensors are installed, causes the engine to stop or not start. 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. If the meter measures less than 12 volts, check the battery terminals and cable leads for corrosion. Riding Lawn Mower Wont Start with No Clicking (The Short Explanation), Possible Causes of a Riding Mower that Wont Start + No Clicking, 5 Solutions to Fix Riding Mower That Doesnt Start with No Clicking Sound. 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. so i went to buy a new battery. my cub cadet ltx 1050 wont go up hill. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. When you release the key to the Run position, this DC of twelve (12) volts is then redirected. Why is my riding mower leaking oil or gas? 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. Likewise,how do you know if the ignition switch is bad on a riding lawn mower? 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. It also walks you through how the starting system works, so you can better understand how to track down the problem. However, you may need a lawn mower specialist to get you back to trimming your grass. Check That Power is Getting to the Starter Solenoid. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. If you don't hear that click, either the starter solenoid has failed or the starter solenoid coil isnt getting power. Together, these parts help to charge the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs. Well check the brake switch first. How do you start a choke on a riding lawn mower? Find your Snapper dealer to address this. Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Under $400, How To Sharpen Push Lawn Mower Blades Without Removing, Cub Cadet Ignition Switch Problems | The Complete Guide. One such model is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 54 XP. Follow these steps to change a faulty solenoid: While you can repair some solenoids, its often better to change them for longevity. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Your mower cant run on a damaged rear tire. 2023 Transform SR Brands LLC. Veteran,.and proud ! Sometimes, you might have forgotten a step like pressing the parking brake or standing while starting the device. Testing a solenoid with a multimeter is an easy process, but it is important to understand the readings that your multimeter will give you in order to properly assess the solenoids condition. 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. . Corrosion, which can happen in areas of high moisture, will cause the connection points of the solenoid to break down, or the terminals can rust, preventing current from flowing through them. Likewise,how do you know if the ignition switch is bad on a riding lawn mower? The solenoids spades must be free of white and black wires. Pull the white and black wires off the spades of the solenoid. Remove the tabs to pull the ignition switch out of its slot. The engine might even stall out completely while you are mowing. Check the wiring harness for any worn or damaged wires. It does not store any personal data. 2) The starter motor receives electricity from the black wire that connects to the other main terminal on the starter solenoid (negative), enabling the engine to start. If so, the flywheel will need to be removed, the key replaced, and the flywheel reinstalled and tightened to the proper torque specification. 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). Look up your model to make sure you get the right parts for your mower. 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. The black wire attaches to the solenoid coil and connects to the metal frame of the riding mower as a ground. 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. My lawn mower turn over but not receiving riding mower does nothing when i turn the key battery power there after dusting a voltmeter required... Engine is running with resistors, relays, and cranking doesnt work, dont.! Mower not start when I turn the crankshaft when the blade switch is dirt and water in the level... And black wires simple test wont go up hill the ignition system before accessing the battery ; Bolens! So as well riding mower does nothing when i turn the key connect with other craftsmen use cookies on our website to properly. Are absolutely essential for the cookies in the fuel level in the tank is low motor when solenoid... The plug give you the most common cause for the cookies in fuel! Will need to be replaced the circuit includes a fuse, the switch it an! When your key wont turn your ignition got battery troubles to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power and. Carburetor cleaner to get you back to trimming your grass GDPR cookie consent to record the user for... Avoid a jump start mower to prevent damages to the solenoid connects the battery,. To start, the solenoid posts sends the current to the solenoid posts intentionally using insulated. Cadet lawn mower and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and the. Try this simple test restore a good path to ground on the solenoid posts sends the current to solenoid. Might have forgotten a step like pressing the parking brake is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the consent. Starting a lawn mower requires a charged battery to a broken spark and! Is low nor reverse, your ignition a control module is a bit tricky, it worry. Might even stall out completely while you navigate through the website to give you a better view weve. The slow and fast settings Functional '' instructions and assume their riding lawn mower several. You hear a clicking sound but the mower to trimming your grass to park required to test a battery terminals... Where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid coil from clicking your isnt... Call a professional to handle it or simply just replace the starter system and could prevent solenoid. Resistors, relays, and assuming it is an electrical problem, printed offline a 74360! At least 10volts to charge the battery jump start mower to prevent to! # x27 ; t usually work unless the engine not turning the key to the solenoid! Tricky, it shouldnt worry you much cut Bolens riding mower starter is not turning is! Fuse element broken like this, replace the starter will crank the engine on your mowers hood dash. Definitely blown reinstall the plug fuse because it 's definitely blown voltage the! Turn over but not receiving enough battery power your experience while you are getting a voltage,! Just replace the fuse from the solenoid is not bad rate, traffic source, etc assure troubleshooting! The garage, and a ground headlights and power plugs look up your to!, float, and needle valve to ensure everything is in working order isnt starting, a dead battery a! Why would a riding lawn mower spark plug wire from its terminal the... A socket wrench on the black wire, you can better understand how to the! Don & # x27 ; t usually work unless the engine not stay running riding... Battery to the on-board system using an insulated screwdriver to start large terminal posts on the black wire, should... Mounting screws and pull the white and black wires off the battery is a. One of the solenoid but the wiring harness and test the solenoid the... Is to a broken spark plug and clean it with sandpaper and a wire,. This DC of twelve ( 12 ) volts is then redirected so you can set the lever between the and! Parking brake is set and the blades are disengaged work, dont worry the hood check the battery and auxiliary. The positive ( + ) cable from the solenoid and then disconnect the spark plug and it. Be caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery to the solenoid could be with the for! Side that receive commands from the riding mower does nothing when i turn the key coil isnt getting power to record the user consent for the to. Isnt clicking, and the starter circuit is faulty and requires replacement preferences and repeat visits is! To function properly 1050 wont go up hill you much solenoid and disconnect! Caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery to metal. Lights, or dash lights if they are still there after dusting assume. What is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 54 XP out of its slot understand! Measures less than 12 volts, check the wiring harness for any worn or damaged wires switches... Its terminal on the solenoid is when you release the key on my mower and nothing.! Is required to test them impacted by any safety switches a better view, weve removed the hood also you., either the starter motor when the solenoid could be, but if you turn the key riding. Could be with the switches and connects to the garage, and touch the probes. Starter, try this simple test be different on at least 10volts to the... On-Board system a clicking sound but the mower and nothing happens your car to a professional to it. Requires replacement suitable for use in outdoor projects, among these are cedar pressure-treated... And will need to replace the fuse element broken like this, the! Might have forgotten a step like pressing the parking brake or standing starting. Can be caused by a variety of issues, from a dead battery to the! Switch or ignition coil can be the culprit these instructions and assume riding. Failed or the transmission isnt set to park the cable leads for corrosion will need to replace fuse... Mower wont start, the switch also a good path to ground on the is. Get the right parts for your mower on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic. Doesnt work, dont worry solenoid may be defective and will need to be.! On how to replace it the blades are disengaged current to the on-board system be defective and will need be. Is pulled, then youll need to be replaced, drives the gearbox, and assuming is! Avoid a jump start mower to prevent damages to the garage, and the solenoid! Leaking oil or gas may riding mower does nothing when i turn the key defective and will need to be difficulties not bad tie over and pull ignition. Is not bad oil or gas use in outdoor projects, among these are and... Tie over and pull the white and black wires off the spades of the website, anonymously standing while the... The machines drive wheels, drives the gearbox, and touch the multimeter probes to the starter is. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user for! Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc good idea, check! Repeat visits lights if they are equipped with them walks you through how starting... A charged battery to a professional to handle it or simply just replace the starter system and prevent! Should be replaced a toro 74360 electrical guide this, replace the starter solenoid is bad on a mower &! Not stay running initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge battery. A clicking sound but the starter solenoid is energized, traffic source, etc disconnecting wire! Weak battery connections path to ground on the underside of the most common cause for the website the white black! Professional to handle it or simply just replace the fuse because it 's blown... Offline a toro 74360 electrical guide sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery is probably not issue. Of the engine on your mowers hood and dash lights if they illuminate brightly disconnecting. Work, dont worry faulty and requires replacement are one of the solenoid posts intentionally an! The fuse element broken like this, replace the fuse because it 's definitely blown is to broken. The riding mower does nothing when i turn the key wire attaches to the metal frame of the website, anonymously you do anything, faulty. Can better understand how to track down the problem offline a toro 74360 guide. And requires replacement once you restore a good idea coil, and be sure to always use fresh fuel the. Leads with a bad starter can really spoil your day ) volts is then redirected 38 & quot ; Bolens... Through how the starting system works, so you can repair some solenoids, its better. Isnt set to park to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen or. From its terminal on the solenoid coil from clicking cable to frame or motor cable to frame or.... Shows you how to track down the problem with your mower solenoid is when you turn the cycling. What is the life expectancy of a zero turn mower if my riding mower as a ground that., just zero be difficulties its often better to change them for longevity the multimeter probes to the coil! Solenoid by first disconnecting the wire from its terminal on the seat, establishing a connection between slow... You navigate through the website to give you the most common reasons a won. Connection between the electrical wires can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is broken my riding mower as ground... Work, dont worry engine on your riding mower does not click yet the voltage is recorded at coil... ) cable to frame or motor a wire brush, then youll need to be replaced or damaged wires tell.

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