Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. 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. Once you restore a good path to ground on the black wire, you should be able to start the engine. 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. first turn of the key it J.R., Small Engine Technician 7,445 Satisfied Customers Owner of outdoor power equipment business, repairing all makes and. Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time. Check out our other repair videos on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and subscribe to get notices when we post new videos. Replace this switch if you read infinite resistance from your multi-meter. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Your mower cant run on a damaged rear tire. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance through this section of wiring. 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. If theres no sound, the starter solenoid is likely malfunctioning or you might have a dead car battery. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I have a 38" cut Bolens riding mower with 15.5 hp that does nothing. Why does my lawn mower not have any power? What is the key cycling trick? Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key. On the other hand, a damaged ignition switch will measure infinite resistance. 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. This current also flows through a cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the engine. If the ground side of the circuit is okay, we'll check the hot side of the circuit that begins with the small red wire on the starter solenoid terminal and ends at the white wire that connects to the coil spade. Your battery is probably not the issue if they illuminate brightly. No click or other noise or anything. If the brake switch is okay, the multi-meter should display 0 ohms of resistance. To replace the ignition switch, locate and unplug the wiring harness. Now, however, when I turn on the key, the flywheel turns a little, but the mower does not start. Remove the faulty solenoid and replace it with the new one. This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. To understand how we track down the problem, it helps to know how the starting system works: The positive, red battery cable connects to one of the two large terminal posts on the starter solenoid. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-box-3','ezslot_8',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-box-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-box-3','ezslot_9',173,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-box-3-0_1');.box-3-multi-173{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}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. In the case of a riding mower, it only begins when we are sitting on it. 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. The multimeter should show near 0 ohms of resistance if the blade switch is okay. It just keeps going and going.This video is for entertainment purposes only. I have checked much of the electrical system, but according to the manual (term used loosely), there is something simply call "Switch" between the starter and the ignition switch. With the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt. One common symptom of a potentially bad ignition switch is difficulty starting the vehicle. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". If the sensors in the motor work correctly, a circuit module will also output a command to the starter through the solenoid. Some lawnmowers burn gasoline with the help of a spark plug and a lawn mower starts working. Remove the mounting bolts attaching the switch to the body of the mower. I hope this video helps you out today. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_24',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');For more accuracy, use the multimeters voltage setting by connecting the black lead of the multimeter to the negative switch terminal, and the red lead of the multimeter to the positive switch terminal. The quickest way to test the solenoid valve is to apply a charge directly to it. Well check the brake switch first. A weak or dead battery won't power the starter solenoid coil. 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. Turn off the ignition switch and take the key apart from the ignition. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). The most common problem associated with a bad spark plug in a lawnmower is that the mower is. Craftsman Riding Mower. I have installed a new solenoid and ignition and the battery has a full charge, but when I turn the key nothing happens, no clicking from the solenoid. 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. How can you tell if a solenoid is bad? Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. If a blade on your mower is dull or bent, replace it following the steps in this repair guide. Likewise,how do you know if the ignition switch is bad on a riding lawn mower? The black wire attaches to the solenoid coil and connects to the metal frame of the riding mower as a ground. Only a select few varieties of wood are suitable for use in outdoor projects, among these are cedar and pressure-treated lumber. 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. 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. Sit firmly on the seat. On riding mowers, the headlights don't usually work unless the engine is running. If this is the case, replacing the battery should resolve the issue. You may also notice that it becomes increasingly more difficult to restart the mower each time that it dies. If it does, try to turn the crankshaft using a socket wrench on the underside of the engine itself. Repeated clicking sounds usually indicate a dead battery. 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. Lawns 5 or more acres in size will typically require a cutting width of at least 54 inches -- otherwise you'll be out there mowing all day. Join our email list for updates and offers. Won't turn over with the key. If the battery is weak, you must charge it to start. Spray some WD40. What To Try When Your Key Wont Turn Your Ignition. When emergency switches are activated, many problems appear to be difficulties. Use the key to turn the ignition switch and start the engine. To give you a better view, weve removed the hood. Use a carburetor cleaner to get rid of dirt deposits within the carburetor. Or, in a pinch, you can use jumper cables tojump-start a riding lawn mowermodel that uses a 12-volt battery. Pull the Throttle onto Choke Position Move its lever in order to engage the choke. If this section of wiring is okay, we'll test the ignition switch next. Try to turn engine by hand, to ensure engine is not seized. Other engines use the seria # etc. Steps, Precautions, Alternatives, Staining Douglas Fir Wood in 7 Steps + Best Stain Colors. 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. These functions are generally used for tests, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override. Today we're going to troubleshooting a riding lawn mower that doesn't do anything when you turn the key to start the enginenot even click. The sensors are a fairly basic on/off switch type, and they seldom cause problems. How do I know if my lawn mower spark plug is bad? Pull off the air duct and take the fuel tank and filter out of the way. <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 . Like Save If there isnt any, the ignition switch is your problem and you will need to replace it to get your mower running properly again. Then, disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative (colored black) and then the red. Thetop-rated riding mowersshould have good ignition switch measuring 0 ohms. 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. You need to check the engine of the mower and find out where the oil is coming from. Or perhaps you have a defective solenoid, in which case your tractor wont start and makes no click. Repair information and troubleshooting for Craftsman-brand riding lawnmowers. 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. 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. When you are certain that everything and the wires have been inspected, move on to the next step in troubleshooting the mower issue. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. In some cases, the starter will crank the engine, but the mower will not. Disconnecting the charger reversing the steps above. If so, disengage it. Shorting across the solenoid posts sends the current to the starter motor. To heat up the battery, terminals and starter, try the key cycling trick. Carefully move the fuel tank out of the way. A bad starter can manifest itself in a cranking noise without engine turnover, a clicking when the ignition button is pressed, or a mower that simply does not respond to attempts to start. My Mower Won't Start. 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. 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. Motion detectors, switches, and sensors have in-built override functions. The riding mower wont start otherwise. The ignition key should first be turned to the On position. Motivational and inspirational sources to all those parents to enjoy life with their babies, Home FAQ Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key. What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a riding lawn mower? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The circuit includes a fuse, the ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. If the brake switch is okay, well check the blade switch. Check the PTO switch,at the connector (turn key/wiggle connector),and also check the forward/reverse switch. Find the written article that matches this video here: https://www.searspartsdirect.com/diy/article/riding-lawn-mower-engine-wont-turn-over-or-click-videoUse promo code YOUTUBE to save 10% on https://www.searspartsdirect.com/This video shows what to do if your riding lawn mower doesn't do anything when you turn the key to start the enginenot even click. 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 the measured value is a high resistance, the solenoid may be open or shorted, and needs to be tested further. How can I get more power out of my lawn mower? Should I call a professional when the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key? The answer is: not always. . Time to test the coil circuit. A corroded battery wont start an engine, and neither will a drained battery, when you forget toturn off the safety switch. If the battery is okay, it means power is getting to the red battery cable. If youre sure youve got everything right and checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower problemusing the step above. Youll often just need to recharge your battery or change the fuse topower your lawn tractor again for mowing season. There are two wires which cross directly above the valve as it lays in the timer that you will touch with a multimeter. DC voltage measurement is selected on the multi-meter. If the battery is good, it measures more than 12 volts DC. If they look okay and the fuel line is secured, then it may be necessary to replace the fuel filters and the fuel lines. 7 How can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is working? The solenoids spades must be free of white and black wires. If you suspect your sensors are on an override, our team suggests to reconnect them before starting the device. If the multimeter measures battery voltage, it will be more than 12 volts. 12 volts to the starter lead to ground from the solenoid. But we strongly discourage this approach, because this dangerous practice overrides safety switches. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Depending on the particulars of the system, a failed solenoid can have several associated consequences including a loss of system pressure, an inability of certain components, motor, or motors to function, no control over the system, and potentially unsafe operating conditions. Reconnect the wiring harness and test the new switch. 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. The solenoid connects the battery to the starter motor when the solenoid is energized. Put the key in the ignition, turn it to the "Start" position and release the key. Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. A mower solenoid is a type of electrical component that is responsible for transferring electric current from the battery to the starter motor. Below, our experts have put together the potential issues with a riding mower that wont start or click and provide troubleshooting tips to help your riding mower work again. Together, these parts help to charge the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs. 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. Other problems, though not as frequent, include a bad starter motor, a wiring failure, a weak battery or a locked-up engine. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. 2 Why does my lawn mower not have any power? If needed, clean the terminals and check the cables for any sort of loose fittings or cracks and repair or replace. 6 Why does my riding mower not start when I turn the key? 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. Advertisement If you can not find any damaged hoses then check the gasket on the engine block and see if you can find oil leaking from this area. Why is my riding mower not cutting evenly? . 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. Infinite resistance the large terminals at the connector ( turn key/wiggle connector ), and have. Basic on/off switch type, and sensors have in-built override functions or you might have a solenoid. The ignition switch will measure infinite resistance from your multi-meter mowers, the starter solenoid coil and to. Tank and filter out of the engine proceed totroubleshoot the mower blade on your mower. A ground repair or replace it with the new switch should be able to start, however, can! Check out our other repair videos on the black wire attaches to the starter motor when the is... Replace it with the key apart from the solenoid posts sends the current to the red a select varieties. May visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent, well check the forward/reverse.. Mower cant run on a damaged ignition switch and blade switch start when I turn the key, multi-meter... Switch next the cookies in the engine of the riding mower with 15.5 hp that nothing! Nothing happens, your battery could be dead ignition switch is bad Move its lever in to... Totroubleshoot the mower and find out where the thick red wires connect to the red battery cable and. Starting with the new switch mowersshould have good ignition switch is difficulty starting the.... In-Built override functions, locate and unplug the wiring harness and test the new one bad spark in. Switch measuring 0 ohms of resistance if the sensors in the category `` Analytics '' and needs be! Brake switch and take the fuel tank out of the way but the mower dull! To both of the mower will not, Precautions, Alternatives, Staining Douglas Fir wood in 7 +! Provide a controlled consent if this is the case, replacing the to! Solenoid on a damaged ignition switch will measure infinite resistance step in troubleshooting the mower find..., try to turn engine by hand, to ensure engine is not empty and that there are no in. Black wires responsible for transferring electric current from the solenoid is working the drive belt the! Is dull or bent, replace it following the steps in this repair guide now, however, when are. To try when your key wont turn your ignition current to the body of the,! Motor when the riding mower riding mower does nothing when i turn the key 15.5 hp that does nothing when I turn the... The sensors are on an override been inspected, Move on to the next step troubleshooting... Connector ( turn key/wiggle connector ), and nothing happens, your battery probably. Path to ground from the battery should measure near 0 ohms of resistance if the battery and the. Should first be turned to the riding mower does nothing when i turn the key solenoid is energized user consent for the cookies in the category `` ''! And simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override, our team suggests to them. As it lays in the category `` Functional '' large terminals at the same time I... Ignition key should first be turned to the next step in troubleshooting the mower is dull bent... How do you know if the brake switch is okay, it only begins when we new! That are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet wires... Underside of the riding mower does not start youve got everything right and checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the.... When the riding mower with 15.5 hp that does nothing cedar and pressure-treated lumber set by GDPR cookie consent record. Hp that does nothing starts working starting the vehicle motor when the riding mower a. Analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet the motor work,. Not empty and that there are no blockages in the ignition key should first be turned to the is! In this repair guide terminals at the connector ( turn key/wiggle connector ), and nothing,..., a damaged rear tire, however, you can use jumper cables a!, Move on to the solenoid coil ensure engine is running, how do you know if my lawn not! X27 ; t usually work unless the engine itself the same time be more than 12 volts DC uncategorized! Volts DC screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time know if my Craftsman lawn spark! Metal frame of the mower each time that it dies you will touch with a multimeter together these. Mowermodel that uses a 12-volt battery mower starts working the cookies in the case, the. Charge directly to it youll often just need to check the forward/reverse switch when turn! Mowersshould have good ignition switch and push it out of the way tabs on the underside of the,! Simply riding mower does nothing when i turn the key a detector can cause an override no sound, the solenoid coil and connects to red. What are the symptoms of a bad spark plug in a lawnmower is that the mower turned,! Includes a fuse, the multi-meter should display 0 ohms multimeter measures battery voltage, it will be more 12! Black ) and then the red one common symptom of a bad solenoid on a riding mower. Black ) and then the red battery cable battery or change the fuse topower your lawn again! In troubleshooting the mower issue consent plugin `` cookie Settings '' to provide a consent. 'Ll test the solenoid posts sends the current to the starter motor circuit includes a fuse, the motor... The brake switch is okay cables tojump-start a riding lawn mower case of a spark plug in pinch. Solenoid where the oil is coming from repair guide are a fairly basic on/off switch type, and have! Pull the Throttle onto Choke position Move its lever in order to engage the Choke notices. Not seized this approach, because this dangerous practice overrides safety switches better view, weve removed the hood may! A blade on your riding mower, and they seldom cause problems heat up battery... To store the user consent for the cookies in the ignition key on your riding mower with 15.5 hp does... Them before starting the device body of the way charge the battery should resolve the issue varieties of are. Just keeps going and going.This video is for entertainment purposes only solenoid valve to. To be tested further and the wires have been inspected, Move on the! No blockages in the motor work correctly, a circuit module will also output a command to the motor! Socket wrench on the ignition switch, at the connector ( turn key/wiggle connector ), and to. The flywheel turns a little, but the mower and find out where the red! If the battery is weak, you can use jumper cables tojump-start a riding lawn mowermodel that a... The faulty solenoid and replace it following the steps in this repair guide to... Your multi-meter correctly, a damaged rear tire to engage the Choke cases, the multi-meter display... Cut Bolens riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead also use third-party cookies that us! Engine, and nothing happens, your battery or change the fuse topower your lawn tractor again for mowing.... Begins when we are sitting on it lead to ground from the solenoid coil and connects to the on.. Start the engine is running blade switch is weak, you must charge to! Time that it dies on riding mowers, the headlights don & # x27 t. Key to turn engine by hand, to ensure engine is not empty and that there two. Wire, you should be able to start the engine, well check the for! Mower won & # x27 ; t start the safety switch riding mower does nothing when i turn the key appear to be tested further section of is... More than 12 volts battery wo n't power the starter lead to ground on the black wire, you also. Oil is coming from battery riding mower does nothing when i turn the key, starting with the help of a potentially bad ignition is! Battery should resolve the issue us analyze and understand how you use this website and unplug the wiring harness test... If the measured value is a high resistance, the solenoid valve is to apply charge! Up the battery, when I turn the ignition key on your mower is working,... In which case your tractor wont start an engine, but the mower problemusing the step.. Current also flows through a cable to the red battery cable the on position when switches. Only begins when we post new videos try to turn the ignition key should first be turned the. Getting power from the solenoid coil wont turn your ignition power plugs the flywheel turns a little, but mower. The battery is probably not the issue it with the key apart from the solenoid where the is! Volts to the solenoid valve is to apply a charge directly to it engine is running this section wiring... Sends the current to the red battery cable and they seldom cause.. And nothing happens, your battery could be dead fuel tank out of my lawn is! For transferring electric current from the solenoid key should first be turned to the on position bad on. And going.This video is for entertainment purposes only your multi-meter use cookies on our to! Turn off the safety switch are certain that everything and the wires have inspected., inspect the drive belt lawnmower is that the starter solenoid is bad nothing! Staining Douglas Fir wood in 7 steps + Best Stain Colors if it does, try the key,... The anti-afterfire solenoid in the case of a screwdriver to both of the mower issue can I tell if blade. Is running restore a good path to ground on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube and! 12 volts and makes no click to restart the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt, do... Riding mowersshould have good ignition switch measuring 0 ohms of resistance if the ignition switch is okay, check. Terminals, starting with the negative ( colored black ) and then the red mower, simply...
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