There are many reasons a riding lawn mower won’t start—everything from stale gas to ignition switch problems If you constantly have to charge the battery, a bad battery or failed alternator could be causing the problem Lawn mower ignition switch problems can prevent the starter from getting current
What are the symptoms of a bad starter on a riding lawn mower?
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 An indication of a bad starter motor is the absence of other electrical problems that can be more easily tested
How do I know if my riding lawn mower solenoid is bad?
Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced
How do you check a starter on a riding lawn mower?
Connect one end of a jumper wire from the battery’s 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 If the engine starter motor turns over or runs then the starter ignition switch is faulty and requires replacement
How do I get my riding lawn mower to start after sitting?
To get the mower started, you may have to change the gas and clean or change the plug Check the oil before you start a four-cycle mower that has been sitting for a long time Prime the engine by pushing the priming bulb three times Give the spark plug wire a little tug to see if it’s loose
What are the symptoms of a bad starter solenoid?
As a result, the common signs of a bad starter solenoid include: Engine Doesn’t Crank or Start No Clicking Noise When Trying to Start the Engine Starter Spins Without Fully Engaging the Flywheel (Rare) Engine Cranks Slowly (Rare) Test the battery Check That Power is Getting to the Starter Solenoid
What does a bad solenoid sound like on a riding lawn mower?
If the connection between the battery and solenoid is loose, broken or improperly grounded, you’ll hear nothing Otherwise, you should hear a click, then a whirring sound as the starter motor engages the main engine When only a clicking sound occurs, something is wrong with the starter
Why does my riding mower clicks when I try to start it?
If the riding mower makes a heavy clicking or a rapid clattering sound when the key is turned to the start position, there is a problem with the battery or a part of the starting circuit The clicking noise comes from a part called the starter solenoid Low battery voltage – Battery needs charging or replacement
How do you start a cold riding lawn mower?
How to Start a Cold Lawn Mower Brush the tip of the spark plug with the wire brush to remove any carbon and oil debris Spray the tip with starter fluid Press the primer button near the air filter cover three times with you thumb Take your thumb off and allow the primer button to raise back out Start your lawn mower
Why won’t my lawnmower start unless I use starting fluid?
If it won’t start or fire with spray fuel, you probably have an ignition system problem, most likely a bad ignition coil Holding the spark plug boot close to the engine to check for spark isn’t a reliable test because a bad coil can produce a spark in open air but fail when the cylinder is under compression
Can you spray starting fluid in a spark plug hole?
Starting fluid is sprayed into the engine intake near the air filter, or into the carburetor bore or a spark plug hole of an engine to get added fuel to the combustion cylinder quickly It is used more often with carbureted engines than with fuel injection systems
How do I know if my lawn mower battery is 12-volt?
Count the number of plastic caps, if present, and multiply them by two to determine the battery voltage For example, if there are six caps, it’s a 12-volt battery, because 6 times two equals 12
What keeps draining my lawn mower battery?
One issue is loose cables where they connect to the battery posts A loose connection makes a battery work harder, thereby draining it of power more quickly Cleaning the posts and tightening the connections should renew the battery’s ability to hold a charge A larger problem is a cracked battery case
What are the signs of a bad starter motor?
Trouble Ahead: 4 Signs of Starter Motor Failure Buzzing Noise If the engine doesn’t crank but a consistent buzzing sound that occurs when the key is turned, it usually means that there is a flow of electricity to the starter, but the motor is not actuating Loud Clicking Whirring Noise Grinding Sound
What happens when your starter goes out?
When the starter drive gear is worn out or not engaging properly, it will often produce a grinding noise This is similar to the one that is heard if you start your engine and then accidentally action the ignition switch again If the grinding symptom is ignored, it may also result in damage to the engine flywheel
How much does a solenoid cost?
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, expect to pay between $15 – $100 for a single transmission shift solenoid A pack can cost $50 to $300Transmission Solenoid Replacement Cost – Parts & Labor Type Cost Range Single $15 to $100 Pack $50 to $300 Labor $120 to $400 Total (Pack) $250 to $600
What does a lawn tractor starter solenoid do?
The starter solenoid on a riding lawn mower is essentially an electromagnetic switch This switch closes when you turn the ignition key, allowing electricity to flow to the starter
How do I test my starter with jumper cables?
The starter should spin/crank the engine If it does, the problem is with the cables, connections or relay If it doesn’t, crank the engine, connect the black/negative jumper cable as a ground between the drivetrain and negative terminal of the battery Touch the red cable to the starter’s positive terminal
When I turn the key it just clicks once?
Clicking when you turn the key is usually a sign that there is not enough power for the starter to fully turn If your battery is new, then that is likely not the source of the problem It may be possible that one of the components, perhaps a relay, switch, or even the starter, have failed
Will a bad solenoid click?
Our Expert Agrees: If your starter solenoid is bad, you may hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, or your vehicle may not have any power at all Check the battery Low power could result in the starter clicking but failing to engage
Where do you spray starting fluid on a riding lawn mower?
Spray a light dose of starter fluid directly into the carburetor chamber of your mower Set the engine speed to the midpoint, if the idle is adjustable, by hand