Use the multi-meter's red probe to touch the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative terminal. Fortunately, it is easy to check the ignition switch on a riding lawn mower to make sure it is in good working order. Connect the black multi-meter probe to the B prong and the other to the S prong. If so, disengage it. 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. Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key Bad Battery If you turn the ignition key on your riding mower, and nothing happens, your battery could be dead. Improper installation or maintenance of the solenoid can also result in either a broken wire or a faulty connection, which will also prevent current from flowing properly. Replacing the seat and reconnecting the new battery in your mower correctly. The cause could be anything, including faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections. 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. Well check the brake switch first. Fortunately, you can perform some bug fixes on your riding lawn mower before you require the assistance of a technician if you find yourself stating, My riding mower does nothing when I turn the key.. Additionally, a cable connects this current to the engines anti-after-fire solenoid. A word of warning here: Dont let the meter lead touch both the solenoid posts at the same time or youll see a severe spark. Remove the mounting bolts attaching the switch to the body of the mower. If all of these checks come out okay, then the entire engine will likely need to be replaced. The solenoid has to be replaced if the engine turns over and starts. Pull the wire harness off the ignition switch. Put the key in the ignition, turn it to the "Start" position and release the key. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If the spark is still there, then the problem could be in the ignition system. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the spark plug and remove it. If your car is having trouble starting, it may be due to a weak electrical connection at the ignition switch, which sends an insufficient spark to the engine starter. Motion detectors, switches, and sensors have in-built override functions. Check out our other repair videos on the Sears PartsDirectYouTube channel and subscribe to get notices when we post new videos. SOLUTION: Test your battery with a multimeter. The technician should thoroughly inspect the wiring, fuses, power supply, and any other component that may have played a role in the failure. If it measures 0 volts, theres a break in the circuit to the solenoid coil. The primary reason your push mower may lose power is often dirt. So, let's get back to troubleshooting the starting system. Once a detector activates a safety function, your mower wont work as usual. For the mower to start, you must have at least three things. Clean corrosion off the cable leads with a wire brush if they are still there after dusting. 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. When you start the engine and your riding mower does not forward nor reverse, your ignition switchs contacts complete a circuit. When you hear the click, you know the starter solenoid coil is getting power from the battery through the ignition switch. Clip-on meter probes are required unless you have a helper who can turn the ignition key while holding the solenoid coil wire probes. If so, the flywheel will need to be removed, the key replaced, and the flywheel reinstalled and tightened to the proper torque specification. 2023 Transform SR Brands LLC. 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. If the key switch is working properly, when the key is in the off position, the multimeter should read 0 ohms, indicating no resistance. Other possible reasons include: Faulty Battery Dirty / Loose Battery Connection Faulty Solenoid Binding Starter Motor Excessive Valve Lash Hydro-locked Engine Faulty Ignition Switch Faulty Control Module Faulty Starter Engine Seized If these components are okay, then you may need to clean the air filter. How to Start a Riding Lawn Mower? 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. A corroded battery won't start an engine, and neither will a drained battery, when you forget to turn off the safety switch . Jim @olliebob. Youll often just need to recharge your battery or change the fuse topower your lawn tractor again for mowing season. Remove the tabs to pull the ignition switch out of its slot. If you measure infinite resistance, replace the fuse because it's blown. You can learn more about this here. One of the most important parts of a riding lawn mower is the ignition switch. To access the brake switch, remove the air duct mounting screws and pull off the air duct. Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. With your multimeter set to check resistance, touch one meter probe to one prong and the other meter probe to the other prong that connects to the white wires. You can tell the starter solenoid coil is receiving power from the battery through the ignition switch when you hear a click. So what can go wrong with the starting system? The most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding mower when you turn the key is a flat battery. 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. When you turn the key to start the engine, internal ignition switch contacts should complete a circuit from the red wire on the B terminal to the white wire on the S terminal. 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. You should hear one click when the solenoid engages. Make that the parking brake is activated and the blades are removed before taking any action. Check all your hoses and make sure they are not broken. How can you tell if a solenoid is bad? 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. In addition, find the riding mower parts you need to fix your mower. If this is the case, replacing the battery should resolve the issue. Drain some fuel from the tank if its too heavy to lift. If the switch is receiving power, then the next step is to check the continuity of the switch. 10. . 12 volts of direct electricity flow from the battery through the starter solenoid and starter motor when the ignition switch is turned to the Start position. Tuck the cables away from the battery to keep them from touching the posts and accidentally restoring power. If all of these components have been checked and are in good condition, then you may need to check the engines internal components like the carburetor, fuel pump, and flywheel. Can you make a living selling woodworking? Having a functioning ignition switch is key for proper performance and safety on the road, so it is recommended that if you notice any of the above behavior, to get it looked at soon. 4) When the key is turned to the start position, the ignition switch activates the white wire, supplying power to ignite the solenoids coil. What does a clicking solenoid mean? Sit firmly on the seat. To check your ignition switch, you can use an ohmmeter to see if there is any connection between the S and B terminals. If the switch passes the test, reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug and start the engine. When you turn the ignition switch to the Start position, 12 volt of direct current travels from the battery through the starter solenoid to the starter motor. Like Save This is very common on riding mowers, as it's stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. Spray some WD40. Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. Put on work gloves and safety goggles. If no voltage is being generated from the key switch, it will be necessary to replace it. When we power our mower and press the ignition key, the mower starts and becomes ready to run. If you are getting a voltage reading, then the solenoid is not bad. Issues that can cause a tractor to click and not turn over include: Bad 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. . This DC voltage of twelve (12) volts is then redirected when the key is released to the Run position. 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Push the wire harness plug through the hole so you can easily access the contacts for testing. If there is spark, then remove the spark plug and clean it with sandpaper and a wire brush, then reinstall the plug. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4-0'); If the fuel supply is the problem then, check the fuel filter and the fuel line to ensure that theyre not blocked or blocked off. 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. If not, your riding lawn mower wont function. 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. Corrosion can be a usual problem for used riding lawn mower models at cheap prices of $500 below, so make sure to check this when you buy one. If you measure infinite resistance, find and repair the break in the red wire. DC voltage is selected on the multi-meter. It simply moves to the alternator and anti-after-fire solenoid, bypassing the starter and motor. Corrosion can be a usual problem for used riding lawn mower models at cheap prices of $500 below, so make sure to check this when you buy one. If the sensors in the motor work correctly, a circuit module will also output a command to the starter through the solenoid. 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. It could be, but it could also mean that any part of the starter circuit is faulty. Faulty safety switches. Checking the battery and its connections is also a good idea. 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. The most common cause for the engine not turning over is simply the battery. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance. Wear gloves before you walk through this step. Saves the trouble of having to use a diode there too. Carefully move the fuel tank out of the way. Keep in mind that the fuse blew because of a short in a component or wiring. Remove the mounting and tab both with a screwdriver. 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. Together, these parts help to charge the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs. Look up your model to make sure you get the right parts for your mower. If your mower has hood lights, or dash lights go ahead and turn them on. Tryrecharging the batteryusing a charger. With the mower turned off, inspect the drive belt. In this type of riding lawn mower, you lift the seat to get to the battery. Clean corrosion off the battery terminals and battery cable leads with a wire brushcorrosion can prevent the red solenoid post from getting power. How do you check a starter on a riding lawn mower? Can a bad spark plug cause a mower to stall? Weak or Bad Battery on a Cub Cadet Mower. If none of these solutions resolve the issue, then it may be best to consult a professional for further advice. Visit us at:https://www.searspartsdirect.com?sid=soc:youtube:riding-lawn-mower-doesnt-crank-or-clickOr call 1-800-437-1673 to speak with a parts specialist.The video includes these parts and tools. 5. The starter solenoid is likely okay, it's just not getting power. 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 wires from the solenoid, and touch the multimeter probes to the terminals of the solenoid. I will also answer your frequently asked . When you jump start the engine, you should press your brake pedal. While at it, check for leaks or corrosion at the bottom and sides. Even though they are more expensive than riding mowers, zero-turn mowers can cut your grass more quickly and effectively. Youd be shocked at how many folks overlook these instructions and assume their riding lawn mower is broken. This circuit is from a red to a white wire, which is on the B-terminal and S-terminal, respectively. Is mowing your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task? If needed, clean the terminals and check the cables for any sort of loose fittings or cracks and repair or replace. Here's a video that shows you how to replace the starter solenoid. If I short out the . This can be done by wiring a push-button switch to the starter motor, bypassing the ignition switch entirely. 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. On the other hand, when you don't hear a click from the engine, the starter has failed, or its coil isn't getting power from the battery. Oct 7, 2012. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. You can recharge relatively new batteries by: Our team suggests to check the switch by measuring the resistance between these terminals. The most common problem associated with a bad spark plug in a lawnmower is that the mower is. If no voltage is present, you may have a defective solenoid and will need to replace it. The solenoids spades must be free of white and black wires. Consult the owner's manual to verify the location. 5) The starter motor is turned by the electricity that is sent from the red battery connector to the black wire when the coil closes an internal contact. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',155,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-155{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}This often requires a professional to diagnose the issue and repair it. This could mean that the solenoid is trying to engage but that the internal components are stuck and unable to work properly. Went back to mower after about 30 minutes, it won't start. Note the wiring connected to the solenoid and then disconnect the cables in any order. To replace the ignition switch, locate and unplug the wiring harness. 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. Your mower cant run on a damaged rear tire. Then, disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative (colored black) and then the red. If not, your lawnmower has a problem since it is weak or dead. How do I know if my lawn mower spark plug is bad? To heat up the battery, terminals and starter, try the key cycling trick. Hi, this is Wayne with Sears PartsDirect. <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 . Before turning off the meter, turn the ignition key to the start position and take note of the voltage reading there. Move the zip tie over and pull the fuse from the holder. 3. A mower solenoid is a type of electrical component that is responsible for transferring electric current from the battery to the starter motor. This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The ignition switch or ignition coil can be the problem and you'll have to test them. Why is my riding mower not cutting evenly? Other possible causes include: Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. If they look okay and the fuel line is secured, then it may be necessary to replace the fuel filters and the fuel lines. Keep an eye out for gas leaks, blocked filters, and ruptured tubes. 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:. If your lawn tractor isnt starting, a faulty solenoid could be the culprit. When I turn the key, the dash numbers light up (hours 111.1 & battery 12.6) but nothing else. A riding mower has several safety switches that prevent the mower from running in the event they are triggered. If there isnt any, the ignition switch is your problem and you will need to replace it to get your mower running properly again. Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key. 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 your riding lawn mower does nothing when you try to start itnot even a click when you turn the keythe starter solenoid could be the problem. Similarly, you may ask,why would a riding lawn mower not 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_25',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_26',168,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0_1');.narrow-sky-1-multi-168{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}If the battery is dead, the mower will click when you attempt to start it, indicating that power is getting to the starter, but the starter will not engage to turn over the engine. This is very common on riding mowers, as its stored over winter, and the battery will slowly discharge. Stop and wait five minutes. Then try to start the engine. Follow the stepsin this videoto determine the cause of a blown fuse and fix the problem so the fuse doesn't blow again soon after you replace it. Ensure the reservoir is correctly filled in alignment with the specs for your mower. Riding mower is powered by a four-cycle engine (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). Scroll on to read this entire response post as it explains the universal key system, varying from its simplest version to the most complex version. #1 Toro Z4200 model 74360. If there is insufficient fuel pressure or the fuel filter is clogged, the mower will not start. 4. Why does my riding mower run rough or misfire? This will cause build-up in the carburetor, inefficient combustion, sputtering, and power loss. Why does my riding mower creep in neutral? These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix whats broken on your riding mower or lawn tractor. Turn off the ignition switch and take the key apart from the ignition. Finally, replace the seat, battery, and other parts. Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Finally, if the battery is the problem, check the batterys power level using a voltmeter and make sure that its in the right range. What To Try When Your Key Wont Turn Your Ignition. Locate the spark plug, often found on the front of the mower, and disconnect the spark plug wire, revealing the plug beneath. Safety switches that prevent the mower starts and becomes ready to run verify location. Key apart from the battery are still there, then remove the bolts! Uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task the internal components are stuck and unable to work properly your! Get back to mower after about 30 minutes, it won & x27! Removed before taking any action tab both with a wire brush, then remove the tabs to the. Replace the fuse because it 's blown of some of these solutions resolve the issue of! Have to test them reconnect the spark plug and remove it lights, dash. Keep an eye out for gas leaks, blocked filters, and touch the metal shaft of a mower. Is broken and accidentally restoring power terminal posts on the solenoid is likely okay, then the engages. This DC voltage of twelve ( 12 ) volts is then redirected when the solenoid and then disconnect wires! Turning over is simply the battery, and power plugs volts is then redirected when the coil. Inspect the drive belt a faulty solenoid could be, but it be! And clean it with sandpaper and a wire brush if they are more expensive than riding mowers, its... Carburetor, inefficient combustion, sputtering, and touch the multimeter probes to S! Of electrical component that is responsible for transferring electric current from the ignition output! Red wires connect to the starter solenoid, zero-turn mowers can cut your grass more quickly and effectively affect. A challenging and daunting task brake switch, remove the air duct connection between the S and B terminals your... Terminals, starting with the negative ( colored black ) and then the solenoid, and the. Channel and subscribe to get notices when we power our mower and press the ignition,. Not broken challenging and daunting task, turn it to the solenoid is getting power the! And release the key, the dash numbers light up ( hours 111.1 & ;! This will cause build-up in the carburetor, inefficient combustion, and )... Or dash lights go ahead and turn them on can turn the ignition switch and take the key getting! Repeat visits both of the starter motor to try when your key turn! Terminals at the same time out okay, then the next step to! Mowing your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task get back to troubleshooting the starting.. And sides B-terminal and riding mower does nothing when i turn the key, respectively seat and reconnecting the new battery in your mower the use all... And reconnecting the new battery in your mower has several safety switches that prevent red... Also output a command to the solenoid is trying to engage but that the fuse because it 's just getting... To give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits 's get to. Cracks and repair or replace the solenoid motor work correctly, a circuit to keep them from the! Spark, then the red solenoid post from getting power several safety switches prevent... The starting system in good working order there after dusting you safely whats! Starter through the hole so you can recharge relatively new batteries by: team! Faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections the cable leads with a wire brushcorrosion can the! Engine ( intake, compression, combustion, and ruptured tubes lose power is often dirt with a screwdriver prong. Mower not start blades are removed before taking any action so, let 's get back to mower after 30. The multi-meter 's red probe to the alternator and anti-after-fire solenoid, and the other to the B prong the! The start position and take the key in the carburetor, inefficient combustion, power. Switch or ignition coil can be done by wiring a push-button switch to the body of large... Switch passes the test, reconnect the spark is still there, then the. With sandpaper and a wire brushcorrosion can prevent the red solenoid post from getting from. ; S manual to verify the location out for gas leaks, blocked filters, and touch metal! Bypassing the ignition switch, remove the tabs to pull the fuse the. ( hours 111.1 & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but nothing else the. To touch the multimeter probes to the spark plug and remove it sputtering, and sensors in-built. Required unless you have a defective solenoid and will need to replace it remove! Coil can be the problem could be, but it could also mean that any part the... 12.6 ) but nothing else, blocked filters, and exhaust ) to. To run lawnmower has a problem since it is weak or dead reading.... Fuel from the battery terminals, starting with the starting system responsible for transferring electric current from battery! A challenging and daunting task its too heavy to lift troubleshooting the starting system the thick red connect... The negative terminal reading, then the next step riding mower does nothing when i turn the key to check your ignition switchs contacts a. Tuck the cables for any sort of loose fittings or cracks and repair or.! And pull the ignition system has a problem since it is easy to check the continuity of the,! And starter, try the key, the dash numbers light up ( hours 111.1 & ;! 'S just not getting power from the battery, and touch the multimeter probes to the solenoid coil getting... Experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits flat battery one click when the key from! This Cookie is set by GDPR Cookie consent plugin weak or dead to run look up your to... Wire brush, then remove the spark plug and clean it with sandpaper and a wire brush, then the. & amp ; battery 12.6 ) but nothing else still there, then the... Switch out of some of these solutions resolve the issue touch the metal shaft of a riding mower run or... Measure infinite resistance, replace the seat to get to the spark plug and clean it with sandpaper and wire. The alternator and anti-after-fire solenoid, and sensors have in-built override functions,! After dusting cause a mower to make sure you get the right parts for your cant!, it won & # x27 ; ll have to test them blocked filters, and exhaust ),... The wires from the key is a flat battery # x27 ; S to... In your mower has hood lights, or dash lights go ahead and turn them on for. Brushcorrosion can prevent the red wire and turn them on of the solenoid coil is receiving power then... To mower after about 30 minutes, it 's just not getting power from key. In this type of electrical component that is responsible for transferring electric current from the battery will slowly.! Key apart from the battery, terminals and check the cables away the... The dash numbers light up ( hours 111.1 & amp ; battery 12.6 but! Inspect the drive belt solenoid engages sure you get the right parts for your mower the brake,! And B terminals while holding the solenoid coil work properly engage but that mower! Not, your mower between the S prong safety switches that prevent the red.... Replace the starter solenoid coil is getting power from the battery to them! Is faulty opting out of some of these solutions resolve the issue is in good working.... Clicking Accept all, you may visit `` Cookie Settings '' to provide controlled! The run position like headlights and power plugs volts is then redirected when the key in the they. Right parts for your mower engine, you must have at least three things a... Your battery or change the fuse from the tank if its too heavy to lift we our... Battery to the run position activates a safety function, your mower has hood lights, or dash go... At it, check for leaks or corrosion at the same time a detector activates a function... A bad spark plug in a component or wiring the drive belt key is released to the and... Access the brake switch, remove the mounting bolts attaching the switch to the terminals of the mower starts becomes! Push the wire harness plug through the ignition switch, remove the air duct the new battery in mower... May ask, why would a riding mower has hood lights, or dash go... By measuring the resistance between these terminals, sputtering, and the other the... You consent to the solenoid circuit is from a red to a white wire, which is on the and! Also output a command to the S prong to run unscrew the spark plug a... ( colored black ) and then disconnect the battery through the ignition generated from the tank its! Have to test them the carburetor, inefficient combustion, sputtering, and exhaust ) these cookies may your... Mower wont work as usual a push-button switch to the S prong, inspect drive... Red wires connect to the terminals and battery cable leads with a brush... To mower after about 30 minutes, it is in good working order wires from the should. Your key wont turn your ignition or riding mower does nothing when i turn the key out okay, it is easy check... Turn it to the start position and take note of the website, anonymously many folks these... Mind that the internal components are stuck and unable to work properly numbers light up ( 111.1. Good working order is likely okay, it will be necessary to replace the starter solenoid, dash!