Lawnmower Won’t Start? Do this. Riding mower wont start

If the engine won’t start, don’t blow your own gasket — try these easy steps first

Nothing is more frustrating than deciding to finally go mow the lawn, only to discover your lawn mower won’t start. Before you make an appointment for potentially expensive repairs, try diagnosing the problem yourself. It’s possible there’s a simple fix to a mower that doesn’t want to start. With the right tools and some elbow grease, you’ll be able to get your yard back into shape in no time.

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Troubleshooting your lawn mower

If you’re having trouble starting your mower, check the safety bar for any damaged or disconnected cables, which can keep mower engines from starting. Next, make sure the spark plug cable hasn’t been disconnected, then remove and clean the spark plug as needed. In a battery-powered lawn mower, check the battery for moisture or corrosion and ensure charging connections are secure and properly aligned.

Check and clean or replace the mower’s carburetor air filter. While the filter is removed, check the carburetor itself for corrosion and clean or replace it if needed.

Debris buildup in the mower deck is a common cause of starting trouble, especially if the starter rope feels stuck. Ensure the mower is off, then tip it over to carefully clear out any built-up grass clippings or debris blocking the blade. Check the cooling vents for clogs as well.

Finally, check your mower’s fuel tank. It could simply be empty, but even if it’s full, the mower could still fail to start because the gas is too old or contaminated. Gas that’s more than a month old will probably need to be siphoned out and replaced. Adding a fuel stabilizer will help gas last longer and prevent buildup.

How to winterize your lawn mower

One of the best ways to ensure your lawn mower stays in good working order is to protect it while it’s sitting unused during the winter. Not only will winterizing help make sure you can start your lawn mower when warm weather returns, but it’ll also protect the machine from corrosion, mice and more.

Fully clean your mower’s undercarriage to prevent rust buildup due to leftover grass clippings. Once it’s clean and dry, follow your owner’s manual instructions on draining the lawn mower’s fuel tank and changing the oil. Before you put the mower into storage, cover its air intakes and exhaust to deter mice or other pests from nesting inside. Cover the lawn mower and store it in a dry place to protect it from rust.

Best tools for fixing a lawn mower

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This sturdy 15-inch wrench is a must-have for home repairs, engine work and DIY. It’s chrome-plated to resist corrosion and its jaws can open 1.75 inches. Other sizes are also available.

Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

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You’ll always have the piece you need with this set, which comes with every size of socket from 3/8-inch to 1 5/16-inch and 10 millimeters to 32mm. It also includes a 10-inch universal joint and extension.

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Sold in a pack of 12, these comfortable gloves are lightweight but still durable. The foam nitrile coating helps wearers get a good grip on tools without sacrificing breathability.

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With a sturdy ergonomic handle and stiff fiber bristles, this brush is handy for scrubbing out lawn mower decks. Its extra-long bristles and pointed brush tip help get into the corners, and it can be hung up for easy storage.

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Even if you store your lawn mower in a garage or shed, a good cover can protect your mower’s engine from dirt and dust while it’s not in use. This cover protects push and walk-behind mowers with durable waterproof 600D double-stitched Oxford cloth.

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A multimeter can help diagnose electrical problems in your home or appliances, such as a battery-powered lawn mower. This budget-friendly model has a backlit digital display that’s easy to read, and its multiple test leads ensure it’ll be useful in many applications.

Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

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The smaller size of this oil drain container makes it just right for changing the oil in lawn mowers. It holds about 6 quarts and measures 4 inches tall.

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Lawnmower Won’t Start? Do this.

lawnmower, start, this, riding, mower, wont

A lawnmower that won’t start, especially when taken from storage, is almost always due to one problem: bad gas.

Storing a lawnmower in the fall without adding gasoline stabilizer to the fuel tank can cause the fuel to break down and plug the fuel passages. If fixing that problem doesn’t help, there are a few others that can help fix a lawnmower that won’t start, as we explain here.

How to Fix a Lawnmower That Won’t Start

Replace the Bad Gas

Over time (like the six months your lawnmower sat in your garage over the winter), the lighter hydrocarbons in gas can evaporate. This process creates gums and varnish that dirty the carburetor, plug fuel passages and prevent gas from flowing into the combustion chamber.

The carburetor bowl below formed corrosion and deposits during storage, which can easily plug fuel passages and prevent the engine from starting.

Storing equipment without stabilizing the gas can lead to deposits that foul the carburetor or injectors.

Ethanol-containing gas can absorb water from the atmosphere, which can lead to phase separation, which occurs when ethanol and gas separate, much like oil and water. Ethanol that has absorbed enough moisture and has sat long enough can foul the fuel system and prevent the engine from starting.

No matter how many times you yank the pull cord and pollute the air with your advanced vocabulary, the lawnmower won’t start if it’s trying to run on bad gas.

In extreme cases, evaporation of lighter hydrocarbons can change the gasoline’s composition enough to prevent it from igniting. The gas may be fueling the engine, but it doesn’t matter if it won’t ignite.

Bad Gas in Your Lawnmower? Here’s How to Fix It

If you neglected to add gasoline stabilizer to the fuel prior to storage, empty the tank and replace with fresh gas. If the tank is nearly empty, simply topping off with fresh gas is often enough to get it started.

On some mowers, you can easily remove and empty the fuel tank. Sometimes that’s more trouble than it’s worth. In these cases, use a fluid extraction pump or even a turkey baster to remove the bad gas. You don’t need to remove all of it; but try to get as much out as possible.

Clean the Carburetor

You’ve replaced the fuel, but your lawnmower still won’t start.

Next, try cleaning the carburetor. Remove the air filter and spray carburetor cleaner into the intake. Let it sit for several minutes to help loosen and dissolve varnish and gums.

Remove the air filter and spray carburetor cleaner into the intake. Let it sit a few minutes to loosen deposits.

On some carburetors, you can easily remove the float bowl. If equipped, first remove the small drain plug and drain the gas from the bowl. Remove the float bowl cover and spray the float and narrow fuel passages with carburetor cleaner.

This kind of “quick-and-dirty” carburetor cleaning is usually all it takes to get the gas flowing again and your lawnmower back to cutting grass.

If not, consider removing the carburetor from the engine, disassembling it and giving it a good cleaning. Be forewarned, however: taking apart a carburetor can lead to nothing but frustration for the uninitiated. Take pictures with your phone to aid in reassembly. Note the positions of any linkages or the settings of any mixture screws, if equipped. If you’re at all reluctant, visit the servicing dealer instead.

Consider replacing the carburetor altogether. It’s a fairly simple process on most smaller mowers and it’s often less expensive than taking it to the dealer.

Direct compressed air from the inside of the air filter out to remove debris that may be reducing airflow and preventing the lawnmower from starting.

Clean/Replace the Air Filter

With the air filter removed, now’s the perfect time to clean it.

Tap rigid filters on a workbench or the palm of your hand to dislodge grass clippings, leaves and other debris. Direct compressed air from the inside of the filter out to avoid lodging debris deeper into the media.

Use soap and water to wash foam filters. If it’s been a few years, simply replace the filter; they’re inexpensive and mark the only line of defense against wear-causing debris entering your engine and wearing the cylinder and piston rings.

An incorrectly gapped spark plug can prevent the engine from starting. Set the gap to the specification given in the owner’s manual.

Check the Spark Plug

A dirty or bad spark plug may also be to blame. Remove the plug and inspect condition. A spark plug in a properly running four-stroke engine should last for years and never appear oily or burned. If so, replace it.

Use a spark-plug tester to check for spark. If you don’t have one, clip the spark-plug boot onto the plug, hold the plug against the metal cylinder head and slowly pull the starter cord. You should see a strong, blue spark. It helps to test the plug in a darkened garage. Replace the plug if you don’t see a spark or it appears weak.

While you’re at it, check the spark-plug gap and set it to the factory specifications noted in the lawnmower owner’s manual.

If you know the plug is good, but you still don’t have spark, the coil likely has failed and requires replacement.

Did You Hit a Rock or Other Obstacle?

We’ve all killed a lawnmower engine after hitting a rock or big tree root.

If your lawnmower won’t start in this scenario, you probably sheared the flywheel key. It’s a tiny piece of metal that aligns the flywheel correctly to set the proper engine timing. Hitting an immovable obstacle can immediately stop the mower blade (and crankshaft) while the flywheel keeps spinning, shearing the key.

In this case, the engine timing is off and the mower won’t start until you pull the flywheel and replace the key. It’s an easy enough job IF you have a set of gear pullers lying around the garage. If not, rent a set from a parts store (or buy one…there’s never a bad reason to buy a new tool) or visit the dealer.

My Lawnmower Starts But Runs Poorly

If you finally get the lawnmower started, but it runs like a three-legged dog, try cleaning the carburetor with AMSOIL Power Foam. It’s a potent cleaning agent designed to remove performance-robbing carbon, varnish and other gunk from carburetors and engines.

Add Gasoline Stabilizer to Avoid Most of These Problems

Which sounds better? Completing all these steps each year when your lawnmower won’t start? Or pouring a little gasoline stabilizer into your fuel tank?

Simply using a good gasoline stabilizer can help avoid most of the problems with a lawnmower that won’t start.

AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer, for example, keeps fuel fresh up to 12 months. It helps prevent the lighter hydrocarbons from evaporating to reduce gum and varnish and keep the fuel flowing. It also contains corrosion inhibitors for additional protection.

I have a five-gallon gas can in my garage from which I fuel two lawnmowers, two chainsaws, two snowblowers, a string trimmer, an ATV and the occasional brush fire. I treat the fuel with Gasoline Stabilizer every time I fill it so I never have to worry about the gas going bad and causing problems.

You can also use AMSOIL Quickshot. It’s designed primarily to clean carburetors and combustion chambers while addressing problems with ethanol. But it also provides short-term gasoline stabilization of up to six months.

Use a Good Motor Oil for Your Lawnmower

Although motor oil has no bearing on whether your lawnmower starts or not (unless you don’t use oil at all and seize the engine), it pays to use a high-quality motor oil in your lawnmower.

This is especially true for professionals or homeowners running expensive zero-turn or riding mowers.

Lawnmower engines are tougher on oil than most people realize. They’re usually air-cooled, which means they run hotter than liquid-cooled automotive engines.

They often run for hours in hot, dirty, wet conditions. Many don’t have an oil filter, further stressing the oil.

In these conditions, motor oils formulated for standard service can break down, leading to harmful deposits and reduced wear protection.

For maximum performance and life, use a motor oil in your lawnmower designed to deliver commercial-grade protection, like AMSOIL Synthetic Small-Engine Oil.

Its long-life formulation has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to safely exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) drain intervals in the toughest conditions. It provides an extra measure of protection when equipment goes longer between oil changes than is recommended by the OEM.

Riding Lawn Mower Won’t Start No Clicking

It could be a variety of factors if your riding lawn mower does not start when you flip the key to start the engine. It can be anything from loose battery connections, fuses, the ignition switch, or something more serious.

Luckily, if you end up saying my riding mower does nothing when I turn the key, you can go through some troubleshooting on your riding lawn mower before you need the help of a dealer.

In our guide, you can find out more about a John Deere or Husqvarna riding lawn mower won’t start any clicking or any other model you have. By the end, when you face not even a click, you’ll have enough information to run through the starting procedure to check all the items that could cause the issue.

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Then, in the space of minutes, you could pinpoint the problem and get mowing your lawn without further issues. (Read Riding Lawn Mower Snow Blower Combo Guide)

How Do I Know If My Riding Lawn Mower Solenoid Is Bad?

What does it mean when you flip the key and hear a click? When you hear the click, the starter solenoid coil receives power from the battery via the ignition switch.

If you don’t hear that click, the starter solenoid is broken, or the starter solenoid coil isn’t receiving power.

We’ll teach you how to find the problem by inspecting the battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake interlock switch, and blade switch on your riding mower.

While lawnmowers are different, much of the troubleshooting techniques are the same. The fundamental distinction is that you may need to consult your model’s wiring diagram if you detect issues.

How the riding mower starting system operates:

It helps to know how the starting system works to narrow down the problem. Many issues look like problems when safety switches are engaged. Make sure no safety switch affects your troubleshooting.

  • The positive red battery connection connects to one of the starter solenoid terminal posts (positive).
  • The black wire that connects to the other major terminal on the starter solenoid (negative) provides power to the starter motor, which allows the engine to start.
  • A short red wire runs from the red solenoid terminal post to the ignition coil at the bottom of the starter solenoid, carrying power through the ignition switch.
  • The ignition switch provides power through the white wire to energize the coil within the solenoid when you turn the key to the start position.
  • The coil closes an internal contact, sending power from the red battery connection to the black wire, which turns the starter motor.

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Do I have a dead battery?

A dead battery will prevent the solenoid coil from clicking since it will not power up the starter system.

  • Use a multimeter to measure the DC voltage across the battery terminals to inspect the battery.
  • Put on your safety goggles and work gloves.
  • Remove the key from the ignition.
  • Look at the battery. To access the battery on this style of riding lawn mower, you must elevate the seat.
  • Touch the red multimeter probe to the positive or red battery terminal and the black multimeter probe to the negative or black battery terminal with the multimeter set to measure DC voltage.
  • The battery should measure over 12 volts of DC if it is in excellent condition.
  • If it’s less than 12 volts, you have a weak or dead battery, and you’ve probably located the source of the problem. The starter solenoid coil will not power if the battery is weak or dead.
  • Using a charger, try recharging the battery. You can use jumper cables to jump-start a riding lawn mower with a 12-volt battery in a pinch.
  • Replace with a new battery if it won’t charge.

If the battery is weak or dead, you can find there isn’t enough power for the fuel pump. The fuel filter could also cause issues with lack of fuel. Checking or changing the air filter can also help while doing your troubleshooting.

A valve lash issue is much different. Fixing a valve lash problem is more intensive than checking the battery and terminal connections. (Read Troy Bilt Riding Mower Oil Type)

Check solenoid power

Power is delivered to the red battery cable if the battery works appropriately. Is voltage flowing to the red terminal post through the red battery cable? To verify this, take a voltage reading at the red terminal post.

  • Connect the multimeter’s red probe to the starter solenoid’s red post and the black probe to the battery’s negative terminal. It should measure more than 12 volts.
  • Check the battery terminals and cable leads for corrosion if the battery voltage is less than 12 volts. Use a wire brush to remove rust from the battery terminals and battery cable leads; corrosion can prohibit the red solenoid post from receiving power.
  • Recheck the voltage. Replace the red battery wire if it still doesn’t measure over 12 volts at the red post.

Check solenoid coil power

Now you’ve established the red terminal is receiving power, you need to determine if the solenoid coil is receiving power when you turn the key on your lawn tractor. Or, you have a faulty solenoid, leaving you with a tractor won t start, no click.

The starter solenoid is to blame if the voltage is measured at the coil, but the internal contact does not click. However, it clicks when the solenoid gives power to the starter motor.

  • Unless you have a helper to turn the ignition key while holding the solenoid coil wires probes, you’ll need clip-on meter probes. Remove the white and black wires from the solenoid’s spades.
  • Set the multimeter to DC voltage measurement.
  • Connect the white wire female spade connector to the red meter probe and the black wire female spade connector to the black wire female spade connector.
  • Turn the ignition key to the start position, then note the voltage reading on the meter display before turning it off.

If the battery voltage is measured with a multi-meter, it will be greater than 12 volts. The starter solenoid should be replaced if the coil receives power but does not close the internal contact to the starter motor.

There is a break in the circuit to the solenoid coil if it reads 0 volts. The starter solenoid is most likely fine; it simply lacks power. It’s time to test the coil circuit. (Read Riding Lawn Mower Won’t Stay Running – What To Do)

Test lawnmower coil circuit

First, we’ll test the circuit’s ground. The black wire links the solenoid coil to the metal frame of the riding mower. A wire break prevents power to the coil.

  • Using a meter, we check for resistance between the black wire’s female spade and the metal frame of the mower and ground wire.
  • Before testing resistance, disconnect the negative battery cable and positive battery cable from the mower.
  • Keep the cables away from the battery terminals so they don’t accidentally restore power to the posts.
  • Set the multimeter to measure resistance and ground it by touching one probe to the black wire female spade and the other to the bare metal on the mower frame.

Resistance around 0 ohms suggests the black wire is grounded. Infinite resistance shows a break in the black ground wiring. The engine should start after the black wire has a good path to the ground.

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Check Fuses

Next, you’ll need to check the hot side of the circuit, which starts with the small red wire on the starter solenoid terminal and finishes with the white wire that connects to the coil spade, if the ground side is alright.

A fuse, the ignition switch, the brake switch, and the blade switch are all part of the circuit.

  • Start with the simplest and check for a blown fuse, which you can tell by glancing at it.
  • The fuse on this mower is immediately next to the starter solenoid, but we have to remove the battery and battery box to get to it.
  • Pull the fuse from the holder using the zip tie.
  • If you’re not sure if the fuse is blown, use your multi-meter to check for continuity through the fuse.
  • Remember, if the fuse blew because of a component or wiring fault. You’ll need to figure out what’s causing a blown fuse and how to fix it.
  • Reinstall the fuse in the holder and secure it with the zip tie.

A blown fuse or broken connection will measure infinite resistance. Infinite resistance means you’ll need to replace the parts. (Read Poulan Pro Riding Lawn Mowers Reviews)

How Do I Know If My Lawn Mower Ignition Switch Is Bad?

On your lawn tractor, many areas can cause issues with starting. Here’s a quick rundown of what you would check first.

Battery Charge?

Check battery voltage, 12.65v is fully charged, 12.05v is half-charged, and needs recharging.

Low voltage shows a defective battery that may not recharge. A battery must be charged to be tested; hence a battery charger is required. The mower’s alternator will eventually charge the battery if it isn’t malfunctioning. You can try the crank test once the battery is fully charged (about 70%).

If the lights don’t function, use a voltmeter to test the battery’s charge, or you could have a blown fuse.

Jumper Cables

If you don’t have a charger, a set of jumper wires, a car, or any 12volt battery will do.

Check Safety Sensors

Riding mowers are fitted with safety measures to prevent operator error or accident. Sensors/switches regulate safety features on mowers, which are usually wired into a control module. One of the more common is the weight sensor in the seat, so the starting procedure can’t finish unless you are sitting on your mower. (Read Bluegrass Vs Tall Fescue)

Check Control Module

Modern mowers contain control modules, printed circuit boards comprising relays and resistors.

Assuming all sensors are engaged, the control module starts the starter when the ignition switch is turned on.

Visually inspect these modules for loose connections or water damage, as each module comes with an internal or external fuse. For example, a mower’s primary fuse might blow, cutting off power to the ignition system.

lawnmower, start, this, riding, mower, wont

Check Ignition Switch

Improperly connected ignition switches can cause a host of issues with the ignition system. Ignition switches can convey commands to the control module.

If your mower lacks a control module, the safety sensors are directly connected to the ignition switch, leaving it open.

Common Problems

  • Problems with ignition switches include loose wiring, rusted or damaged terminals, and spinning ignition switches.
  • If you have the blade knob set to the on position, your engine won’t start. So make sure your ride-on mower is in the park and the knob set to off.
  • Remember, you’ll need someone to sit on the mower seat as you check the connectivity of the ignition wires and connectors.

When I Turn The Key On My Mower Nothing Happens?

Test Ignition Switch

Check continuity through the red wire from the starter solenoid post to the ignition switch.

  • Assemble a test set up for the red starter solenoid wire and the ignition switch
  • Open the mower hood.
  • Remove the ignition switch wire harness.
  • Pull the ignition switch out of the dash by the locking tabs.
  • Push the wire harness plug through the hole to test the contacts.
  • Place one probe on the starter solenoid post with the red wire and the other on the female plug spade with the red wire.
  • This section of wiring should have near 0 ohms’ resistance. Find and repair the red wire’s break if you get infinite resistance.

Test Brake Interlock Switch

We’ve isolated the circuit break to the part of the white wire that includes the brake switch and blade switch if the ignition switch is working. (Learn How To Cut Grass With Riding Mower)

Brake Switch

  • Remove the air duct mounting screws and pull out the brake switch.
  • Remove the fuel tank with care. If the tank is weighty, drain some fuel.
  • Remove the lower dash fastener and take it off. Now you may try the brake switch.
  • Note the white wires’ prongs, as these are the ones you’ll need to test the brake switch’s resistance.
  • Pull the wire harness off the brake switch.
  • Touch one probe to one prong and the other to the other prong that connects to the white wires.
  • If the brake switch works properly, it should measure near 0 ohms.
  • If you have infinite resistance, the brake pedal switch is broken.

Blade Switch

You must disassemble the clutch lever assembly to reach the blade switch.

  • Note the white wires’ prongs and remove the wire harness from the blade switch.
  • Set your multimeter to examine resistance and touch the probes to the white wire’s prongs.
  • The multi-meter should read near 0 ohms if the blade switch is working. If it reads infinite resistance, replace the blade switch.
  • If the blade switch works, a break in the white wire between the ignition switch and the solenoid coil prevents the coil from receiving power. Locate and fix the wiring fault.

After reading our troubleshooting tips, you should be able to start your mower.

How Do You Test A Starter Solenoid On A Riding Lawn Mower?

Riding lawn mowers come with many safety features and safety switches to stop the engine from starting unless certain conditions are met.

  • Parking Brake: Ensure the parking brake is engaged. This safety switch can be part of the brake pedal.
  • Blade Control: The blade control handle must be in the OFF position.
  • Seat cutout: Most riding mowers have a seat safety switch.

lawnmower, start, this, riding, mower, wont

Wiring and Connections

The starter motor requires a solid battery connection like any other internal combustion engine.

  • Inspect the starter, solenoid, ignition switch, and battery connections. Remove corrosion with a wire brush and tighten all connections.
  • Check the grounding points. Grease or use liquid electrical tape for all connections.
  • Verify the starter motor bolts. Otherwise, the starter may move and not engage.

Bad Starter Solenoid

If you have a decent battery, but the riding mower won’t start when you turn the key on your riding mower, your solenoid may be broken and won’t pass any current through the ignition wiring to the spark plug.

The solenoid is simple to check with a 12V battery and a multi-meter

  • Unscrew the solenoid from the riding mower
  • Most solenoids have four posts: two for operation and two for battery connection.
  • Connect your multi-meter to the two large battery posts to test continuity.
  • Connect the battery’s negative to a spade terminal.
  • Connect the battery’s positive terminal to the other spade terminal:
  • The solenoid should click as it works.
  • Continuity/short circuit should show on your multi-meter.

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Riding lawn mower won’t start no clicking

Riding lawn mower won’t start no clicking. Riding mowers make mowing the grass a breeze, and they significantly reduce the time it would take to do it with a typical push mower.

However, these helpful machines are not immune to problems and hiccups, making the task tough, if not impossible.

If your riding mower won’t start and won’t even produce a click sound when you try to start it, the most common problem is with a device called the starter solenoid or the coil associated with it.

It is necessary to comprehend how the system works to understand better why you are having problems starting up your riding mower.

Riding lawn mower won’t start no clicking

There can be possible aspects that may lead to riding a lawnmower won’t start any clicking.

Please continue reading to find out why your riding mower isn’t making a click and won’t start, as well as how to fix it.

To begin, the positive red battery line is attached to one of the two terminal posts on the starter solenoid.

  • This wire is responsible for transferring power to the starter motor, which starts the mower’s engine.
  • There’s also a little red wire that breaks off from the terminal post.
  • This red wire connects the ignition switch to the starter solenoid’s coil, positioned at the bottom.
  • Finally, when you turn the ignition key to the start position, the ignition switch is expected to deliver power to the white wire, which powers the solenoid coil.
  • Following that, the coil will close an electronic point of contact, allowing electricity to be transferred from the red power cable to the black wire.
  • This, in turn, will turn on the engine’s starter motor and start it up.

Dead or faulty Battery

A dead battery will not be ready to initiate the mower, and it will also explain why you don’t hear the unmistakable click sound while turning the engine over.

Due to a lack of electricity, the solenoid coil is unable to click. If you suspect this is the problem, use a multimeter to test the voltage across the battery’s connections.

Before you do so, be sure you’re taking the necessary safety steps.

A voltmeter is required to test a battery, but try this simple test if you don’t have one. Turn on the hood lights and dash lights if your mower has them. Your battery is most likely not the issue if they light up and are bright.

Charge the battery – If your battery is entirely dead, it will take many hours to recharge it and will necessitate the use of a battery charging hack.

Control module and fuse

The control module’s job is to receive a start/stop instruction from the ignition switch and only send a start command to the starter if all the correct sensors are engaged.

These modules can be visually examined for connectivity issues or water damage to the printed circuit. Every module will have an internal or external fuse. Please take a look at it.

Make sure there isn’t a blown a fuse. This is straightforward because you can typically determine if something is blown just by looking at it. If you discover that it is blown, go out and buy a new one.

Riding lawn mower won’t start after sitting

After checking the gas, oil, filter, and spark plug to make sure that your mower is in good working order, it’s highly recommended that you clean out the carburetor thoroughly.

You could try cleaning the carb by soaking it in a strong solution of vinegar or in a carb cleaner to see if that helps to get your mower running again.

Riding lawn mower won’t start after hitting something

It sounds like the blades are stuck. You may need to turn the mower over and remove the blades or see what is causing them not to move.

Basically, all you need to do is put it back together again or turn the mower over again and restart it.

Riding lawn mower won’t start without starting fluid

If your lawn mower won’t start without starter fluid, your first step is to diagnose the problem. The mower could have a dirty air filter, a bad spark plug, or a dirty carburetor, or it could just need fresh fuel.

The easiest thing to do is clean the air filter, drain the gas tank, and re-fill it with fresh fuel.

Conclusion

Riding lawn mower won’t start no clicking. Now that you know what could be causing your riding mower not to start or even make a clicking noise, you can FOCUS on resolving the problem.

The majority of these issues may be recognized and resolved in a matter of minutes, but if you try everything and the mower still won’t start, you may need to contact a professional to have it inspected and repaired.

What to do If My Lawn Mower Won’t Start

After being in storage for the winter months, your lawn mower might not want to start at the first turn of the key. This is common, so don’t get too concerned right away. Continue reading to see what to do if your lawn mower isn’t starting for you.

Do you need lawn mower service right now? Get in touch with the team at Koenig Equipment to get the support you need and schedule an appointment with us today!

lawnmower, start, this, riding, mower, wont

What’s the starting procedure for my lawn tractor?

The standard starting procedure for lawn tractors is rather simple and the same across most lawn mowers.

  • Put the choke lever in the full choke position.
  • Turn the key to crank the engine for about five seconds.
  • If your engine hasn’t started from the above steps, let the engine rest for about 10 seconds and then crank the engine for another five seconds. If the engine sounds like it is about to start, you can crank it slightly for more than five seconds.

In addition to the above steps, if you have a riding lawn tractor, there is a seat sensor included for safety. If you are not sitting in the seat, the sensor will know, and the mower will not start. For push mowers, there is a safety handle.

Is the problem with the battery or with the starter?

If you are going through the proper starting procedure with your lawn tractor and it is not starting, it is time to check the battery and the starter. The best place to start with is the battery. Without enough electricity, an engine starter problem can’t be diagnosed. Check to ensure that all the connections are properly hooked up to the battery. If the lawn tractor still won’t start, you can try jump-starting it. Jump-starting your lawn tractor will rule out a weak battery. You can also utilize a voltmeter to test your battery health and strength.

After confirming your battery is not the problem, you can look towards the starter. An easy sign to see if the starter is your problem is if it makes a clicking sound when you are trying to start the lawn tractor by turning the key. If this is the case, we may recommend replacing the starter, but it will take a service appointment to correctly diagnose the issue.

Is there a difference between starting in cold weather and warm weather?

The starting procedure discussed above is the same for starting a lawn tractor in either cold or warm weather. If you are using your lawn tractor for tasks during cold winter months, make sure you are using the proper oil for the temperature. Some oils aren’t made for lower temperatures and can become thicker in the winter months, causing your equipment to not start properly. Your local technician or parts specialist can help you choose the right oil for winter weather.

Is it common to have starting problems after storage?

Starting problems with your lawn tractor can be rather common after storage. Before you put your equipment away for winter storage, be sure you are winterizing your lawn tractor properly to help reduce any starting problems in the spring. Ensuring you winterize your lawn tractor before storage will make it much easier to start up when you bring it out again.

Where can I find lawn tractor service near me?

When it comes time to mow again, you want your lawn tractor to work properly and start easily for the upcoming season. If you get your lawn tractor out and have issues starting it, even after following the standard starting procedure and checking the battery and spark plugs, the certified team at Koenig Equipment is here to help.

With the certified service department at each Koenig Equipment location, you can rest assured knowing they will solve any issues that may arise with your lawn tractor.

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