It is possible that the battery has reached the end of its life and may need replacement. Disconnect the cable harness that's connected to the seat's detector. In either case, the engine runs the transmission and drive wheels, and rotates the cutting blades underneath the machine. Pull off the air duct and take the fuel tank and filter out of the way. You can test the starter by connecting the motor to a jump cord. Turn off the engine, and open the hood. Other common issues you can experience with a damaged ignition switch include loose wiring and connections, corrosion, or spinning ignition. When your riding mower won’t start, carefully go through the starting procedure. When your lawnmower battery dies, your first instinct may be to junk it, recycle it, and grab a new one. This current also flows through a cable to the anti-afterfire solenoid in the engine. Remove the battery from its slot. Remove the mounting and tab both with a screwdriver. A 24 hp Kohler engine is onboard. The carburetor needs air to make the engine run. On the other hand, a blown fuse will measure infinite resistance. Get shopping advice from experts, friends and the community! On the other hand, a damaged ignition switch will measure infinite resistance. Follow step-by-step instruction to determine why your mower won't start: checking fuel levels, spark plug, carburetor and compression. Lithium-ion batteries, which are typically used to power these machines, are able to be charged quickly, have a high capacity, and are capable of putting out a lot more power than older style power tool batteries, and as a result, they’re able to power a lawn mower. Always check the spark plug first. Once a detector activates a safety function, your mower won’t work as usual. Don’t fret if your riding mower won’t start no clicking comes from the tractor, and cranking doesn’t work. If you suspect your sensors are on an override, our team suggests to reconnect them before starting the device. If a simple recharge doesn’t work, you need to replace the battery pack in the mower. Still, a 12-volt charger is sometimes preferred. A 12-volt vehicle. the cheapest riding mower you can find in the market. The top-rated riding mowers should have good ignition switch measuring 0 ohms. You may have jump-started your car many times, but jump-starting a mower battery is a little different. I'm certain it's not the battery. post still nothing . If the battery in your riding lawn mower is unexpectedly dead, you may need to use jumper cables to get it going. If this is the case, the battery will likely need to be replaced. Moreover, the battery may be buried deeply in the mower machinery, so when connecting cables, you have to be careful not to touch any metal, or electricity will flow. 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. Mower batteries have smaller capacities than car batteries, and you can overload them. Turn off the ignition; set the brake, and disengage the mowing rotors. Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. Subsequent attempts yielded nothing. Use the multi-meter's red probe to touch the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative terminal. The most common reason for this is a flat battery. This probably won't happen, but you should protect yourself anyway. First, raise the seat to get to the battery. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! Check The Lawn Mower Choke. The battery is fully charged, brake is in the locked and upright position, driver is in seat to keep the cutoff switch happy and the control arms are in the correct position for start. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. A service monitor on a mower can help you identify when you’ve got battery troubles. What to Do if Your Battery Won’t Charge. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen and women. Replace the unit, ensuring that the battery is the proper size. Your mower should start within three pulls of the starter rope (unless equipped with a Quick Start engine). While at it, check for leaks or corrosion at the bottom and sides. 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. Battery is fully charged, start key is in, and mulch plug is in correctly. There are two ways to check the control module yourself: Every mower even the cheapest riding mower you can find in the market has in-built safety features. Sometimes, you might have forgotten a step like pressing the parking brake or standing while starting the device. Like automobile car, riding mower use a new battery, starter motor, and ignition switch. Most riding mowers have 12-volt batteries, too. Others are powered by diesel and require no spark plug. If the air filter is dirty, it may not let … Is mowing your uneven and hilly lawn a challenging and daunting task? Fortunately, if your riding mower won’t start and no clicking comes from the engine, you might not need a replacement just yet. Read next! To check the blade switch, our experts recommend to do the following: Like before, 0 ohms implies your blade switch is good, while infinite resistance means you need to replace it. Take out the clutch lever mounting screws. The electrical storage capacity of mower batteries is not large, so even a small decrease in power may cause starting problems. Clean corrosion off the cable leads with a wire brush if they are still there after dusting. Clamp the black booster cable around the riding mower’s negative battery terminal, and clamp the other end to clean metal on the mowers engine in order to have a good ground. If the battery has gone bad, it may not recharge at all, or may lose its charge very quickly. Replacing the seat and reconnecting the new battery in your mower correctly. There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a faulty lawnmower. Your riding mower won’t work otherwise. Never stand directly over the battery when attaching the cables. Here are some other precautions to observe: Park the mower on level ground. As soon as the mower starts, switch off the power pack and disconnect the cables, starting with the black one. Note the wiring connected to the solenoid and then disconnect the cables in any order. You’ll often just need to recharge your battery or change the fuse to power your lawn tractor again. Sometimes finding it is the hardest part. Then, disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative (colored black) and then the red. Then, put a screwdriver in the negative end of the battery. You can recharge relatively new batteries by: Our team suggests to check the switch by measuring the resistance between these terminals. Typically, sensors or switches control these features, and they are routed through the control module. You may have to remove a protective cover to access the battery. After the mower is started, the cables are disconnected in reverse order. Unless the battery is too old to be recharged, a jump start might be worth a try. A corroded battery won’t start an engine, and neither will a drained battery, when you forget to turn off the safety switch. When jump-starting the mower with a portable power pack, connect the red clip to the positive terminal on the mower battery and the black clip to the negative terminal or to the metal frame of the mower. Make sure you’re away from moving vehicles. You should be able to find out the problem with your tractor or mower yourself. could you please what I can do about this. A DIYer by nature, Deziel regularly shares tips and tricks for a better home and garden at Hunker.com. 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. If your push or riding mower has a 12V battery, you can jump start it with your car. A good fuse should measure near 0 ohms. Try rolling the mower into your driveway, for instance, or onto pavement. Don't let the battery cables touch each other until they are completely disconnected from both batteries. Together, these parts help to charge the battery and start auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs. One end of the black cable to the negative (-) terminal of the car battery. Be sure the power pack is switched off when making the connections; then turn it on and start the mower. But the riding lawn mower won’t start, no clicking coming from the engine or even noise. Charging your mower’s battery using a car battery charger is possible as long as your battery … First, follow a couple steps: Always connect the red clips to the positive terminals first. Pull up the mower's hood to access the ignition switch. When you release the key to the ‘Run’ position, this DC of twelve (12) volts is then redirected. Finally, replace the seat, battery, and other parts. Check out this website if you want to learn how! There are many reasons a riding lawn mower won't start—everything from stale gas to ignition switch problems. The problem with your mower could be with the switches. Although mowers differ from models, they all work on the same principles. Remove the tabs to pull the ignition switch out of its slot. The other end of the black cable to the metal frame of the mower far from the fuel tank and battery. These terminals are along each other's diagonal at the bottom of the switch. Check and Charge/Replace Dead Battery Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower won’t run or click. You should not jump start a battery with excessive leaking. It still is a possibility that the battery may be the issue. One end of red cable to the positive (+) terminal of the mower battery. Don’t Jump Start When a Leak is Present. My Ryobi cordless electric mower RY401011VNM won't start. To check if a manual choke is working you can remove the air filter of your mower and look through to the carb, then operate the throttle and watch to see if the valve is closed. The assembly should drop slightly when the screws aren't in place. Be sure to leave the car engine off when you do this. Ensure the choke of your mower is set to start so as it can choke the air in the valve of your mower and help it start. lead of the charger on the solenoid posi. Then, getting these topnotch riding mower for hills might be an ideal solution. Follow along this DIY video to troubleshoot and learn when it's best to service your mower. Connect the other end of the Negative(-) cable circuit to a good solid shiny, non painted metal part of the engine on the dead mower. For instance, it’s usually best to use a charger inside your garage. You can jump the mower with the battery in your car or with a portable jump-starter, but you can only use your car battery if your mower has a 12-volt battery. Pull the cable harness off the brake switch, noting the wiring. 3. This implies that the starter solenoid is getting power from the battery. Then check if the blade is still disengaged. 1. If it starts or turns over quickly the battery is still the issue. Connect the black multi-meter probe to the B prong and the other to the S prong. I will go through the proper procedure in using jumper cables for starting your tractor. Avoid a jump start mower to prevent damages to the on-board system. Most cars, trucks and even Hybrids have a regular 12 volt battery fitted somewhere. If it isn't fully charged within 8 hours, your battery is dead and you'll need to replace it. Once the engines running, a bad battery isn't so important, that's why a mower with a bad battery still runs after you remove the jumper leads. Your lawn mower battery contains strong acid, and jump-starting it could make it explode. And if you notice that your high-quality electric riding mower won’t start no clicking comes from the device, or cranking doesn’t work, then this module could be faulty. Connecting the charger clips to the battery terminals. Am having basically the same problem on my 1998 craftsman 20 hp lawn tractor . To start it, I had to jump it from a car. Connect the other side of the red cable with the positive terminal of your car battery. when I jump to start it, it fires up real good but immediately dies when I remove the cables. You can test the voltage a battery is outputting by using a multimeter. This means its contacts complete the B and S terminal circuit and can send voltage to the solenoid. It is always better to check the spark plug. A control module is a printed circuit with resistors, relays, and a ground side that receive commands from the safety switches. Move the mower onto a hard, level surface. He worked as an expert consultant with eHow Now and Pro Referral -- a Home Depot site. Start the mower. If you're unsure of the voltage, when you find the battery, a sticker on the casing will indicate 12v. With a test light or VOM check the small terminal on the starter solenoid for the presence of 12V when you turn the ignition key to "Start". Jump-Starting the Mower. > If you do have power, then the solenoid needs checking. So if your mower cranks but won't start, try jump starting to eliminate the possibility of a faulty battery causing a slow crank speed. Battery-powered lawn mowers have come a long way to be a viable alternative to their gas-powered counterparts. A service monitor on a mower can help you identify when you’ve got battery troubles. Batteries can be dangerous if you handle them incorrectly, so this video shows you how to jump-start your mower’s battery safely so you can get back to mowing. Motion detectors, switches, and sensors have in-built override functions. It won’t do anything , no clicking ,no signs of electrical life . The last possible reason behind a faulty starter is that your lawn mower has a failed starter motor. Remove the faulty solenoid and replace it with the new one. Luckily, this small engine can be easily located under the front hood. Your push or riding mower sat in the garage all winter, and now the battery is too weak to start the engine. If your high-quality zero turn mowers work fine, you would hear a clicking sound between the ‘Run’ and ‘Start’ positions. Step #3: Connect The Jumper Cable Connect the one side of the red cable with the positive terminal of your lawnmower. The first place to look when a jump start doesn't produce the desired effect is the battery. The battery also looked old, so I replaced it with a new one. While you can repair some solenoids, it’s often better to change them for longevity. Pull off the battery box after removing its clips or screws. Lawn Tractor Won't Start? You'll need jump leads and any 12 volt vehicle. I’ve had a battery charger on it for at lease 12 hrs. Below, our experts have put together the potential issues with a riding mower that won’t start or click and provide troubleshooting tips to help your riding mower work again. If the brake pedal doesn’t work, then you need to inspect your brake detector. Otherwise, it is weak, or dead and you’ve found the problem with your mower. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Some mowers use gasoline as their fuel and a spark plug to combust it. [1] X Research source If you’re using a battery charger, select a spot near an electrical outlet. The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this. He has degrees in science and humanities and years of teaching experience. You should only use the post on the dead battery as a last resort. Doesn't get any power at all. The charger should work on at least 10volts to charge the battery. Spring has arrived, so you pull your riding mower out of the garage for the season’s first cut. Riding mower is powered by a four-cycle engine (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). If your lawn mower battery does charge fully, the charge should not drain if it is not in use. If you’re sure you’ve got everything right and checked cables, proceed to troubleshoot the problem using the step above. Uncover the battery terminals. To fix this problem, check the ignition wiring for corroded, damaged, or loose wires. Most of the time when a lawn mower won't start the cause is a problem with the gas or the lawn mower carburetor. Plugging the charger to a power outlet. Park your car close enough to the mower to allow the jumper cables to reach. Using the multi-meter probes, touch both prongs that connect to the wiring of the brake detector. You should hear one click when the solenoid engages. See … If you find that your battery will not jump or charge, chances are you can still bring it back to life. Instead of going to the starter and motor, it moves to the alternator and anti-afterfire solenoid only. Don’t just grab the jumper cables and go, however – that could lead to disaster. If your mower has a 6-volt battery, and you don't have a 6-volt jump-starter, your options are to trickle-charge the battery or to buy a new one. Turn off the ignition system before accessing the battery. But first, ensure you set the parking brakes. If the brake switch is okay, the multi-meter should display 0 ohms of resistance. If the battery won't charge fully within 8 hours when connected to a charger, you probably have to replace the battery. thank you, thomas In Summary. Regardless of your model, our experts’ troubleshooting methods will help you start your mower if you follow these tips to the letter. A riding mowers engages when the blade knob is switched off or the transmission isn’t set to park. You’ll save time if you start from a battery and fuse test. If your lawn mower battery won't hold a charge, connect it to the charger. Using your multi-meter probes, touch both prongs to measure the resistance of the blade switch. The main ones to check are the brake pedal switch, blade switch, battery connection, weight sensor (to make sure a driver is sitting before the mower works). Replace this switch if you read infinite resistance from your multi-meter. In addition, you can't use your portable jump-starter to jump a 6-volt battery if it doesn't have a 6-volt setting. I bought an old riding lawn mower (B&S 12HP). Your mower is using a You might even have to … The technique to start is to turn the key quickly from fully off … Try charging the battery first and replacing it if required. Depending on your model, a control module could be anywhere, even under the seat. Hi my name is thomas and my craftsman tractor lawn mower model number 917.273012 has a battery that is appx 1 year old. However, not every mower has one. The other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the car battery. Try This Easy Free Fix!Lawn Tractor with Briggs and Stratton engine hard to start or won't fire up at all? Turn the key to the start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage. If you have jumper cables, I would suggest that you try to jump off the engine. Select a spot with plenty of room for you to move around the mower. An avid craftsman and musician, Deziel began writing on home improvement topics in 2010. This circuit is from a red to a white wire, which is on the B-terminal and S-terminal, respectively. When I tried to start it with the new battery, all I got was a little half-turn sound from the engine, and then nothing. Start the mower engine. Usually a bolt on the engine block will do. Follow these steps to change a faulty solenoid: Your riding lawn tractor click but won’t start because the trouble could be from your battery, fuse, control module, or mower’s safety features. 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. Note the prong's wiring and then disconnect the blade switch's cable harness. Dirty Air Filter. Consult your owner's manual for the proper procedure. When you start the engine, your ignition switch’s contacts complete a circuit. If the sensors in the motor work correctly, a circuit module will also output a command to the starter through the solenoid. If you constantly have to charge the battery, a bad battery or failed alternator could be causing the problem. Disconnecting the charger reversing the steps above. A corroded battery won’t start an engine, and neither will a drained battery, when you forget to turn off the safety switch. Battery troubles are one of the most common reasons a mower won’t run or click. Sparks often fly when the cables make contact, and one of … Also, make certain that the poles are connected in the proper place as this is a common issue. This process can be dangerous, so for your safety, please head the precautions and warnings listed in this article. Mowers are equipped with a battery that charges as the engine runs. Before you jump into action to jumpstart your lawn mower with a car make sure of the following: 1. Of course, you need to check to be sure. These functions are generally used for tests, and simply disconnecting a detector can cause an override. Chris Deziel is a contractor, builder and general fix-it pro who has been active in the construction trades for 40 years. Accessing the battery, which is usually under the driver's seat. If it doesn’t make this sound, your bad starter solenoids have an issue and need a repair or replacement. Disconnect the jumper cables in the exact reverse order: black from mower, then from vehicle; red from vehicle, then from mower. When you jump start the engine, you should press your brake pedal. I think you can guess what you need to do next. Hook the positive cable to the positive terminal of the car battery. You will know if your mower solenoid is when you listen to what happens when you turning the key while starting the mower. Use the key to turn the ignition switch and start the engine. I’ve tried putting the pos. RAY: If your mower uses a 12-volt battery, use the jumper cables as you would when starting another car.