First, well check for a blown fuse because you can usually see a blown fuse just by looking at it. 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. Started testing relays and switches. Checking the battery and its connections is also a good idea. The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Either the battery itself is dead, the terminals are corroded so the current cant travel through them, or the battery cables themselves are damaged. Depending on the specific cause of the fault, the clicking may occur at regular intervals, or it may be intermittent. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. All lawnmowers will be equipped with safety sensors; if the detectors are open, the mower wont start. If youre sure youve got everything right and checked cables, proceed totroubleshoot the mower problemusing the step above. 1 When I turn the key on my mower and nothing happens? You require the following items for your lawnmower. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance if the brake switch is okay. Heres how to install a new one. If it measures infinite resistance, replace the blade switch because its broken. If there isnt any, the ignition switch is your problem and you will need to replace it to get your mower running properly again. Some lawnmowers burn gasoline with the help of a spark plug and a lawn mower starts working. I will also answer your frequently asked . The starter solenoid may have failed or the starter solenoid coil may not be receiving power if you dont hear that click. Jim @olliebob. It could be, but it could also mean that any part of the starter circuit is faulty. Release the locking tabs on the ignition switch and push it out of the dash. After reading and understanding this system, you will be able to draw conclusions on your riding lawnmower. How can you tell if a solenoid is bad? If you turn the key on riding lawn mower and nothing happens. Turn off the ignition system before accessing the battery. When you turn the key to start the engine on your riding lawn mower, several things could happen. I have installed a new solenoid and ignition and the battery has a full charge, but when I turn the key nothing happens, no clicking from the solenoid. This part is located in the motor casing. How can I tell if my Craftsman lawn mower is working? If the multimeter measures battery voltage, it will be more than 12 volts. Why does my riding mower not start when I turn the key? When a lawnmower slows down considerably, the issue is usually a dislocated or damaged drive belt. Pull off the air duct and take the fuel tank and filter out of the way. Now you can get to the real work of mowing your lawn! 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. Once a detector activates a safety function, your mower wont work as usual. The most common cause for the engine not turning over is simply the battery. 5. Check the wiring harness for any worn or damaged wires. If you measure infinite resistance, replace the fuse because it's blown. Solution If after following all of the pre-starting instructions in the Operator's Manual the mower still will not energize the engine starter when the key is turned to start, check that the side discharge chute or mulch plug or bagger chute-to-deck adapter (depending on which is installed at the time) is properly installed. 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. This suggests that the battery is providing energy to the starter solenoid. 10. Or, in a pinch, you can use jumper cables tojump-start a riding lawn mowermodel that uses a 12-volt battery. Check Battery & Connections To test a battery you need a voltmeter, but if you don't have one try this basic check. Keep these 6 things on hand to keep the mower season running smoothly. Insert the Ignition Key. DC voltage measurement is selected on the multi-meter. A small red wire branches off the red solenoid terminal post to carry power through the ignition switch to the coil at the bottom of the starter solenoid. Can a bad spark plug cause a mower to stall? Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid. Find the perfect fit for your refrigerator. Today we're going to troubleshooting a riding lawn mower that doesn't do anything when you turn the key to start the enginenot even click. A voltmeter is required to test a battery, but if you dont have one, try this simple test. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. When you turn the key to the start position, the ignition switch sends power through the white wire and energizes the coil inside the solenoid. It should measure more than 12 volts. A riding mowers engages when the blade knob is switched off or the transmission isnt set to park. Tuck the cables away from the battery to keep them from touching the posts and accidentally restoring power. If the connections are in good condition, youll need to charge or replace the battery. Advertisement If you can not find any damaged hoses then check the gasket on the engine block and see if you can find oil leaking from this area. A failing ignition switch can also cause issues with electrical power throughout the car. To start your riding lawn mower, engage the brakes, shift the gear to neutral, open the throttle, turn the ignition, and then fix any issues preventing the mower from working properly. 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. Here's a video that shows you how to replace the starter solenoid. Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2021 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: 1948 John Deere A Ignition Switch. Fortunately, it is easy to check the ignition switch on a riding lawn mower to make sure it is in good working order. Put the Gear to Neutral. If you measure infinite resistance, replace the brake switch because its broken. Pushed it to the garage, and assuming it is an electrical problem, printed offline a toro 74360 electrical guide. To access the brake switch, remove the air duct mounting screws and pull off the air duct. And while the key is still on start: 12 volts to the small wire on the solenoid to ground. When you are certain that everything and the wires have been inspected, move on to the next step in troubleshooting the mower issue. What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a riding lawn mower? If the ground side of the circuit is okay, we'll check the hot side of the circuit that begins with the small red wire on the starter solenoid terminal and ends at the white wire that connects to the coil spade. Pull the Throttle onto Choke Position Move its lever in order to engage the choke. Note the prongs that the white wires connect to because those are the prongs that well check resistance through to determine whether the brake switch is okay. You can do this by checking the obvious places where the power is coming into the switch, such as the power and ground wire terminals, or any other terminals connected to the switch. If there is spark, then remove the spark plug and clean it with sandpaper and a wire brush, then reinstall the plug. Motion detectors, switches, and sensors have in-built override functions. Part 1 Starting the Engine Download Article 1 Sit firmly in the seat. Nothing is more annoying than a defective lawnmower. This type of riding mower is common, but the wiring and components in yours might be different. You should have when attempting to start the mower. If it doesnt make this sound, your bad starter solenoids have an issue and need a repair or replacement. No Spam. 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. The symptoms of a bad solenoid can vary depending on the type and location of the solenoid, but some common signs include: difficulty starting the engine, difficulty turning the engine off, engine misfires, a clicking sound when starting the engine, the engine wont crank or turn over, the starter motor will run continuously even after the ignition is turned off, and engine stalling. Make sure it is not empty and that there are no blockages in the fuel line. If the ignition switch is okay, then we've isolated the circuit break to the section of white wire that includes the brake switch and blade switch. A reading of infinite resistance means you must to find and repair the break in the black ground wiring. Finally, a faulty ignition switch can also cause some safety concerns like the cruise control abruptly cutting out, the brakes becoming unresponsive, or the windshield wipers being slow to respond. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out riding mower does nothing when i turn the key. Should I call a professional when the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key? The answer is: not always. To do that, reverse the orientation of the multimeter probes, and measure again. The charger should work on at least 10volts to charge the battery. Before turning off the meter, turn the ignition key to the start position and take note of the voltage reading there. Well send you a nice letter with latest posts once per week. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Make that the parking brake is activated and the blades are removed before taking any action. To check the ground wire, we check for resistance between the female spade on the black wire and the metal frame of the mower. Other common issues you can experience with a damaged ignition switch include loose wiring and connections, corrosion, or spinning ignition. 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. Recheck the voltage. You should be able to find out the problem with your tractor or mower yourself. We'll use this Craftsman riding lawn mower for our troubleshooting. What is the significance of the click when you turn the key? I turn the key on my mower and nothing happens brake switch, the., move on to the starter solenoid cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors bounce... The riding mower does nothing when i turn the key is usually a dislocated or damaged drive belt a ignition switch on a riding lawn mower issue need. Blade switch because its broken wont work as usual the significance of multimeter! 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