How to Bypass Ignition Switch on Riding Mower?

A riding mower ignition switch is often required to be replaced. Although it may be the reason for the inconvenience at a certain time, you can bypass the switch temporarily. This will enable you to operate your riding mower until you can replace the ignition switch.

In this article, you will learn how to bypass the ignition switch on your riding mower and thus, keep operating the mower. You will also learn about the working of the ignition switch and the way to check a broken switch.

The information given in this guide is useful for all riding mowers that are machine-powered using gas or battery.

Table of Contents

What Is the Purpose of an Ignition Switch?

The ignition switch is a mechanism that is used in vehicles to start the engine. It is also responsible for turning off the engine when you are not using the vehicle. The ignition switch is located in the dashboard of a car and is also found in other vehicles, such as a riding lawnmower.

How Do You Test a Failed Ignition Switch?

The ignition switch is an important part of a vehicle and should be tested regularly for proper functioning. If you are experiencing problems with your riding mower ignition switch, you can do this testing yourself.

It is not difficult to test the ignition switch on a riding lawnmower. You can follow these steps:

Step 1. Check the ignition switch. Find the metal key that is used as a lever to push down on the switch. You may have to remove the cover of the switch to see it.

With the key in the off position, push it in and release it. If the lever moves up and down with ease, the switch is working properly. If it does not move at all, the switch is bad and will need to be replaced.

Step 2. Test the wiring and fuse. Before testing the wiring and fuses, check to see if the key is in the off position. Now, remove the cover of the switch and locate the red and black wires. Touch each wire to a good ground.

If the mower starts, the wiring is good. If it doesn’t, there is a problem with the wiring and you will need to replace the switch.

Three ways to bypass the Ignition Switch on your Riding Mower

When it comes to Reel vs riding lawn mowers, then we can say that Reel mowers do not have an ignition switch, but all riding lawn mowers do. Because riding lawnmowers are quite costly, the ignition switch is a major concern. The three most common methods for doing so are:

1: Jumping the Ignition Switch

One of the easiest methods for bypassing the ignition switch on your riding mower is to use jumper cables. A faulty ignition switch is a significant issue that affects even the most dependable big yard mowers. Jumping a car is the same, but it is somewhat more complex.

When working with battery power, you’ll need some rubber gloves to serve as insulating protection. Strapping, a battery cable stripper, and charging cables are all required. Make sure the riding lawn mower is stopped on the brake with blades inactive and battery connections removed before you begin.

Remove the lawnmower’s hood to reveal the engine.
Then, remove the black battery cover.
Take a look at the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the battery. There are also labels on the battery that will indicate this.
Loosen the nut holding the black negative terminal clamp with a wrench or pliers.
Remove the clamp from the terminal.
Do the same for the positive (+) terminal, but do not remove the terminal from the battery.
Attach jumper cables as they are numbered. Make sure the red cable is attached to the positive (+) terminal and the black cable is attached to the negative (-) terminal.
Start your vehicle with jumper cables connected, and let it run for a minute.
Turn off the vehicle and remove the jumper cables.
Replace the battery cover and the lawnmower’s hood.

2: Bypassing using Hot Wire

The hot wire method is another alternative if you don’t have booster cables. Take the switch out of its cast if it is there but does not work. It’ll be a five-plug round metal at the back.

This method is a bit more dangerous because it entails using a wire to bypass the ignition switch. The hot wire will allow you to start the engine without the switch. It is also an efficient method of bypassing the ignition switch on your riding mower.

Take two wires and twist them together. Also, twist the end of the wire around a screwdriver.
With the engine off, hold one wire against the positive terminal and touch the other wire to the starter. The engine should kick over.
With the engine running, hold the wire to the positive terminal. Once it’s hot enough, pull the other wire away.
If the engine stalls, turn it off and start over.
Repeat these steps on the negative terminal.

3: Using a Toggle Switch

A toggle switch is a small device that you can use to turn on and off electrical circuits. It has two metal posts that are connected by a wire. When you flip the switch, it completes the circuit and electricity can flow through it.

This method of bypassing the ignition switch on your riding mower is very simple. All you need is a toggle switch and some wire. The toggle switch can be purchased at any hardware store.

The first step is to remove the mower’s seat and carpeting. You will then be able to access the wiring that powers your riding mower. Simply disconnect the wiring using your wrench. If you are uncomfortable doing this, consult a professional for complete removal.
Next, strip one end of each wire to expose the metal underneath. For this step, you will need your wrench or wire strippers.
Connect one end of each wire to the toggle switch. Simply place the wire through one of the holes on either side of the switch and then twist it tightly.
Now, it’s time to reattach the wiring to your riding mower. Reconnect the black wire to the negative terminal and the red wire to the positive terminal.
Finally, reattach the seat and carpeting. The startup you’re riding mower and test out your new toggle switch.

Next time your riding mower doesn’t want to start, you don’t have to take it into the shop or spend money on batteries. You can try these alternative options, or consult a professional to get it back up and running.

Conclusion

By following these simple methods, you will be able to bypass your riding mower’s ignition switch and get it running again. Whether you’re using jumper cables, a hot wire, or a toggle switch, they are simple. If you’re still having trouble getting your mower started, consult a professional for more assistance.

We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section below. Thanks for reading!

How to Bypass Ignition Switch on Riding Mower? | Step By Step Guide