The day has arrived when you need to mow the grass, but your cub cadet ignition switch problems are starting. In the years we’re a dealership serving both residential and commercial customers, I’ve troubleshot a lot of starting problems. When you turn the ignition switch after inserting the key, nothing happens.
Your Cub Cadet lawn mower won’t turn on. The fault can be the ignition switch. To test the ignition switch, use a multimeter. A malfunctioning starter solenoid and loose or severed wires are two common ignition issues with the Cub cadet ignition switch. By properly connecting the wires and installing a new ignition switch, you can resolve the aforementioned lawn mower ignition problems.
Cub Cadet Ignition Switch Problems
The majority of cub cadet ignition switch problems might be linked to poor wiring or a malfunctioning solenoid. The correct wiring of the terminals, replacement of the ignition coil, and replacement of the ignition switch are common repairs.
A cub cadet lawn mower won’t start; it may be a dirty carburetor, malfunctioning switches, or a charging system issue. Hopefully, the initial issue can be easily resolved so that you can resume mowing your grass. Let’s Start!
How Does The Cub Cadet Ignition Switch Works?
You must comprehend how power is transferred from the switch to the engine to comprehend ignition switch issues with lawnmowers. You turn the key to START to begin the four-step process. The solenoid’s coil receives electrical signals from the ignition switch.
The starting motor receives power from the coil after the circuit is closed by the coil and the battery connection. The engine is then started spinning by the motor.
How Cub Cadet Ignition Switch Prevents From Starting
Your lawnmower’s operator proximity control system may use many safety switches. When the operator gets up from the seat, the switches are intended to shut off the engine. Your mower might not start if a defective switch fails to detect whether the operator is seated in the seat or not.
Fix That Problem
To find a bad switch, you can briefly bypass the safety switch. For your safety, never use a mower without the safety switch installed. Each year, many people suffer injuries from rolling mowers or falling off them. Always ensure that your equipment has installed and functional safety switches. Fix a broken switch.
Concerns With The Ignition Switch
Turning the ignition key should start a functioning lawn mower right away. But the following issues ought to be a red flag for a defective ignition switch.
- The ignition key is sticking.
-  The engine doesn’t turn on.
- Â You are unable to easily move the ignition key back and forth between OFF, RUN, and START potion.
- Â The engine cranks briefly and then goes off.
Other signs of ignition issues with a lawn mower comprise overheating, idling, and an unwillingness to shut off the engine until the spark plug is removed.
1: Ignition Switch Wiring Issue
Your mower may have a problem with the wiring connections if it runs for a while before stopping suddenly. It’s possible that loose wiring is blocking the solenoid from receiving adequate current. It might also be because the ground connection on the ignition switch isn’t connected to where it should be grounded.
Another scenario is that the stop switch wire is sloppy and rubbing up against the mower’s body.
How To Fix Wiring Ignition Switch Wiring Issue
Here’s how to identify and fix problems with electrical connections;
1.   Find The Ignition Switch Components
Finding the connections and parts of the ignition switch must come first. To find the parts and connections quickly, use the circuit diagram in the user guide provided by the product’s manufacturer. All of the electrical connections between the parts of the lawn mower are laid out in the circuit diagram. You can use this schematic to identify the battery, solenoid, lights, and magneto coil.
2. The Switch Should Be GroundedÂ
Join the ground terminal (G) of the switch to either the solenoid’s ground or the negative terminal of the battery. A multimeter can be used to verify whether the connection is strong.
3.   Switch To A Solenoid Connection
Connect the solenoid’s positive connection to the switch terminal denoted with an “S.” To link wires to the appropriate terminals, use alligator clamps or soldering iron.
4.   Assemble The Magneto And The Switch
Connect the open terminal of the magneto to the “M” terminal of the ignition switch.
5.   Affix the Battery
To supply voltage, connect the ignition switch’s “B” terminal to the battery’s positive terminal.
6.   Blow The Light
Connect the lights to the ignition switch’s “L” terminal. Some ignition switches have this terminal’s “L” designation marked as “Y.”
7.   Fix The Switch Securely
Once all the connections are made, use a screwdriver to fix the ignition switch in place. Make sure that every screw is secured. Replace the rubber/plastic shell.
8.   Examine The Lawnmower
Start the mower to check if it starts and operates properly once the ignition switch connection issues have been resolved. Even after addressing the ignition switch problems, your lawn mower may still not start or stall. This could be because the battery terminals are corroded, which restricts the flow of current.
How To Fix Ignition Switch
You will need to repair the ignition switch if it is defective (for example, because the terminals are worn out). To replace a broken lawn mower ignition switch, adhere to the steps outlined below.
1.   Take The Battery Out
Pull the ignition key out of the ignition switch after turning it to the “OFF” position. After that, raise the mower seat and remove the bolt holding the negative terminal to the battery from the battery.
2.   Take The Ignition Switch Out
The locking tabs can be found behind the ignition switch if you lift the hood. Push out the switch after releasing the tabs.
3.   Pull The Wire Harness Apart
From behind the ignition switch, remove the wiring harness.
4.   Installing The New Switch
To the back of the new ignition switch, reattach the wire harness that you had previously disconnected from the old switch. Before closing the hood, reinstall the switch in the dash and fasten it with the locking tabs.
5.   Connect The Battery Again
Connect the negative cable from the ignition switch to the battery’s negative terminal.
Faulty Solenoid Or Ignition Coil
If your lawn mower tends to cut off unexpectedly while you’re mowing. You can’t start it again until it cools down, it may have a starter coil issue. The flywheel won’t be able to be adequately spun if the ignition coil is broken. The engine won’t start up or abruptly stop as a result of it failing to engage the crankshaft.
How To Fix Solenoid Or Ignition Coil
You must swap out the ignition coil if the Cub Cadet lawnmower ignition won’t start because it has a bad coil.
- Take out the spark plug, allowing it to touch the engine block. Start the engine again and look for sparks. If there is no spark, the ignition coil needs to be replaced since it is damaged.
- The flywheel and the ignition coil can only be accessed by disassembling the mower’s parts. Ensure to disconnect the wire from the kill switch that is linked to the damaged ignition coil before unscrewing it.
- After reconnecting the kill switch wire with your replacement ignition coil, screw the ignition coil into position.
- The new ignition coil should be attached using loose screws so that it can travel forward and backward. This will enable you to leave precisely the right amount of space—0.1–0.3 mm—between the coil and the flywheel’s magnets.
- The screws can now be tightened before the flywheel is spun to remove the piece of paper.
- To test if the new ignition coil has fixed the issue, reattach all of the casings before starting the mower once more.
Tests For Cub Cadet Ignition Switch Problems
When testing for mower ignition switch issues, use a digital multimeter to make sure that the circuit between the battery and the starter solenoid is complete. Another testing technique is keeping an eye on your mower’s warning lights.
Test The Starter Solenoid
- Turn the ignition on with the key.
- The multimeter’s positive terminal should now be linked to the power source, and the negative end should be attached to the starter solenoid/base.
- Put the key in the “running” position and turn the ignition. Check the multimeter’s readout of the battery’s voltage. The voltage reading needs to be at least 90% of the voltage of the primary battery. It indicates a problem with the ignition switch or wiring if it is lower.
Test for Warning Lights
Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position after inserting the ignition key. Release your grip on the key as the engine begins to spin so that it will return to the “RUN” position on its own. You ought to be monitoring the warning lights at this stage. If the sound is off, your ignition switch is broken.
Magneto Test
Using an alligator clamp and digital multi-meter, you may check for magneto failure. Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and set the multi-meter to “ohms.” Examine the connection between the magneto terminal (marked “M”) and the ground terminal (marked “G”). If the component beeps, everything is in order. If not, a failing magneto could be the problem.
Having Issues With Your Cub Cadet Ignition Switch Right Now?
I’m going to give you some additional tips that will help you if these tips haven’t helped your Cub Cadet problem or if you are having a different problem with your Cub Cadet switches.
Maintenance Advice For The Ignition Switch
To avoid current blockage, make sure to routinely Gutter-clean corroded terminals with a wire brush and sandpaper. Along with the ignition switch, professional machine servicing comprises troubleshooting and fixing any broken lawnmower components. We advise that the lawnmower undergo a required thorough service once a year.
FAQ’S
Why won’t my Cub Cadet budge?
When the starter motor for a Cub Cadet lawn mower doesn’t receive power, the engine won’t turn over. A poor battery, loose or corroded wiring, a broken ignition key switch, a malfunctioning safety switch, a bad starter solenoid, or a damaged starter motor could all be to blame for this.
What occurs if the ignition switch fails?
The ignition system and other engine controls cannot get power from a damaged ignition switch, which makes it impossible for the engine to start. Engine problems can also be brought on by other mechanical and electrical problems, such as a dead battery or a broken starter solenoid.
How can I tell if the Cub Cadet solenoid is defective?
When the engine is cold, problems starting the engine can result from a malfunctioning solenoid. Fuel delivery to the combustion chamber will be difficult for the engine and may take some time. Once the engine is going, try turning it off and on again.
On the Cub Cadet, where are the safety switches?
The safety switch is secured to the seat’s base.
Could it not be stopped from cranking by the ignition coil?
Most likely, the ignition switch’s faulty connection is to blame. When the machine is operating, it warms up and creates a lot of resistance at the connection. But, when it cools, it reestablishes contact. Safety switch, solenoid, or PTO switch are the other items listed, but none of these would prevent it from cranking or running.
Final Words
Except for a few malfunctions, Cub Cadet is very well-liked by people. The fixation instruction, which is much more effective to put into practice, can help the readers of this essay. For consumers, the process is extremely clear and allows formulation. If you have a negative opinion of your cub cadet, the entire ignition coil and switch method will be useful.