Nothing is more annoying than a defective lawnmower. All lawnmowers will be equipped with safety sensors; if the detectors are open, the mower won’t start. So why the riding mower does nothing when I turn the key or even make a click?
Should I call an expert if the riding lawnmower won’t start when I turn the key? The solution is “not always” Your tractor or lawnmower should have an issue that you can identify on your own. But make sure the parking brake is engaged first.
Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn the Key
When you turn the key to start the engine on your riding lawn mower, several things could happen. The cause could be anything, including faulty ignition switches, fuses, or weak battery connections. Fortunately, you can perform some bug fixes on your riding lawn mower before you require the assistance of a technician if you find yourself stating, “My riding mower does nothing when I turn the key.”
How to Repair a Non-Starting Riding Lawn Mower
Make that the parking brake is activated and the blades are removed before taking any action. If not, the riding lawn mower won’t start. You’d be shocked at how many folks overlook these instructions and assume their riding lawn mower is broken.
After that, confirm that the blade is still detached. If not, your riding lawn mower won’t function. You require the following items for your lawnmower.
- Work gloves
- Safety goggles
- Multi-meter
- Screwdriver
- Wire brush
Reason for the Error
What does the click that occurs when you turn the key mean? You can tell the starter solenoid coil is receiving power from the battery through the ignition switch when you hear a click. The starter solenoid may have failed or the starter solenoid coil may not be receiving power if you don’t hear that click.
We’ll demonstrate how to identify the root of the issue by inspecting the battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake interlock switch, and blade switch on the riding lawnmower. Even though lawnmowers vary, many repair methods are the same. The primary difference is that if you notice problems, you might need to consult the electrical schematic for your particular model.
How the starting mechanism for a riding mower works
Understanding how the initial system functions aids in focusing on the issue. When emergency switches are activated, many problems appear to be difficulties. Assure your troubleshooting isn’t impacted by any safety switches.
1) One of the starter solenoid terminal posts is connected to the positive red battery connection (positive).
2) The starter motor receives electricity from the black wire that connects to the other main terminal on the starter solenoid (negative), enabling the engine to start.
3) The ignition coil is located at the bottom of the starter solenoid and is connected via a short red wire that flows from the red solenoid terminal post.
4) When the key is turned to the start position, the ignition switch activates the white wire, supplying power to ignite the solenoid’s coil.
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.
The Power Source for a Riding Lawn Mower
A four-cycle engine powers the riding mower (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust). Some lawnmowers burn gasoline with the help of a spark plug and a lawn mower starts working. Others run on diesel and don’t need spark plugs.
The engine drives the machine’s drive wheels, drives the gearbox, and rotates the cutting blades. Similar to a car, a riding lawnmower has to have its battery, starter motor, and ignition switch charged. 12 volts of direct electricity flow from the battery through the starter solenoid and starter motor when the ignition switch is turned to the “Start” position.
Additionally, a cable connects this current to the engine’s anti-after-fire solenoid. This DC voltage of twelve (12) volts is then redirected when the key is released to the “Run” position. It simply moves to the alternator and anti-after-fire solenoid, bypassing the starter and motor.
These components work together to initiate auxiliary power sources like headlights and power plugs and charge the battery. Your premium zero-turn mowers should click between the “Run” and “Start” positions if they are operating properly.
This suggests that the battery is providing energy to the starter solenoid. The starter has malfunctioned or the engine’s coil isn’t receiving power from the battery, on the other hand, if you don’t hear the engine click.
Examine the Battery and Connections
A voltmeter is required to test a battery, but if you don’t have one, try this simple test. Turn on your mower’s hood and dash lights if they are equipped with them. Your battery is probably not the issue if they illuminate brightly.
You can still test the battery with a multi-meter by doing the following:
- Before gaining access to the battery, turn off the ignition system.
- DC voltage is selected on the multi-meter.
- Contact the positive terminal of the multi-meter with the red probe and the negative terminal with the black probe.
- A good battery reads greater than twelve (12) volts on the multi-tester. If not, your lawnmower has a problem since it is weak or dead.
Examine the Power of the Solenoid Coil
You must now check to see if the solenoid coil is receiving power when you turn the key on your lawn tractor after you have verified that the red terminal is receiving power. Or perhaps you have a defective solenoid, in which case your tractor won’t start and makes no click.
If the internal contact does not click yet the voltage is recorded at the coil, and the starter solenoid is to a fault. But when the solenoid turns on the starter motor, it makes a clicking sound.
- Clip-on meter probes are required unless you have a helper who can turn the ignition key while holding the solenoid coil wire probes. The solenoid’s spades must be free of white and black wires.
- DC voltage measurement is selected on the multi-meter.
- Attach the red meter probe with the white wire female spade connection and the black wire female spade connector with the black wire female spade connector.
- Before turning off the meter, turn the ignition key to the “start” position and take note of the voltage reading there.
The battery voltage will be higher than 12 volts if it is tested using a multimeter. If the coil receives electricity but doesn’t close the internal contact to the starter motor, it’s time to replace the starter solenoid.
Safety Sensor Check
Safety elements are integrated into riding mower designs to guard against operator error or mishap. Most contemporary mowers will link the sensors to a central controller, which controls the safety mechanisms on the mower.
The sensors are a fairly basic on/off switch type, and they seldom cause problems. Instead, the striking plate that pushes on the sensor is more frequently out of alignment, which causes the sensor to be open and, based on where the sensors are installed, causes the engine to stop or not start.
FAQ’S
What would prevent a riding lawn mower from starting?
For the mower to start, you must have at least three things. a spark, fuel, and air. Keep an eye out for gas leaks, blocked filters, and ruptured tubes. Check your carburetor, float, and needle valve to ensure everything is in working order.
How Do You Start a Non-Starting Riding Mower?
Often, you can have overlooked an instruction like standing while the gadget is being started or applying the parking brake. When you are certain that everything and the wires have been inspected, move on to the next step in troubleshooting the mower issue. If you begin with a battery and fuse test, you’ll save time.
Riding or zero-turn mowers: which is better?
Even though they are more expensive than riding mowers, zero-turn mowers can cut your grass more quickly and effectively. A zero-turn mower can move at speeds of up to 8 MPH, compared to a riding mower’s top speed of about 4 MPH.
What symptoms indicate a bad solenoid in a lawnmower?
The ignition key should first be turned to the “On” position. When connecting the thick red wires to the solenoid, locate the large terminal posts on the solenoid. Both of the big terminals should be simultaneously touched with the metal shaft of a screwdriver. The solenoid has to be replaced if the engine turns over and starts.
Final Words
If your riding mower won’t start, the tractor isn’t clicking, and cranking doesn’t work, don’t worry. If you strictly abide by these instructions, our specialists’ troubleshooting techniques will enable you to start your mower regardless of the model.