Step 2: Replace the coil. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. To test, use a jumper lead to bring power from the positive (+) of the battery to the positive post of the starter. I started it and pulled the choke up all the way really fast and now it will not start at all. Turning the engine anti-clockwise by hand will unlock it. This allows the engine to crank over at sufficient speed to create a spark strong enough to start up the engine. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. It has 9 hours on it now. JavaScript is disabled. Troubleshooting a Riding Lawn Mower That Won't Start. I can't see where turned it off at idle would cause it not to start back up. I have a Toro z5000 0 turn, pretty reliable, used this season multiple times. Never run a mower when a safety switch is bypassed. Theyre cheap and easy to fit. It is an electromagnet switch that is actuated to engage the starter motor so the engine will turn over. Also check on here. check the wiring. Dirty connections are usually caused by the weeping of battery acid at the battery poles. I cleaned the dirty fuel tank and replaced the fuel filter. I'm back and in full force!! Don't pull the choke out all the way or the same thing will happen again from flooded motor. I've kind of been spared a day of work tomorrow due to the amount of rain we've received today and the amount predicted for tomorrow morning. First, let's check for loose wiring. Reminder: Always disconnect the negative cable (black) from the battery before making any repairs to the electrical system. Hes been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and shares his know-how and hands-on experience in our DIY repair guides. I was half asss mechanically inclined before i started, but just spending the time and fixing your own equipment teaches you ALOT real quickly! Replace terminals when they are damaged or in bad condition. The gas is good. Gas only lasts for about 30 days before it begins to break down. An even easier way is to cross the starter solenoid as per the guide below. You probably didnt notice there is a small hole in the gas cap to let air pass through so the fuel tank can vent. It has a brand new, fully charged battery. Could be the fuel pump. For mower troubleshooting, check out my guide Common Lawn Mower Problems: Solved. How to Service a Husqvarna Zero Turn Lawn Mower: Step-By-Step, 15 Reasons Your Lawn Boy Mower Wont Start (SOLVED!). Leaking Battery Check your battery for leaks before attempting to jump-start. 0 . The valve lash describes a precise gap between the valve tip and the rocker arm. The starter solenoid is very weak on them. He told me it sounds like it may be flooded and told me to make sure I didn't leave it in choke b/c that would allow the gas to continue to run. Sometimes the top of the starter doesn't spin back down. Most common cause is bad or loose connections so start there. Repair:Remove your air filter from the air filter housing to check for dirt buildup. Check the black cable from the battery to the frame of the lawn mower. A reading of 11.5V indicates a battery that is almost dead while a 12.7V reading indicates a fully charged battery. To clean the connections, add a couple of spoons of baking soda and a small amount of water, and pour this onto the acid build-up on the connections and battery poles. When you are experiencing battery problems, the first culprit is your battery voltage, so you should check this first. I have replaced the battery but when I tried to start it, it just smoked. I recommend a trickle/smart charger; theyre simple to use; pop on the color-coded crocodile clips, plug it in, and thats it. The fuel filter can become plugged with dirt and buildup from old fuel. The fix replace the seal or the complete carburetor. I have a Troy Bilt Pony 17.5 hp and it does the same thing. If you find that the cables keep coming loose or they are broken, they must be replaced. Check out Mower winter storage video.. Please read through the procedure a couple off times before starting. Replace your solenoid if it is found to be bad. Part of that system is a starter solenoid. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. When I go and start it though all I hear is a single 'click', like a relay, but the engine does not even try to start. The gear head of the starter motor can bind against the flywheel; this locks the engine and starter motor together. It acts as though the battery has not enough amperage to turn it over. You can find fuel lines online or at your local hardware store. If youre unable, you likely have excessive valve lash. In this video we will show you how to trouble shoot a power problem on the Toro zero turn from Home Depot. Repair: Drain and flush the fuel tank. All it does is click and wont turn. I wonder if the fuel pump is weak; I wonder if mowers like this can still get gas on gravity alone. Now that the engine is off we can get to diagnosing the root cause and fixing it. Thanks in advance! This is the last likely issue. Youll have to replace your filter if you cant see light shine through the paper. I saw a can of starting fluid in a store and bought it. Checking the starter motor is easy; connect a 12-volt supply direct from the mower battery (+) to the supply wire at the starter. The carburetor must be cleaned and any failing components replaced. Further start attempts just give a click sound, unless I turn the vent counerclockwise again. The click sound is the solenoid trying to work by pulling in the armature; they fail regularly, andI replace lots of them. #2. Because the piston cant move, the engine will often make a clicking sound as you try to start the engine. The battery powers the starter, and if it is not working, the starter will fail to engage completely. Control modules do fail and also suffer from loose connectors. When this moisture evaporates it leaves behind a gummy substance that can clog components of your fuel system. I love Toro mowers, they build great machines. The acid then crystallizes, causing high resistance; it looks like a white chalky build-up on the connectors. If the switch is engaged and set, then go to the starter. it was sounding like it wanted to turn over but it didn't. Newer model carburetors have a fuel solenoid fitted to the bottom of the fuel bowl; its function is to stop the fuel supply when you shut the engine off. Sprayed that in the intakes and got it started. Toro implements safety precautions with their lawn mowers that require certain steps to be followed when starting and operating the lawn mower. The wiring harness is connected engine side at three points. In addition to watching out for the correct ethanol content level, you must make sure your gasoline has an octane rating of 87 or greater. To jump-start begin by connecting the positive red (+) of the mower to the red (+) of the car.Now connect the negative black (-) on the car to a ground (GRD) source on the mower. Leave it set awhile open the throttle wide open; don't continue to choke. He told me to never turn the machine off when its at idle, to always turn it off at full throttle. Riding Lawn Mower Engine Clicks But Doesn't Crank - YouTube 0:00 / 6:21 Introduction Riding Lawn Mower Engine Clicks But Doesn't Crank Sears PartsDirect 110K subscribers Subscribe Share 910K. If you dont find it under the hood, try under the rear wheel, behind the gas tank, or under the seat. Ethanol can also cause the parts in your fuel system to begin to degrade. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. Repair:To clear a clogged line, remove the fuel line, spraycarbcleaner into the tube and usecompressed air to blow air through the tube until the line is free of debris and gummy residue. Batteries work best and last longer when their state of charge is maintained; off-season charging is always advised. However, they do not have to be to still work. Connector Mower blades and engines cause a lot of vibration; bolts come loose from time to time. You know your gas lawn mower wont run if you dont have gas. But my 30 hp Kohler demands it! Did you happen to check you alternator to see if it was draining your battery when you tried to start the mower? John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer at Lawnmowerfixed.com. Ive listed a good-quality smart charger on the Small engine repair tools page that wont break the bank. Reasons for your Toro mower starting problem: This post may include affiliate links. Check out, Mower solenoid repair tools it lists useful tools and parts that will help you nail the repair. This morning I went out and it started no problem. If you are lucky, you can get the straw of the WD40 directed at the gear head without removing any covers. Hope this helps, good luck. It would be great to own a problem-free lawn mower, but its never the case. Often just finding the starter solenoid can be challenging; I sometimes think that they hide them for fun. Victa Pace 200 18'' Lawn Mower (2691867) Brand New In Box, Pick up from warehouse in Smeaton Grange NSW 2567. http://www.speedwaysales.com/images/manuals/3359-795.pdf. If the acid build-up is excessive, your battery may be on its last legs, so dont be surprised if it fails or does so soon. Some people add an additive but that is a personal choice. Low battery voltage. Sometimes the starter drive pinion will stick in the flywheel and then the starter doesn't have the power to crank the engine. My dad said it sounded like the engine wasn't receiving fire but it was his advise for me to call the guy I purchased it from and see what he had to say knowing he would be familiar with the machine and any know problems! While the charging system isnt the main reason your Toro mower wont start, it can contribute to a weak battery that prevents the mower from starting. I really needed that today!! Chris, first try to adjust the clutch. Pull the plug wire, by twisting and pulling. Make sure that the pins in the back of the machine are set to drive mode, and not push mode. However, its usually only wet batteries that leak, so best to check your electrolyte level and top up if necessary. Check to make sure you can still see light through the paper element by holding it up to the light. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. - Powered by Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV 4-stroke engine - RapidStart - For easy starting - Lightweight 18" steel chassis makes light-work of mowing - Ultimate Mulching Performance - Unique mulching blade-disc design generates air-circulation beneath the mower continually cutting . I can follow instructions real good so any advise would be helpful! I had a hose going to the fuel filter clog up and mine wouldn't start. No matter what brand mower you own, youre going to run into problems the longer you own it. Electrically the copper winding can break; brushes can break or wear out. FIX:Have your local Toro dealership check your charging system to isolate the problem. Youll need a volt-ohms meter, screwdriver, continuity light, and some wrenches. Does it make any action as if to start or is it just dead? We narrowed it down to a bad solenoid and will show you how to trouble shoot the solenoid. I tried a battery charge and manual moving the handels in and out which does allow the ignition to work. A wire brush and a baking soda mix consisting of 2 cups of water and 3 heaping tablespoons of baking soda work well. Youll want to check sections of your fuel hose for blockages by removing the end of a hose and placing it in a container. So i was scratching the little hair that I have left on my head and my dad walks over and moves some little black piece on the carb and Bamb!! For more information on selecting the right kind of gas for your Toro lawn mower and ethanol-free options, read my article, This is the Kind of Gas to Use in Your Toro Mower. (0:00) Introduction (0:27) Step 1: Check for a weak battery(1:38) Step 2: Check the battery cables(3:05) Step 3: Test the starter solenoid(3:47) Step 4: Test the starter cable(5:10) Step 5: Check for a seized engineFor replacement parts, visit us at: https://www.searspartsdirect.com/Or call 1-800-437-1673 to speak with a parts specialist.The video includes these parts and tools. If you need some further assistance there is a great forum you can visit. I refilled it with gas and it wouldn't start! Test Check battery voltage using a voltmeter attach a voltmeter to the battery and set it to 20 volts. SOLUTION: A starter can be a pricey item on a lawn mower. It was sounding like it it was only running on 3 HP. I have spark, I can smell the fuel, it appears to have compression, but still won't start. Alternatively, see below re-checking the push button wiring. Wiggle Try wiggling the wires at the back of the ignition switch while attempting to start the engine; you may need a helper. You may be able to recognize a bad pump from gas leaking at the seams. To help you troubleshoot your Toro mower problems, I have put together a list of common problems along with causes and solutions to fix them. Most lawn mowers will have an internal alternator. Theyre usually pretty durable, but moisture is a switch killer. Solenoids are fitted to the body, usually under the hood. To clean your foam filter, wash it with mild dish soap to remove as much dirt and oil as you can get out of the filter. Lash should be checked every season. So what's the problem with a riding mower that won't start just clicks? If it leaks and its a sealed battery, replace it. How does a lawnmower kill switch work? One of many reasons why your Toro Z Mower may not start. I cover that a little next. To fix it spray the starter gear with wd40 and retest. Check the voltage of a lawn mower battery. If it turns 1.5 revolutions then stops and you can force it over compression then it does the same thing on the starter then the decompressor is not working. Charge Always disconnect the battery before charging. Control Modules are not fitted to all mowers. I sounds like i might be the battery and I pray and hope that's all it is but worst case scenario if it is the starter, how hard are they to install? Repair: Replace your fuel pump if you are not receiving a constant or pulsating flow out of the pump. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. These issues can cause the starter to bind, so all you hear is the click sound. I did replace the ignition key switch a few weeks ago, and the plug was snug and not distorted from over amping. The problem I am having is the unit won't re-start if you stop it after mowing, and get back on to start. I have a Toro LX500 riding mower. Check out Carburetor troubleshooting also for more details on the issue. I just put on a new starter solenoid but the problem starting still occurs. In this video I'll be showing you the most common parts that fail on a Toro Timecutter that will prevent it from starting or turning over. Try jump-starting; if your mower starts, the battery needs attention. FIX:Refer to yourToro operating manual to ensure you are operating your lawn mower correctly, so you dont set off the safety features that shut off your lawn mower. Owners need to know this! So if you have this newer type of carburetor fitted, you will not likely have a hydro-locking condition. If jump starting doesnt work, investigate a faulty solenoid or starter. Im a mower mechanic and I see this problem with Toro Timemaster a lot. Does anyone know where i might be able to find a Service manual for my Zero Turn? Testing for this condition involves turning the engine by hand anti-clockwise. Check the cables and wiring from the battery to the solenoid and from the solenoid to the starter. Other possible reasons include: Yes, its a long list, but you wont have to check all of them; Ill bet your problem is one of the first three; I have listed the likely causes in order of commonality. While I see this problem many times in a season, it is possible that the cause lies not with a loose wire at the off switch, but elsewhere. Add a dielectric grease to protect terminals and wiring from corrosion. The cable from the battery to the starter is also very small on this machine so the battery must be fully charged to get the sucker cranked. So many that it can be a little overwhelming to know exactly what to check and where to start. The length of time on charge will depend on how low the battery is and the amp rating of the charger. Repair:You can use a multimeter to test the ignition switch. The inlet valve allows the fuel/air mixture in. You may get a voltage reading between 11.5 and 12.7. It clicks when I turn the key, but the engine does not turn over. It acts as though the battery has not enough amperage to turn it over. Other signs that your carburetor needle seal leaks are: overfull oil level; white smoke from the muffler; oil leaking from the muffler; gas dripping from the carburetor; a strong smell of gas in the garage. The function of the control module is to receive a start request from the ignition switch, and to output a 12-volt supply to the starter solenoid, but only if all safety sensors are in the correct position. If you find the battery will no longer hold a charge, its time to replace it with a new one. Inspect the terminals to make sure they are free of corrosion and securely attached. Mice and other wildlife like to eat wiring. If it smoked when you turned the key on and now nothing at all you'll probably find a blown 12 system fuse hid somewhere where you cant see it. I dont cover how the kill switch system works in this guide as Ive covered it in this guide How to turn off a mower. Then it stopped. If turning the motor anti-clockwise frees it up you have found your problem, the starter motor is binding. The soda neutralizes and removes the acid; youll need gloves and protective eyewear. I kept running the battery down trying to start it. On starting the air vent spins about .5 - 1 turn then stops with a clunk. These items need to have excellent conductivity and connections. This post may include affiliate links. Rinse the filter until the soap is removed. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. i have several customers lined up for this up coming week so what every it is i need to do It has to get done today or tomorrow! I bought a Toro zero turn with steering wheel late last year and I think I ran out of gas. Can a bad alternator ruin a battery? This diverts the voltage away from the spark plug, which shuts off the engine. Here is a more detailed list of the 5 most common causes why your starter won't engage. I'll need to replace it. Sounds Like a weak battery to me. Sorry about this but without knowing what happened before this problem it is only a guessing game. Thanks for all the help again to everyone that chimed in and I'm really getting interested in small engine repair!! It may also have an internal one located under the flywheel. So whats the problem with a riding mower that wont start just clicks. What about choking it? The easiest way follow the red battery cable from the battery. The internal spring can become weak or the copper plate can start to corrode. Thanks for all the replies!! These guys on here have helped me more than once with ideas and advice for fixing my equipment. Use a wire brush to scrub the terminals clean. How to Clean a Toro Lawn Mower Carburetor: Step-By-Step, 14 Reasons Your Zero Turn Mower Starts Then Dies (Solved). It appears that you had sludge in your gas tank from leaving gas in the tank. Most common cause is bad or loose connections so start there. Common Most mowers will have the starter and solenoid separate. Common problems include a faulty regulator, which damages the battery, and alternator diode failure, which drains the battery. Can You Cut Grass After Frost? I've worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how. I've taking all the basic steps of changing the spark plug, changing the oil, and installing a new air filter and cleaning element but still no start. Do you have spark to the plugs? Oh and just to let everyone know what kind of Toro it is. If you have some petroleum jelly, a small coat will prevent a future build-up. Clean thecarburetor by taking it apart and usingcarbcleaner toclean thecarburetor including the float bowl and needle. Needle The needle wears over time; they turn pink when worn. Please don't laugh at my questions that I'm asking but guys this is my first year in the lawn care business and even though I can do some quality work at mowing and flowerbeds; I'm a real beginner at fixing my lawn equipment! First, lets check for loose wiring. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.