Here’s What To Do If Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start. Husqvarna riding mower carburetor

Learn the reasons why a lawn mower won’t start after winter or during peak season, and how to fix those problems.

Family Handyman

Introduction

Most of the time when a lawn mower won’t start the cause is a problem with the gas or the lawn mower carburetor.

What to Do if Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start

Whatever kind of lawn mower you’ve got, the last thing you want once winter finally lifts and spring has sprung is a lawn mower that won’t start.

If you’ve taken the proper steps to winterize your lawn mower, you’re far less likely to be dealing with such issues. It’s also why you should tune up your lawn mower at the start of every season. However, it’s not out of the ordinary to find your gas-powered lawn mower not starting from time to time, so it’s important to know why your lawn mower isn’t starting and how to fix it.

Project step-by-step (6)

Check the Gas Tank

Let’s start with the obvious. Before you have a heart attack pulling on the rip cord, you’ll want to check the fuel. Like any gasoline-powered engine, lawn mowers run out from time to time. Maybe you forgot it was running on fumes when you finished mowing last time. It sounds simple, but we’ve all overlooked the gas tank from time to time.

Even if there is gas in the mower, if the fuel’s been in there more than a month, that could be the problem. Gas sitting around too long in the tank can get contaminated with dirt and extra moisture.

So if your gasoline has been in the mower for more than month, drain the gas properly, dispose of it correctly, and fill up the mower with new gas. It may take quite a few pulls to suck the new gas into the lawn mower carburetor, so be prepared to clean and dry the plug a few more times.

Add fuel stabilizer when you fill up the tank to help protect the gasoline in there from dirt and moisture.

Family Handyman

Check the Spark Plug

Start by making sure the lawn mower spark plug cable is connected to the plug itself. It’s quite possible that it got pulled off there over the winter while the mower was being stored in the garage.

If that’s not the issue, the next step is to remove the spark plug to see if it’s wet. There’s no way the engine will start if it is. So clean the plug with carburetor cleaner and let it dry. Cleaning it with compressed air isn’t enough; you need a solvent to remove oil residue. If it’s really grimy and dirty, it might be best to change the spark plug.

Fertnig/Getty Images

Husqvarna riding mower carburetor

Lawnmower Parts Online is an Irish owned company who’s goal is to provide a one-stop shop for parts and service kits for all your garden machinery. We provide these parts at great factory-direct prices.

Get in touch

Please submit your product inquiry to the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Include MAKE, MODEL YEAR of machine and Parts required

Thanks for your inquiry! We will get back to you shortly!

When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.

These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy

Husqvarna Riding Mower Won’t Start

I have a Husqvarna YTH 2348 mower that has spark, gas, and new gapped plugs. It fires once or twice when starting, but that is all.

Answers

Did you leave gas in your mower last year? If so, it is not unusual for old gas to “gum” up and this will cause your mower to act the way you describe. Just in case you no longer have the manual, you can check it out here: Troubleshooting starts on page 25:

My son says you may have to siphon out the remaining fuel, add fresh fuel and try to start the unit. Maybe you could add a fuel stabilizer/Synthetic Fuel Additive at that time and always add something like Sta Bil when it will be weeks or months between uses. You might ask for help at an auto parts store as they sell all of these products.

Questions

Ask a Question Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.

Question: My Husqvarna Died

My Husqvarna was running and cutting grass then it started running rough. I shut off the clutch to the blades and tried to reengage the clutch, nothing.

I then shut off the engine, and now there is nothing, nNo click, no pop, nothing! What the hell happened?

Answers

Sounds like your carburetor has blown. You may also have a starter issue. With your mower running rough and now nothing, it was giving you the last clue before turning off. Hopefully after the carburetor replacement, there wouldn’t be a battery issue ,because the battery may have kept this mower going longer with failing parts.

Have battery tested, there are many places that do that for free. This makes sure that when parts are replaced, that the battery will be strong enough.

If the lawnmower was running rough and you heard some noise from the engine as you were cutting the grass it sounds like the engine has seized up and is no longer cranking over. You could have blown a gasket in the engine which caused it to either leak oil or get oil in the crankshaft of the engine. You will need to take this apart and make sure that the motor of the mower has not seized up and frozen. If you can no longer crank a mower this is normally what has happened to the engine.

Actually, this could be due to a maintenance issue but probably has to do with the carburetor.If you are mechanically inclined you may be able to take your mower apart and check for problems.

Just be sure you have clean (preferably new) air filter/gas filter, spark plug before you retry the engine as all of these items (and more) could cause other problems.If possible, I would suggest you take it by one of your local auto parts stores and ask someone to check it out for you. They are usually very accommodating and some may have meters for checking almost everything.Lawn mower shops can do this also but they’ll be more interested in keeping the mower for repairs than your auto shop.

You can also post your question on some of the repair forums and they’ll know what questions to ask to help you figure out what needs to be done. You may have to join the group before you can post and some take a little figuring out on how to post.You’ll need your model number also.There are also lots of YouTube videos on how to repair almost everything on a mower.

Question: Riding Lawnmower Won’t Start?

My Husqvarna lawn mower won’t start. I have now replaced the battery and solenoid and 20 amp fuse and still nothing when key is turned on. It shut off yesterday when my wife was cutting the grass and now is silent as a sleeping newborn baby when the key is turned on.

Answers

I also have a Husqvarna. Make sure the mower is disengaged, and that you don’t have it in reverse.

Question: Husqvarna Riding Mower Won’t Start?

My riding mower won’t start. The plugs are good, fuel filter good, and it is getting fuel, but acts like it floods.

Answers

It sounds like you have an issue with the choke on the mower and it is flooding the carburetor. You carburetor is getting too much gas right now and that is why it is flooding.

Question: Husqvarna Riding Mower Won’t Start?

My mower won’t start. It has new fuel and a new filter. Gas does not pass through the fuel pump. There is a spark from the spark plugs. I tried spraying starting fluid into the carb, it still does not try to start. I am stumped.

Answers

I just had the same problem. My neighbor figured out at the top of the gas cap there is a hole. It was plugged. Worked great after that.

Question: Husqvarna YTA18542 Won’t Crank?

My battery is new; it is getting plenty of juice. When I turn the key, it tries to start, then there is a loud knocking sound and whining sound from the battery area. It has new gas and a clean air filter. Several previous times it was as if it was dragging, but it finally started.

It caught fire at the fuel cut off and I had to replace the ignition harness. I’m thinking it’s the starter. What do you think? The fire and harness replacement was about 4 months ago.

Answers

This could be your starter or even your carburetor. You should pull the starter first and take it to a lawnmower shop and have it tested. They have a machine they can test this on.

Question: Riding Mower Won’t Start Without Jumping?

I bought a brand new Husqvarna riding mower. I used it for a month and then stored it in the storage for the winter. Now it won’t start. So I used a jumper cable and it started fine, but once I turn it off it won’t start unless I use the jumper cable again!

Lawn Tractor Won’t Start? Try This Easy Free Fix!

Answers

If your battery is good, then it is likely a failed voltage regulator. Take your battery to advance auto parts once charged fully. They will test it for free usually. (At least in Georgia.)

Question: Riding Mower Won’t Start?

I have an YTH 1842 Husqvarna. When I go to engage the mower every once in awhile it doesn’t turn on.

Answers

Have you tried reducing keys weight on your keychain. it can make the starter stay engaged or run the starter down. You might have to disengage the blade before it will start if it is an older version.

This was from what my husband advised me when I asked him.

Question: Riding Lawn Mower Won’t Start?

I have a Husqvarna 42″ riding mower and the fly wheel keeps spinning; it won’t start. Any suggestion? Please? Thank you.

Answers

Woodruff key is broken, or bottom of carburetor needs work.

Question: Husqvarna Rider Won’t Start?

YTH20V46 Husqvarna lawn tractor that won’t start. I’ve checked the fuel, the battery, fuse, and replaced the solenoid. When I turn the key nothing, but the hour display comes on.

Answers

This is normally associated with the lack of incoming air or fuel not reaching the engine. Check to ensure that there is fresh, clean fuel in the fuel tank. Also check the fuel filter, because a clogged fuel filter will prevent the engine from obtaining adequate fuel supply

But it sounds like you already did that, so a next guess is check the carburetor, which can also fail

Question: Riding Mower Will Not Start?

I have a Husqvarna riding lawn mower. I have a new battery, but it wouldn’t engage. I tested it by jump starting. It will run, but is not firing up.

Question: Husqvarna Riding Mower Doesn’t Start Every Time?

My Husqvarna riding mower turns engine good, but it does not start every time. I try later and it starts and runs great.

I changed the fuel filter and use new clean fuel every time. It also has a new air filter and new spark plug.

Question: Husqvarna Riding Mower Won’t Start?

I have a Husqvarna rider that won’t turn over with the plug in. It turns freely without it.

Answers

Plug is either too long, or something is going on with the head of the piston, causing it to seize.

Try switching out your carb, or you can rebuild it. Sounds like your needle is sticking.

Husqvarna Riding Mower Won’t Start

I have a Husqvarna YTH 2348 mower that has spark, gas, and new gapped plugs. It fires once or twice when starting, but that is all.

Answers

Did you leave gas in your mower last year? If so, it is not unusual for old gas to “gum” up and this will cause your mower to act the way you describe. Just in case you no longer have the manual, you can check it out here: Troubleshooting starts on page 25:

My son says you may have to siphon out the remaining fuel, add fresh fuel and try to start the unit. Maybe you could add a fuel stabilizer/Synthetic Fuel Additive at that time and always add something like Sta Bil when it will be weeks or months between uses. You might ask for help at an auto parts store as they sell all of these products.

Questions

Ask a Question Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.

Question: My Husqvarna Died

My Husqvarna was running and cutting grass then it started running rough. I shut off the clutch to the blades and tried to reengage the clutch, nothing.

I then shut off the engine, and now there is nothing, nNo click, no pop, nothing! What the hell happened?

Answers

Sounds like your carburetor has blown. You may also have a starter issue. With your mower running rough and now nothing, it was giving you the last clue before turning off. Hopefully after the carburetor replacement, there wouldn’t be a battery issue ,because the battery may have kept this mower going longer with failing parts.

Have battery tested, there are many places that do that for free. This makes sure that when parts are replaced, that the battery will be strong enough.

If the lawnmower was running rough and you heard some noise from the engine as you were cutting the grass it sounds like the engine has seized up and is no longer cranking over. You could have blown a gasket in the engine which caused it to either leak oil or get oil in the crankshaft of the engine. You will need to take this apart and make sure that the motor of the mower has not seized up and frozen. If you can no longer crank a mower this is normally what has happened to the engine.

Actually, this could be due to a maintenance issue but probably has to do with the carburetor.If you are mechanically inclined you may be able to take your mower apart and check for problems.

Just be sure you have clean (preferably new) air filter/gas filter, spark plug before you retry the engine as all of these items (and more) could cause other problems.If possible, I would suggest you take it by one of your local auto parts stores and ask someone to check it out for you. They are usually very accommodating and some may have meters for checking almost everything.Lawn mower shops can do this also but they’ll be more interested in keeping the mower for repairs than your auto shop.

You can also post your question on some of the repair forums and they’ll know what questions to ask to help you figure out what needs to be done. You may have to join the group before you can post and some take a little figuring out on how to post.You’ll need your model number also.There are also lots of YouTube videos on how to repair almost everything on a mower.

Question: Riding Lawnmower Won’t Start?

My Husqvarna lawn mower won’t start. I have now replaced the battery and solenoid and 20 amp fuse and still nothing when key is turned on. It shut off yesterday when my wife was cutting the grass and now is silent as a sleeping newborn baby when the key is turned on.

Answers

I also have a Husqvarna. Make sure the mower is disengaged, and that you don’t have it in reverse.

Question: Husqvarna Riding Mower Won’t Start?

My riding mower won’t start. The plugs are good, fuel filter good, and it is getting fuel, but acts like it floods.

Answers

It sounds like you have an issue with the choke on the mower and it is flooding the carburetor. You carburetor is getting too much gas right now and that is why it is flooding.

Question: Husqvarna Riding Mower Won’t Start?

My mower won’t start. It has new fuel and a new filter. Gas does not pass through the fuel pump. There is a spark from the spark plugs. I tried spraying starting fluid into the carb, it still does not try to start. I am stumped.

Answers

I just had the same problem. My neighbor figured out at the top of the gas cap there is a hole. It was plugged. Worked great after that.

Question: Husqvarna YTA18542 Won’t Crank?

My battery is new; it is getting plenty of juice. When I turn the key, it tries to start, then there is a loud knocking sound and whining sound from the battery area. It has new gas and a clean air filter. Several previous times it was as if it was dragging, but it finally started.

It caught fire at the fuel cut off and I had to replace the ignition harness. I’m thinking it’s the starter. What do you think? The fire and harness replacement was about 4 months ago.

Answers

This could be your starter or even your carburetor. You should pull the starter first and take it to a lawnmower shop and have it tested. They have a machine they can test this on.

Question: Riding Mower Won’t Start Without Jumping?

I bought a brand new Husqvarna riding mower. I used it for a month and then stored it in the storage for the winter. Now it won’t start. So I used a jumper cable and it started fine, but once I turn it off it won’t start unless I use the jumper cable again!

Answers

If your battery is good, then it is likely a failed voltage regulator. Take your battery to advance auto parts once charged fully. They will test it for free usually. (At least in Georgia.)

Question: Riding Mower Won’t Start?

I have an YTH 1842 Husqvarna. When I go to engage the mower every once in awhile it doesn’t turn on.

Answers

Have you tried reducing keys weight on your keychain. it can make the starter stay engaged or run the starter down. You might have to disengage the blade before it will start if it is an older version.

This was from what my husband advised me when I asked him.

Question: Riding Lawn Mower Won’t Start?

I have a Husqvarna 42″ riding mower and the fly wheel keeps spinning; it won’t start. Any suggestion? Please? Thank you.

Answers

Woodruff key is broken, or bottom of carburetor needs work.

Question: Husqvarna Rider Won’t Start?

YTH20V46 Husqvarna lawn tractor that won’t start. I’ve checked the fuel, the battery, fuse, and replaced the solenoid. When I turn the key nothing, but the hour display comes on.

Answers

This is normally associated with the lack of incoming air or fuel not reaching the engine. Check to ensure that there is fresh, clean fuel in the fuel tank. Also check the fuel filter, because a clogged fuel filter will prevent the engine from obtaining adequate fuel supply

But it sounds like you already did that, so a next guess is check the carburetor, which can also fail

Question: Riding Mower Will Not Start?

I have a Husqvarna riding lawn mower. I have a new battery, but it wouldn’t engage. I tested it by jump starting. It will run, but is not firing up.

Question: Husqvarna Riding Mower Doesn’t Start Every Time?

My Husqvarna riding mower turns engine good, but it does not start every time. I try later and it starts and runs great.

I changed the fuel filter and use new clean fuel every time. It also has a new air filter and new spark plug.

Question: Husqvarna Riding Mower Won’t Start?

I have a Husqvarna rider that won’t turn over with the plug in. It turns freely without it.

Answers

Plug is either too long, or something is going on with the head of the piston, causing it to seize.

Try switching out your carb, or you can rebuild it. Sounds like your needle is sticking.

Starting Husqvarna Riding Mower – Beginners checklist with pics

Starting is simple, but you must follow a set of procedures. Before you start your mower, it’s always a good idea to check over the machine looking for any loose or broken components. If the tires look low, pump them. Uneven tire pressures will give you an uneven cut. Check the oil level before every use.

How to start a Husqvarna riding mower? Starting Husqvarna riding mower procedure:

Starting your Husqvarna riding mower is easy, assuming, of course, everything’s in order. If your model has a fuel valve, make sure to turn it on. Starting the engine successfully will mean following these procedures. Procedures are related to (i) the choke system and (ii) the safety system.

2 Gas On – Gas on and Hood closed. Gas valves are not fitted to all mowers. They’re used to stop the flow of gas to the carburetor. Gas taps should be turned off when the mower is in storage. This gas tap is in the “On” position.

3 Seated – You must sit upright in the seat; leaning off to one side will often prevent the engine from starting. Likewise, when the mower is running, leaning to the side will kill the engine.

4 Brake “On” – The brake pedal must be pressed in order to start the motor. Putting the parking brake “On” will also allow you to start the mower.

5 Neutral – Manual mowers should be in (N) to start. Hydro-static (Auto) transmissions won’t start if you press on the forward or reverse pedal and should also be in (N).

6 Blade “Off” – The blade on/off button must be set to off; other Husqvarna mowers will have a lever, and they must also be set to off.

7 Choke “On” – Choke set to full to start a cold engine; after the engine warms up, move the choke to the fast setting. Some later model Husqvarna mowers use a blue snowflake symbol for the choke.

8 Turn-Key – Now turn the key; if your mower doesn’t make any noise at all or cranks but won’t start or just makes a clicking sound, check out the links below.

If, after following this procedure, your mower is making no noise at all when you turn the key, check out “Mower won’t crank – no click.”

If it’s making funny clicking noises when you turn the key, then check out “Mower won’t start just clicks.”

And finally, if your mower is cranking over but just won’t start, check out “Mower cranks but won’t start.”

What’s Gas Stabilizer?

Old gas is a common reason for a no-start, and by old, I mean gas older than three months. Most people forget to drain the Gas before winterizing their mower. This usually causes gumming of the carburetor. Using a Gas stabilizer will protect your carburetor from gumming and will save you 100s in repairs. Check out this short video on gas stabilizer mixing and adding.

Gumming – Gumming is a carburetor killer.

Stabilizer – Add to a low tank and run the engine. That’s it; your mowers are protected from gumming and are safe to store for the off-season. You can run the stabilizer all the time if you wish; it won’t hurt.

What is A Choke?

I know most of you already know how to start your mower, but in my experience, lots of customers have never been shown how to start it correctly.

The use of the choke lever is a lost art; people old enough will remember it in their car.

On modern gas vehicles, fuel supply is increased on cold starts by the engine control module (ECU). It does this by increasing the fuel injector duty cycle; this isn’t a choke but has the same effect and is an automatic process.

What’s Choke For?

The point of a choke is to enrich the fuel mixture, so a cold engine starts smoothly. The choke does this by restricting the amount of air entering the carburetor. Gas engines run best when the ratio of air to fuel is 14.7 to 1. Meaning 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel, also known as the air-fuel ratio (AFR). Using the choke counteracts the lean condition caused by the dense air on a cold start.

Lawnmower engines generally aren’t very advanced, so the choke is usually manually operated. If you can’t find the choke lever on your mower, then it’s likely you have an auto choke.

Briggs and Stratton’s latest engines are mostly auto choke, and next-generation riding mower engines will be electronic fuel injection – meaning no more choke levers to fiddle around with. Nice!

If you have a manual choke, it will be obvious. Some mowers will have the throttle lever and choke combined; others will have a separate control knob. Either way, the choke will be clearly marked by the choke symbol. Choke cables will need adjustment from time to time, and if out of adjustment will prevent the mower from starting.

Black Smoke

A black fog from your muffler/exhaust is a sure sign that your mower is running rich. Common causes are dirty air filters and a sticking choke.

Riding Mower Won’t Start. How to Fix Fuel Solenoid

Where Are The Safety Sensors?

All mowers will have safety switches built-in; they are designed to prevent the mower engine from starting unless a set procedure is followed. Sensors are fitted to the seat, brakes, cutting blade controls, and grass box (if fitted).

Brake Sensor

The brake pedal has a switch that must be engaged. It’s designed to prevent the mower from moving inadvertently as soon as the engine starts. The switch is built into the brake pedal mechanism, so pressing the brake pedal will allow the engine to start.

Seat Sensor

The seat has a safety sensor; if the operator moves off the seat, the engine will stop. Only if you apply the parking brake, are you permitted to start the mower without sitting in the seat.

Blade Sensor

The blade engages control lever sensor prevents you from starting the mower with the blades engaged. It’s not uncommon for these sensors to cause no-start problems. The wiring can come loose, or a lever/pedal not pressing on a sensor fully will cause intermittent no-starts.

Sensors are either wired in series or fitted with a control module. The sensors themselves tend to be pretty durable. You can troubleshoot sensors in this guide; check out “Mower won’t crank – no click.”

Often customers complain, “The engine dies when I turn on the blades.” This isn’t a fault; it just means the grass box isn’t closed or isn’t hooked on correctly.

Grass Box – If your mower has a grass box, then it will likely have a grass box sensor. The sensor senses if the grass box is open or closed. When the box is open, it prevents the blades from engaging.

Related Questions

How to prime a Husqvarna riding mower? The Husqvarna riding mower is self-priming; ensure you have enough gas in the tank, apply the choke, and crank over the engine until it starts.

How to engage the blade on a Husqvarna riding mower? Husqvarna uses two types of blade engage control. The button type is fitted to the right-hand side of the steering wheel. And the lift lever is also fitted to the right-hand side of the steering wheel.

Hey, I’m John, and I’m a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience.

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.