How to Start a Lawn Mower with a Bad Starter. Husqvarna lawn mower starter

How to Start a Lawn Mower with a Bad Starter?

Ever imagined how our lawns would look if mowers never existed? Probably humanity would have figured out an alternative way to keep lawns nice and lucrative, right? Maybe, maybe not. However, as things stand, lawn mowers are the unrivaled machines for tendering our lawns. Mowing is fun and enjoyable when the lawn mower is working properly.

Now fancy this. It’s time to mow your lawn. You prepare all the necessities, put on your gardening clothes-gloves, boots, you name it. Unfortunately, once you get the mower from the garage and try to start it, it just doesn’t. You try time and time again, all in vain. That can be quite frustrating, isn’t it? That’s when you know that a bad starter can really spoil your day. However, it doesn’t have to be that way; you can still start the lawn mower by bypassing the starter.

Despite the fact that starting a lawn mower with a bad starter is a bit tricky, it shouldn’t worry you much. Chances are you’re very interested in knowing how to do it! Okay, relax and keep scrolling. In this read, we’ll not only teach you how to bypass the mower’s starter but also allude to symptoms and common underlying problems. Hopefully, this will help you prevent wasting your time and effort while mowing your lawn. So, without further ado, let’s start.

What’s a Lawn Mower Starter?

Lawn Mower Starter is a component that transfers electricity from the mower’s battery to the ignition system, thus allowing it to start. It is comprised of two key starter parts, starter solenoid and starter motor.

The solenoid transfers current from the battery to the motor. The later then links to the spark plugs and send the current to the engine itself. Evidently, these starters are interdependent but in case one fails, you can still turn the mower on.

So, if your lawn mower fails to start because of a bad starter, in addition to ensuring the starter system isn’t to blame, also check these.

Symptoms of a Bad Starter Solenoid on Riding Lawn Mower

We all expect a satisfying rumble noise when starting our riding lawn mower engines. As with other faulty engines, a lawn mower with a bad starter produces funny sounds that can tell about its underlying problems. These include:

Once you push the ignition button, a mower’s solenoid transmits a spark that fires the starter motor. The motor then turns a little gear that consequently rotates the engine’s large gear thus jump starting the main engine.

Normally, it should produce a click followed by a whirring sound when the starter motor is engaging the main engine. So, when it’s the clicking sound only that occurs, all is not well with your starter.

Some problems manifests as the starter engage. For instance, when the whirring sound is followed by a rumbling of the engine, it’s a sign that starter motor’s gear is damaged thus can’t catch the other larger gear on the motor. It could also be a sign of defective starter switch.

If the engine starts and stops, it means that some teeth could have broken off the starter motor’s gear, are dirty or that the motor brushes are worn and need replacement.

This is a clear indication that the mower has loose connections to the solenoid. Therefore, fasten the connections to get your mower running.

How to Start a Lawn Mower with a Bad Starter?

A bad starter is normally a couple of electrical problems that can be easily diagnosed. Here are the common problems that cause mower’s bad starter and their solutions in order to get you mowing soonest possible.

Flat or Faulty Battery

This ought to be first thing to check when diagnosing bad starter problems. Without adequate electric current supply, the bad starter can’t be diagnosed. A faulty battery can be very frustrating while you want to mow your lawn.

Start by checking whether there are any leakages in the battery by charging it using a charger cable. If it becomes wet, then your mower’s battery may be having a leakage. Depending on the level of leakage, you can either seal it or replace the battery with a new one. Ensure you have your hand gloves and goggles on lest you get acidic burns.

If the battery has no signs of leakage, check its voltage using a multi-meter. Ideally, the battery’s voltage should be 12 volts and a voltmeter reading between 12.7 to 12.9 volts. If it displays that on the multi-meter display, it’s in the right condition. A voltage below 12.4 volts even after full charging is a sign of faulty battery. Replace it.

Faulty Ignition Switch

Occasionally, a faulty ignition switch may be responsible for a bad starter. Turn the keys on to identity any issue on the ignition switch.

Check all wires connected to the ignition switch and ensure there is no loose connection. Also, check if there is any corrosion on the back part of the ignition switch. If you identify any defect with the ignition switch, that could be the cause of your lawn mowers bad starter. To overcome this problem, replace the ignition switch.

Faulty Solenoid

Lawn Mower’s starter solenoid is a mounted switch that triggers the engine starter motor. It has three or four threaded electrical lugs connected to the ignition switch, battery, ground wires and engine starter.

Finding a solenoid is quite a hard task. Depending on the model of your lawn mower, try locating it by lifting the front hood up or near the rear wheel. Alternatively, follow the red cable of the battery.

Once you locate the solenoid, check the various terminals and screws attachments. In case of loose screws, tighten those using pliers or a wrench. Attach a jumper cable from the large lug where the engine starter cable and other lugs connect to the battery cable.

Finally, rotate the ignition keys of the lawn mower. If it just clicks without starting the lawn mower, you may need to replace the solenoid.

Test a Lawn Mower Starter

A Lawn Mower’s starter motor is bolted to the engine crankcase. It is normally easy to find. It turns the engine’s flywheel teeth and links them with the ones on the starter motor plunger thus starting the mower’s engine.

If the mower fails to start even after checking the battery, ignition switch, the solenoid, wiring and electrical connections, chances are the problem lies with the starter motor. A faulty starter mower is a major reason lawn mowers may fail to start.

Here is the answer, to check it for any defects, simply use a jumper and connect it to the positive terminal of the battery while attaching a screwdriver on the negative terminal. Expect to see some sparks once you connect the screwdriver. Considering the battery carries only 12 volts, you don’t have to be afraid of any shock.

Also, the magnets, brushes and spring that connect with the wire winding inside the starter mower normally burn or get dirty thus causing start problems. Check and diagnose them appropriately.

After doing these connections, you expect the lawn mower to start. However, if it only produces clicking sounds without starting, it’s a sign of faulty starter motor.

You may need to replace or rebuild it to overcome the problem. However, rebuilding an electric motor should be done by a qualified electrician with motor repair experience.

Dirty Leads

The positive and negative cables that connect to the battery ought to be clean in order to have good electrical contact. Failure to this, the electric current won’t flow and the mower won’t start.

If they’re dirty or corroded by the acid, remove the battery and clean all its contacts with a wire brush with plastic or wooden handle.

Clean Spark Plugs

Worn and damaged spark plugs may be the cause bad starter issues. Disconnect all the wires from the spark plugs and check the contacts for signs of damage-oily or carbonized. Replace any damaged spark plugs and try to start the mower again.

Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid Bypass: 4 Easy Steps

So, if you’ve done all the above check-ups and determined that only the starter solenoid is faulty, you can try to start the engine using the start motor only. Trying never killed, here’s how to bypass lawn mower starter solenoid.

  • The solenoid has one or two wire connections from the battery/ignition switch. It being the problem, place a metallic connection (in place of its wires) between the cables that link the battery to the starter motor.
  • Try starting the mower.
  • If it produces a whirring sound from the starter motor, it means you can do it.
  • Continue starting the lawn mower until it begins operations.

Bottom Line

Evidently, starting a lawn mower with a bad starter entails ensuring that various other parts of the lawn mower are working properly. Whenever you encounter a starter problem, try out the above diagnosis and chances are you’ll be good to go.

If you identify a problem with any of the above parts, the best solution is to replace it entirely or try to bypass the solenoid. We hope this post has equipped you with all the required information on how to start a lawn mower with a bad starter.

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York City known for it’s green gardens. Jennifer, a 30 year old gardener and green living fanatic started Igra World to share her gardening journey and increase gardening awareness among masses. Follow Igra World to improve your gardening skills.

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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.

How To Test The Starter Solenoid On Your Lawn Tractor

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.

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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.

Lawn Tractor Won’t Start No Click – Fix it now!

Before we assume there’s a problem, let’s take a minute to check that we’re following the correct starting procedure. All mowers will have safety sensors fitted, and if the sensors are open, they won’t start.

So why won’t your lawn tractor start, not even a click? The most common reason for a no start, not even a click sound, is a totally flat battery, but other likely causes include:

A tractor mower won’t start if the blade lever/button is on, manual mowers need to be in Neutral gear, and some mowers won’t allow starting if the oil level is low or the hood is open.

If you are in any doubt about the correct starting procedure for a lawn tractor, check out – “How to Start Husqvarna Ride-on Mower.”

If you do hear a click sound when you turn the key, check out – “Mower Wont Start Just Clicks.”

Check Battery Connections

To test a battery, you need a voltmeter, but if you don’t have one, try this basic check. If your mower has hood lights or dash lights, go ahead and turn them on. If they light up and are bright, your battery is most likely not the problem.

Dash Lights are Dim

Check – Check the battery cables; they should be clean and tight. When connections are loose or corroded, it prevents available power from flowing to the starter.

Charge Battery – If your battery is completely flat, it will take a couple of hours and will require a battery charging hack, or check out this Smart battery charger the NOCO Genius1 on Amazon.com.

Jumpstart Mower – This is the fastest solution, but it may not be the long-term fix. (see Jump starting below)

Battery Check Hack

  • Turn on the lights to check for power supply
  • If they work – the battery is likely OK
  • If lights are dim – check battery cables
  • If cables clean and tight – charge battery
  • If you have no lights – check battery with a volt meter

Volt Check – Need a voltmeter for this test. Check b attery voltage – 12.65v is 100%, 12.30v is 70%, and 12.05v is 50% charged. This battery needs a charge.

Very low volts indicate the battery is likely faulty, and it may not recharge. To test a battery, it must be charged, so a battery charger may be required. However, it is possible to jump-start the mower (see below), and given time, the mower’s alternator will charge the battery, assuming it isn’t faulty.

Once the battery is sufficiently charged (about 70%), try the crank test.

Battery Crank Test – Attach the Voltmeter and crank over the engine; if the volts read less than nine, replace the battery. (The battery must be over 70% charged for running this test)

Check out the Amazon link below for quality mower batteries delivered to your door.

Voltmeter – If the lights don’t work at all, you’ll need to use a voltmeter to check the battery’s state of charge. You may have blown a fuse (see below).

If you have very low volts, the battery is likely faulty. The average life of a battery is four years, more if well cared for.

Jumper Cables

If you don’t have a charger, you can still get it running, but you’ll need a set of jumper wires, and a car or any 12-volt battery will do the job. Follow this link for a more detailed guide to Jump Starting.

Jumpers – Use good quality jumpers.

If you are unfamiliar with jump-starting, you’ll find a complete guide here, “Jump starting riding mower.”

Add the cables in sequence 1, 2, 3, and 4 to start the mower, and while idling, remove jumper cables in reverse order 4, 3, 2, and 1.

Dash Lights Don’t Work

Main Fuse – If the battery is fully charged and still no go – check the main mower fuse. Some mowers will have the blade-type fuse; others will have the old-style bottle type.

When the fuse blows, all power is lost; changing it is simple. It is important to replace the fuse with the correct amp rating. If the fuse keeps blowing, the rating is too low, or there’s a short-to-ground wiring fault.

Fuse Location – Places they like to hide include under-seat, under the hood, behind the fuel tank, and control module incorporated. Modules are usually under the dash panel.

Replacing the fuse is simple, just pull out the old one and push the new one into place. It’s important to replace it with the correct amp rating. Otherwise, you can damage the wiring circuit and components.

Check Safety Sensors

Riding mowers are designed with safety features built in to protect us from operator error or accident. Safety features on mowers are controlled by sensors/switches, and most modern mowers will wire those sensors into a control module.

The sensors are a very simple on/off switch type and rarely give trouble; it’s more common for the striking plate that pushes on the sensor to be misaligned; when this happens, the sensor is open, and the engine won’t start or stops depending on where the sensors fitted.

Over-riding – Sensors can be overridden for test purposes, remove and join the wires, and some sensors are wired in reverse – meaning, just disconnecting them will override the sensor. You can check sensors for continuity using a voltmeter.

Starting Procedure

As you know, there’s a starting procedure that must be followed before your mower will start. You can check out the starting procedure here – “How to Start a Husqvarna Ride-on Mower.”

There are several sensors that must be engaged; the location and number of sensors are dependent on the make of the mower and differs between manual and hydro-static (type of transmission).

The main sensors are the brake pedal; seat; gear lever; blade engage control switch or lever, and some models, such as John Deere, will have one fitted to the hood (Hood open – no start).

Safety – For our safety, sensors are fitted to the seat, blade engages lever or button, transmission selector, brake pedal, and on some models, the hood. Any of these sensors will prevent your mower from starting.

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On older manual transmission mowers, the gear selector wears, and although the selector points to the Neutral position, it’s often still in gear – confirm it’s in Neutral by pushing it forward or back; it should be easy to push.

Sensors – This older style Craftsman / Jonsered / Husqvarna blade lever causes lots of no-start problems.

The lever spring gets weak and leaves the sensor in the open position which prevents starting.

Sensors – The quick fix, hold down the lever to start the mower. The complete assembly is available and not too difficult to fit. Check that all sensors are working, and look to see if the striker plates are closing the sensors fully.

Check wiring to sensors for chafing and that the connectors are secure and corrosion-free.

Check Control Module

Most modern mowers will have a Control module; they are a printed circuit with relays and resistors – they do give trouble. Because the specs vary, I can’t be more detailed.

The function of the control module is to receive a start/stop command from the ignition switch and only output a start command to the starter (via the solenoid) if all the correct sensors have been engaged.

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You can visually inspect the module printed circuit for loose solder, scorch marks, or water damage. All modules will have an internal or external fuse, and as you know, the main fuse can blow, and if it does, it will kill the power to the ignition system.

Modules can be fitted anywhere, usually housed inside a small rigid plastic box. but not all mowers will have one fitted.

Replacement modules can be on the spendy side, so it may be time to access your old mower; if she needs a ton of love in the blades bearing and belts department, it may be time to look at a new set of wheels.

Module – Wires come loose, have a helper attempt to start the engine while you wiggle the wiring connectors.

Check also for damage, water, or scorch marks on the panel itself.

Check Ignition Switch

Ignition switches are an important part of the ignition system; bad connections here can cause lots of problems. Ignition switches – send commands to the control module if fitted.

If your mower doesn’t have a control module, then the safety sensors are wired inline to the ignition switch – meaning any sensor that is in the open position will leave the ignition switch with an open circuit (No start). These systems are basic and tend to be the most reliable.

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Common Problems

Issues with ignition switches: loose wiring at the switch; corroded terminals; broken terminals; spinning ignition switches.

Wiring specs for ignition systems vary, so I can’t be more detailed. Check the ignition wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose wires. Have a helper sit on the mower and attempt a start while you wiggle the ignition wires and connectors.

  • Check ignition inputs – ground and 12-volt supply.
  • Check ignition outputs – 12v to the starter solenoid (or to the control module, if fitted) when the ignition is in the start position.

Switch – Spinning ignition switches cause damage to the wiring and pins.

Corrosion is another common failure. This usually causes unreliable starting and shutdowns.

Wiggle – Try wiggling the wires at the back of the ignition switch while attempting to start the engine; you may need a helper. Often wires simply come loose but do check them for corrosion.

Related Questions

Lawnmower ignition switch problems? Common Ignition switch problems include:

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

Husqvarna Zero Turn Mower Only Clicks When Trying To Start. Starter Solenoid

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