Craftsman riding lawn mower won't start no click or anything

Craftsman riding lawn mower 20.0 hp OHV won't start. Turns out to be a blown buss fuse. Easy fix.
Some asked - what made the fuse blow? Good question. Turned out the battery wasn't as good as I thought it was. If you look close in the video, you will see that the battery tester was switching between a medium and full charge. I later discovered that the battery was indeed faulty. I tried to recharge it a couple of times but it never held long. When the battery gets too weak but still strong enough to just turn over the engine, it can send a surge which will blow your fuse. After replacing the battery with a new battery, I never had any more problems with it.

[@TimStout-en2zw]

That was something I never even thought about. I assumed it might be an inline connection of some sort but it was in fact, a 20amp fuse. THANKS!!!

[@dougmatkins]

Now you just need to find out what caused it to blow. Mine was a weak battery.

[@raymondsalazar2585]

Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower kzbin.infoUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend This is what all push mowers should strive for. It was easy to push. It cut the lawn. The blades are sharp, very sharp. The one minus that everyone should be aware of is you need to be very careful taking the cutting unit out of the box. There’s a plastic guard so you don’t cut fingers as you take the main unit out of the box but it’s not taped down. As I took the unit out, I ended cutting a piece of my shirt. The plastic guard moved and my shirt touched one of the blades.

[@williamvereen7275]

So helpful brother. I had obviously blown a fuse and didn't know where to locate it. This video saved me time on a really hot day.

[@dougmatkins]

Glad it helped!

[@llllll-ux2lz]

@@dougmatkins did you ever figure out why the fuse blew out? Thanks for the video

[@dougmatkins]

@@llllll-ux2lz yes. Low battery caused an arc.

[@kathyerickson2827]

Thank you! Mine quit out of the blue, I changed the fuse and it started right up 😁

[@FF-hd3ux]

Thank you. U helped me figure out my problem and finally I get to mow the yard. Yay. Not really yay. 😂

[@hightech8219]

Thanks a lot! my PYT 9000 was not starting. Turned out to be the fuse issue.

[@dougmatkins]

That's great to hear!

[@tommieadams5060]

Great video it was exactly my problem,Thanks

[@dogboyendicott5211]

Thanks bro mine done that same exact thing today I’ll check it tomorrow

[@billburkart9087]

I have a 20 hp Craftsman very similar to yours. I parked it under a tree and it would not start. It turned out that the last thing I did was disengage the blades. If you own this model you know the spring for the blades is strong. I just let it go and the force of the lever caused the safety interlock wire to fall off inside the hood.

[@Staarlifejaay]

So how did you fix it thats exactly what I did

[@billburkart9087]

@@Staarlifejaay I took it apart and found the wire barely plugged in.

[@Staarlifejaay]

What wire?

[@billybob1723]

@@Staarlifejaay - Sour Diesel for the win.

[@evelynland]

Happy you got yours fixed. I can't find the fuse on mine.

[@dougmatkins]

Sorry to hear that! You should be able to trace it from the engine towards your throttle.

[@cashbenjamin3968]

Sometimes the fuse and solenoid are located under or around the battery.

[@JamesDavis-fn2xg]

That was my issue. Thank you for sharing.

[@dougmatkins]

Glad it helped! Now to find out what caused the fuse to blow! A low or barely charged battery will do that.

[@farrellnuszjr9216]

Mine was a headlight wire shorting out rubbing on hood.

[@stevenpowers8463]

thanks men your a hero

[@dougmatkins]

Help fix yours?

[@dedrasnowden2351]

Man I feel ya

[@hawk99gt]

Thank you! This fixed my Arien’s mower.

[@Gomoboo]

IMPORTANT! I own a Craftsman 8200 Pro Series 46-inch lawn tractor with a PTO. Make SURE when you are about to shut off your tractor that you DISENGAGE your PTO. Otherwise, IT WON'T START, unless you DISENGAGE the blades!! I did something I have never done before. I was starting to cut my lawn but hadn't rolled up my lawn hose. Rather than locking my brake and disengaging my blades via the PTO, I just turned it off. Luckily, the Small Engine Clinic guy asked if I had disengaged the PTO (which I normally ALWAYS do) and voila! She starts!! 😊

[@dreamingcode]

Great. What is a PTO??

[@evansmoak7182]

Yes, we all don't know what a PTO is. So....

[@thomasgrady9292]

Most likely on most motors the compression relief valve is bad such in my case easy to get started but very hard to repair... there are lots of videos on the problem... which seems to be a common problem...

[@kevinlamb6427]

Thanks, fixed my Craftsman gt3000 23hp

[@dougmatkins]

That's great to hear!

[@bradwilliams4921]

Thanks for the tip. I am not confident that this is the problem on mom’s mower because periodically when I try to start it it will barely turn over by a fraction. Also, it does click so I am assuming that the solenoid is ok.

[@dougmatkins]

That's a weak battery. If the solenoid was bad it would crank but never catch. If the fuse is blown, it won't do anything.

[@dougmatkins]

Install a new battery or fully recharge the existing one if it passes a battery test. I'm 90% sure that's your problem.

[@bradwilliams4921]

@@dougmatkins Thank you for the feedback. I hooked the battery to a charger/analyzer and it showed 95%. I fully charged it back to “Fully Charged” status and it does the same thing. I don’t think that the click I am hearing is coming from the Solenoid as it is very faint. So my status after fully charging is it will not turnover or click. Battery is 2 or 3 months old and fully charged.

[@dougmatkins]

@@bradwilliams4921 may be your ignition switch then (where the key goes in).

[@bradwilliams4921]

@@dougmatkins Thanks again for the guidance.

[@mrobvious1100]

I have a Craftsman lt 1750.. Is it's doing the same thing. I pulled the fuse and did it continuity test and it was OK.. I notice when I check my electronic shut off under the carburetor bowl it does not jump up-and-down when I turn the key.. I did bypass the solenoid to get the motor running but it's not running very well.. I have a feeling since the 12 V aren't getting to the electric shut off fuels not going up into the main jet. I assume there's only 1 20 AMp fuse.. When I turn the key to the run position and pull the electric PTO switch, I'm not hearing any clicking on the electric PT either. found a 50A relay by solenoid. I checked that on bench..it did click.

[@dougmatkins]

90% sure your ignition switch is bad. Replace it.

[@jefferywhite9592]

I have a T110 craftsman riding lawnmower. It wouldn't start so I jumped it with my van. I cut grass 4 or 5 times around my yard. It was supper time so I turned off my lawn tractor and ate. Came back out It wouldn't turn over. Hooked the cables from van to tractor. It only clunks when I turn the key. That was yesterday. I tried it several times this afternoon, it still only clunks when I turn the key. This tractor is about 5 or 6 years old. Bought it new. I also bought a new battery thinking that might be the problem. nope. Got any suggestions.

[@dougmatkins]

Guess if you hear a noise when you turn the key, it is not a blown fuse. Most likely it is a bad solenoid starter. This may fit your tractor but double check. www.amazon.com/Starter-Solenoid-Craftsman-Lawn-Tractor/dp/B09DG76H4R/ref=asc_df_B09DG76H4R/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=533224178111&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15680061622851676063&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9053203&hvtargid=pla-1421190781118&psc=1

[@stevew158]

Happened to me too fuse was in the battery box on mine but once i traced it down the fuse was blown

[@trooper5.3]

I had the same problem on my new mower but it’s got no deck on it and it’s also used but I need to get it started

[@judisinger3693]

Just had same problem with GT2000. For some reason there was a 15 amp fuse in it and when I stuck a 7.5 in it, it fired right up. Won't run with a 10 amp. either?? Runs fine with the 7 5. Any idea what is going on???

[@dougmatkins]

You've got an arc. Something is causing an arc.

[@samsilvettiiii2869]

Hi there my mower won't start that might be the fuse can you let me know

[@packrat76]

I replaced my solenoid assuming that was the problem and it still won't crank. Starter cranks if you jump power from the batter to the starter so it's something else. I'll check this fuse out if I can find it. Thanks. Update. The fuse is good. I am out of ideas. I have power going to the solenoid, I can hear the clutch switch clicking when I depress the clutch. Any help is appreciated.

[@dougmatkins]

So the engine does not crank at all? Won't turn over at all? Battery is charged correct? All the battery cables clean? The solenoid connecting wires are all clean as well?

[@dougmatkins]

Mine just developed the same problem. Turns out it was the $15 ignition switch. Tested voltage at the battery cable and the solenoid. Had voltage there. The ignition switch had gone bad and wasn't getting power to the solenoid when you turned the key. It is an easy swap. You can order on Amazon for $15.

[@SerafinN26]

@@dougmatkins maybe that's my problem. I charge the battery, check the fuse and the safety switch, And nothing.

[@johnnyrocket6663]

Lucky you ...I think mine just had bad fuel.

[@Shelikescars_]

Can u use ant fuse

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

i had the same issue. but not only was my fuse blown, my solenoid was trashed.

[@dougmatkins]

I think my solenoid is nearly dead as well. I had some issues starting and restarting lately.

[@dougmatkins]

Double check the spark plug. Mine had the wrong one in it when I got it (bought it used). That I am sure caused the arc and was trying to kill the solenoid as well.

[@dougmatkins]

I replaced the solenoid this spring. That did fix the hard warm start issue. Once it was going, if I turned it off, I could not restart it with the old solenoid. Starts right up cold or hot now.

[@frankb.3556]

Something had to cause the fuse to blow. Did you track down what it was?

[@dougmatkins]

Battery was weak. I kept recharging it and using it but it was bad. Replaced the battery and didn't have an issues after that.

[@batmanj2012]

Dumb question here, but if I check and it is the fuse, where can I buy the replacements fuse

[@smr112985]

Same! I need to know as well

[@dougmatkins]

you should be able to pick up a fuse multiset at any Wal-mart or autoparts store.

[@dougmatkins]

@@smr112985 Walmart or any autoparts store

[@Mike-su8si]

My problem is the ignition relay box

[@oldmcdonald1759]

Swithc on my Craftsman and the 20a fuse, burned out. Got a new ignition switch and put in new fuse and it started/ran great for bout 2 min then motor quit and switch was smoking and fuze burned out again. Wonder what's happening?? Thanks

[@dougmatkins]

You have a wire short somewhere. Something is frayed.

[@oldmcdonald1759]

@@dougmatkins Found it! Frayed blade engagement cable was touching the switch terminals. Thanks for your response.

[@dougmatkins]

@@oldmcdonald1759 that's awesome!

[@alpinebro94]

Fingers crossed this is my issue craftsman t100 2 years old no click or anything and battery is fine.

[@maggie995]

My fuse wasn't blown but I'm getting no start or click. I think it's the starter solenoid but I can't find it on my tractor. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Can you make a video showing it?

[@dougmatkins]

Think I did already. Solenoid is under the hood to the right of the key if you are sitting in the driver seat. Really easy to swap and replace but try cleaning the terminals first. Mine was loose. Replaced the solenoid but probably just needed cleaning the securely attaching. Mine would not restart after it was warm until I replaced the solenoid. Would start cold easy

[@TheVampyreblood]

Mine doesn't have a fuse. It's doing the no click. I just changed oil and changed fuel filter. It started before but won't now. And doesn't appear to be anything I could have got wet and checked and nothing knocked loose

[@louisviola9763]

My fuse was not blown, when I put it back in it started right up?

[@dougmatkins]

maybe the fuse was just loose and or one of the wires connecting the solenoid was a little loose?

[@louisviola9763]

@@dougmatkins thanks Doug

[@Mike-su8si]

My green craftsmen kept blowing out those so i put a hard wire in the fuses place it works the same as a fuse and never blows out

[@gregwilliams-rq3ih]

Good!@@

[@dougmatkins]

Hope it helped!

[@Shelikescars_]

It was outside for 3 days was raining I go outside it clicked and cranked I jump started no start I pushed it in the garage then there was no click or crank so later I’m check if fuse is blow

[@dougmatkins]

If not, check to see if you have voltage at both the red battery terminal and then at the solenoid. If not getting power at the solenoid, you may have a bad wire from the battery to the solenoid. If power at solenoid but no click, either the ignition switch ($15) or the solenoid ($15). Both easy to replace.

[@terrymcvicker7064]

But what caused the fuse to burn out?

[@dougmatkins]

I figured that out as well. I bought this mower used. The guy put about every wrong part on it he could have done and it still ran. Wrong spark plug. It was black a soot when I pulled it. About the only thing he did seem to do was change the oil. Since swapping out the spark plug with the correct plug, not starting issues and no arcing. I was having a hard warm restart and I should have known he put the wrong spark plug in. This tractor has been a nightmare. He swapped the original deck for some really cheap 42" deck and the spindles seized shortly after I posted this video. Had to replace both spindles and pulley assemblies. Running has well as it could now.

[@terrymcvicker7064]

@@dougmatkins glad you got it sorted out. Have a husqvarna that's giving me fits. All switches test good all wiring looks good..but it has no power to selonoid or the clutch.. so I came up with my own remedy.out of necessity. Wired clutch to a toggle switch .that's wired to positive side of batterry. And jump the selonoid to start it with key in run position. It's not how I'd like it to be .but I can at least get the 2 acres mowed. And .it runs like a champ bypassing whatever the fault is.

[@sandycarson2168]

​@@dougmatkins We must have bought one from the same guy! LOL Bought mine used as well and nothing was original! But it's been a GREAT mower! Mine had a 15 amp fuse, which is probably why it blew. Thank you for saving me from buying a new starter!

[@dougmatkins]

@@sandycarson2168 I hope that's all yours is. I am having all sorts of electrical issues on mine now. Need to take it apart and clean all the connections.

[@samridgeway2058]

What is that fuse for

[@shanereiter2542]

Mine is doing the same thing, brand new battery won't turn over or click. I'm about to go check my fuse.

[@shanereiter2542]

It wasn't my fuse. It's still not turning over and the battery is brand new. It ran fine 3 or 4 weeks in a row

[@dougmatkins]

@@shanereiter2542 check the solenoid up front. If the connectors are corroded, it will struggle to catch. Try cleaning those and making sure everything is tight. Same for the battery terminals.

[@dougmatkins]

@@shanereiter2542 Also check your ignition switch ($15 on Amazon). When you turn the key, if the switch is bad, it won't complete the circuit and it won't send power to the solenoid.

[@beverlyyoung2545]

I did put fuse in still won't crank or turn over

[@dougmatkins]

Beverly - does it turn over at all? If you replaced the fuse and still no crank, it may be the battery. Is the battery dead? If that is charged and the fuse isn't blown, you have to have a disconnected wire from the solenoid somewhere.

[@dougmatkins]

Try this kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2nQaWuCltyBZqs

[@dougmatkins]

Could be a bad ignition switch not completing the circuit and sending power to the solenoid. $15 on Amazon. Easy pull, replace and replug.

[@kennyb4871]

I have almost the exact same mower, brand new battery. Still nothing. I will check the fuse this afternoon...but there is an oddity. On the OPPOSITE side of the gas tank as the Solenoid, towards the frame, I have a small cable with Blue an White Wires. There are two connectors that are not connected to anything. So either, somebody robbed me, which I doubt as I have two German Shepherds where the mower resides, or those wires might be for an PTO or something I don't have? Any chance you can verify what your's looks like? Thanks.

[@dougmatkins]

Unfortunately, I sold the mower about a week ago. I no longer have it.

[@dougmatkins]

Make sure the battery isn't old. Even if it is showing charged it may fail under a load. If the solenoid, battery and fuse are all good then it is your ignition switch or a wire running from the battery to the ignition switch to the solenoid.

[@tonysanford848]

Same thing happened to me with my craftsman riding lawnmower. I have changed the battery, solenoid, ignition switch and wire harness. Just changed the fuse and still no click? HEEEÈEELP!!!

[@dougmatkins]

What does it do when you turn the key? Any sound?

[@tonysanford848]

@@dougmatkins Does nothing. Changed the fuse yesterday with nothing!!!

[@dougmatkins]

@tonysanford848 So no click means no power is getting to the solenoid. You changed it so we know the solenoid itself is good. Google sears parts direct and no click riding lawn mower. You will find a video on how to test it to find the short from your starter to your solenoid.

[@dougmatkins]

@@tonysanford848 kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2nQaWuCltyBZqs

[@Christian-yx1gs]

I did that but still blowing

[@dougmatkins]

Could be a bad solenoid. They are cheap to buy and replace. Less than $30.

[@dougmatkins]

If you have a weak battery, that will blow it. Make sure battery is new or fully charged. If old and showing full after a recharge, it may still dip too low under a low. If still blowing, check your ignition switch. Otherwise, trace all the wires and ground points.

[@blablablabla4236]

Everyone save yourself 5 minutes from watching the shit show . It’s the fuse!

[@LucasWalitalo-15]

Mine was not blown

[@curtisrandolph1887]

3:03

[@blablablabla4236]

I love how he explains he cut grass back in May. Because that’s really crucial to know… GET TO THE Fluckijgn point!!!!

[@TheKurtabryan]

This is such a long video just to find it was a fuse. You really should trim your videos to include only the important parts

[@John3_3]

LOL Clown guy @thekurtabryan 🤡 YOU SHOULD just not comment and/or watch his videos then. The man posts a video for FREE to help troubleshoot riding mowers, look at the other comments he helped a lot of people, myself included. Please think before posting ridiculous comments in the future. Best Regards, - all of youtube