Electrical Diagnosis of Riding Lawnmower that Won't Start

Step by Step!
Today we'll be working on a Craftsman riding lawn mower that won't start, due to an electrical issue.
The solenoid clicks, but the engine doesn't turn over!
I'll show you how to test all the electrical components, and explain just about everything you'll need to know in order to eliminate certain electrical components, and isolate exactly what is causing the issue.
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[@davidolley7283]

As a complete novice with a multimeter, I followed your steps and located the problem. Clear, easy to follow instructions, with no waffle. The best instructional video I have seen on KZbin. A lesson to others on how to do it. Good job

[@gregoryorr8707]

I have watched many, many videos while attempting to do all sorts of repairs. This video, by far, is the most informative one I have ever watched. I went from just trying to get my mower running (which I did) to getting a full blown tutorial on the entire electrical system. Now I actually understand how it all works, which will certainly pay off in the future. Thank you so much for this.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching!

[@TheBigOPossum1]

I fully agree with Gregory Orr's comment above. The best electrical troubleshooting video I've seen. Well done!!! This should help anyone who takes the time to watch it. Simple, complete and spot on.

[@IDEAclubDSC]

I can't thank you enough. I am a 63 year old wife, and my husband has dementia. My craftsman zero turn quit on me last week, and I had to fix it myself. You made the job very easy for me. I didn't realize that even though my battery showed it had 12.5 volts, it won't hold the charge under a load. I went through half of your tests and was getting 12 volts at all the contact points. So I put my battery charger on and it said the battery was bad. You are my new mechanic and you are a GREAT teacher!

[@tbird430]

🙏

[@tawoo]

Hands down the absolute best video I've ever seen to find a problem. Thank you so much!

[@yokademmers3048]

Thank you for making your diagnostic information easy to understand even to me, being a 70 yr old woman. While watching ur video on my cell, I was able to diagnose my ride on by my self. U were so helpful.👍🏼

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the kind words, glad it helped!

[@music7arts]

Even myself with a lifetime of Auto mechanical experience, you still learn something new or things forgotten because of lack of repetition. I put myself in the seat of someone that has zero experience and realized YOU ARE AN AWESOME TEACHER. Thank you and keep up the excellent video work.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@mjlatham]

most informative riding lawnmower troubleshooting video ever. you are a natural teacher.

[@hanzischultz9284]

Best instruction video on electrical diagnosis of riding lawnmower I have watched so far. Thank you!

[@leebarker539]

Amazing presentation. Not a single um, or aaaah, or "you know" or "like I said." This man knows his stuff and, our good luck, he knows how to share it clearly and efficiently. He could be a college professor; he talks like one. Knowledge, confidently delivered, is like the proverbial gold to watchers like us. Eliminator Performance is THE MAN and this video sets a very high bar for others to attempt to reach.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the kind words Lee! I try my best not to say uh, you know or like I said but sometimes they slip in. Thanks for watching!

[@ddelmo32]

This gentleman's video was exceptional and is deserving of viewership and $$$$$

[@superone4u]

Gj. This is by far the best, simplest riding mower electrical diagnostic tutorial on Utube.

[@duaneellen1889]

Excellent video in every aspect! Great planning. Great camera work, Clear and concise narrative. Absolutely one of the best instructional videas I've ever watched on KZbin. Screw lawnmowers. You should be making videos for a living!

[@derrick2848]

Hey I have been a mechanic for 33 years I just came across your video and man I wish my instructors could explain things the way you do would have made apprenticeship school a lot easier. Very nice job you did with the video 👍🏻

[@razordu30]

Just wanted to add to the others and tell you what a great you've done with this video. I do a lot of my own repair work with everything from the battery and screen on my phones to the heater core on my car and this is propably the *best* problem troubleshooting tutorial I've seen. Seriously. You explain not just what you are doing well but also why. I've never known *why* you need to test car batteries under load but don't have to with my flashlights; now I do. Excellent work!

[@warbird_82]

Thanks for the video…it was awesome! You helped me self diagnose the problem with my Husqvarna lawn tractor…it was the starter solenoid. $10 part on Amazon and it was fixed! Thanks again.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching!

[@rb30athorn]

Most clear and complete diagnostic on the web! thanks

[@dgriffin6074]

I have watched numerous KZbin lawn mower, repair videos and yours is, by far, the most comprehensive and easy to understand. I have a 2005 Troy-Bilt with a Briggs & Stratton 18.5 hp engine and I'm doing my best to make it last as long as possible. Lawn mower prices today are roughly twice what they were when I purchased that one.

[@eg7on]

Simply the best all-around instructions on the internet !!!! Thanks!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@SkipWiley911]

I have used KZbin to research things from A to Z. Never have I found a video that was so informative AND enjoyable. Thank you very much.

[@tellitallnow3914]

DAM!!! I have been searching for a trouble shoot video like tgis for 2 years!!! All of them seem to start half way thru a test and never give any good details. YOU ARE THE MAN!! I AM NO LINGER ELECTRICAL DUMB!!! Thanks brother!! Subbed!!

[@ronsper]

Brilliant vid. Great shots, angles and lighting. Everything explained without skipping over things. After 3 days of a KZbin crash course on rideon mower electrics, this vid helped me solve my issue. You are a legend in the KZbin Community, many thanks.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the kind words Ron, glad it helped!

[@davidruiz5383]

Although I am not mechanically incline, the more I watch your videos, the more I understand. Your teaching will help many of us diagnose our own lawn tractors. I thank individual like you that share your skills. Your continuation of videos on diagnosing Electrical issues will make you a great instructor. Again thanks and God Bless.

[@afigueroa3896]

Straight information, clear speaker with no additional nonsense. Excellent video bro.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@nancytc1]

Wow!! How great are you!! Thank you for explaining everything so thoroughly!

[@tortugabob]

The best lawnmower electrical troubleshooting video I have ever seen. Kudos.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Cheers!

[@rvalens2]

Hurray! I was able to fix my mower. I went to one of your other videos where you talk about carburetor problems, and I was able to get the mower running by spraying a liberal amount of carb cleaner into it. The carb itself looked really clean, but there must have been some gunk in one of the jets that broke loose when I sprayed it. It now runs like a top! I bought a used mower engine off of eBay, cleaned it up, installed the carburetor off my old blown engine and saved myself $600! My mower now looks and runs amazing - not bad for a Sears Craftsman mower that was built in 1997.

[@josephgiustiniani2834]

WOW. Great info. From the battery to the starter. Tests all the way. Thanks for explaining each step.

[@ericvaughn1126]

Best video that I've seen on the subject bar none. VERY well done as usual and thank you for your time and for sharing your expertise. Much appreciated!

[@williamdenny891]

Excellent video, probably the best that I have seen 👍👍👍👍👍

[@frankpiotrowski6712]

this is the best video I have seen so far .easy to understand, very well done

[@thebaymushroomsjp160]

You have a great talent to explain and teach. Glad I found your channel. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to fix my mower after this. Thanks

[@billkrause4585]

Excellent demonstration. Thanks!

[@duckpond-studio]

This is the most informative, clear and concise "how-to" of any kind that I have ever viewed! step by step, well articulated, clearly filmed and edited. GREAT job!!! THANK YOU!!!! can't wait to see your video on basic Brain surgery. fantastic work !!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@41663]

yeah I would totally agree. Very well done. Saved me money and time.

[@charlesnapier3211]

You're killing me smalls, you're killing me! I do feel sorry for you on making videos of this caliber. Now that I've found you, you can never stop these simple, precise, and fluid videos. The Gold Standard!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@gluemanred]

Great video!! I picked up the same mower a few days ago and the mower was slow to crank. The ground wire on the solenoid switch was melting the insulation off the wire too! Long story short; the previous owner had changed the solenoid but used a 4 post where the spade connectors were hot when the key was engaged. This video helped me realize there is a 4 post terminal with one being a ground!

[@490zack]

As someone who is terrible with electrical troubleshooting, this is by the far the simplest and easiest to understand guide I’ve seen to date. Thank you for making it so simple lol

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@dannyluke4188]

2 Wa aaa

[@alvinhunt9419]

Thank you very helpful. Step-by-step was very easy to follow you Have a great day.

[@chrislaz3230]

Excellent instructional video. You're helping me keep my 2013 Honda Harmony alive. Thank You very much!!

[@kbssmallenginerepair2615]

Excellent walkthrough! Electrical issues can seem so daunting at times but this video will help many...

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@hansmyrskog2535]

Incredibly informative video. This is fantastic. Thank you so much

[@hillbilly1965c]

Man I found your videos today. I wanted to understand how to troubleshoot starting issues on my craftsman mower. I love and respect you simplify how and why you did things. Thank you.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@fredtorres7363]

Probably the best most concise easy to follow and understand video on the subject I’ve seen. Thank you for removing the mystery out of electrical riding mower issues.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for watching!

[@lawrencecarroll2031]

This video is electrical testing for DUMMIES!! Exactly what I need!! Great video!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@kelsch100d]

You are a king amongst men. Thank you for this wisdom. It has helped me greatly!

[@MIJJ555]

You are one of the best teachers! Your videos are so good. I am learning so much by your channel!

[@gibstone23]

Great Video, my mower is now working again. Thanks so much.

[@Deputydog48]

GREAT video. this is by far one of the best videos I've watched. Your descriptions of everything you're doing step by step is clear and concise. I will definitely be watching your other videos posted. Keep up the great work and videos. Awesome job!!

[@davetincher5141]

I have 7 old Bolens tractors that I am attempted to restore your video's have helped me more than you know. Thank you for your time. Dave

[@saulmikaliukas5287]

Best DIY on riding mower electrical issues. You are a GREAT Instructor!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@danbradley765]

Exceptional video, brother. Just outstanding. Thank you so much for this. I will no longer be intimidated by an electrical issue. Subscribed

[@davidmo924]

Excellent video. Thank you for the breakdown.

[@jerrycoile3282]

You explained the electrical sequence from battery to starter extremely well. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks Jerry

[@nashguy207]

Great video explaining the electrical system. !

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-yk8lp3dh4g]

Great video. Never used a multimeater before and followed your step by step instructions to solve a Kawasaki equipped riding zero turn lawn mower lawnmower engine no start problem. Keep up the good work. George

[@kahili56]

Many thanks...great video hits on a multitude of issues!

[@markdietz2777]

Thanks for your diagnostic expertise. Evaluated my electrical system on my vintage toro, I had a bad solenoid as well.

[@massengineer7582]

Excellent clear explanations.

[@bigdana]

wow excellent video; making me feel more confident in understanding how to use a multimeter and interpreting where parts and cables may be faulty! All the way from Nova Scotia Canada

[@10832894]

Great video on electrical issues best I have ever studied and saved to notes on iPad !👍🏻👍🏻

[@StillWildBand]

Best video ever!! Step by step logically working through every possible inch of electrical testing multiple ways. Superbly explained! Thank you. I feel like a pro now.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Glad it was helpful!

[@waynestefinashen239]

Extremely well put together step by step electrical tutorial that explains everything you need to know. You should get a raise!

[@donvoll2580]

Good day Wayne Boy you are right with that , he should have a raise. Thanks

[@moss8448]

I spent hrs on a Husky rider did all kinds of things then found it was a 20 amp fuse....when it was narrowed down to that it took a while to find the thing as the schematic is horrible. Just happened across it noticing a clip barely visible that held the housing. grrr

[@roberthumphreys1316]

That's a really good tutorial, many thanks!

[@timweb1510]

Thanks man, I’m still watching and trying to find where my repair is.

[@rvalens2]

AMAZING teaching job! You not only taught me how to troubleshoot my mower, you also explained to me the various parts of the mower, what they do, how they interconnect, and how to use my multi-meter. Your videos are so clear and concise, it's easy to follow along and learn. I wish I had found your channel sooner. Unfortunately, I have yet to solve the problem of why my mower turns over, but won't start. But I have no doubt that with your help I'm going to figure it out. I'm going to spend the afternoon perusing your videos for an answer to my problem. I'm beginning to suspect that I may have a bad wire leading to the magneto or perhaps the magneto itself is bad. (It's old.) I think the easiest way to do that would be check to see if a spark is being provided to the plug by pulling its boot back while the engine is being cranked. It has a new spark plug, it's getting gas, and the carburetor was rebuilt by lawn mower a mechanic two years ago. The only other thing I can think of is perhaps the engine is flooding or the timing is off due to a broken key in the flywheel.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the kind words, yes definitely test for spark 1st, then spray some carb cleaner in and turn it over and see if it fires up. If it does and then it shuts off, it probably isn't getting fuel

[@jeffmwoods]

Excellent video, Thankyou

[@SamGoeblin]

It's this kind of video that I am talking about when I talk about being a proud graduate of KZbin University. Thank you so much for this tutorial.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for watching!

[@elvinjonesjr4730]

I like your step by step teaching. I learn something’s. Thanks

[@ricksolum4595]

Great video! I have a mower with the same issue. Now I know what to test. Thanks!

[@teeithighandletitfly]

Just the most concise plain spoken video I've seen on KZbin and needing plenty of help I've watch hundred's. You'd be great in a college class sending young people into the world with knowledge that they could earn a living with. Bravo Sir!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the kind words Clay!

[@georgeandjolie]

Thank you so much. You explain complexities in easy to understand terms. I am a subscriber for sure!

[@imus72]

Great video. Many thanks!!

Awesome step-by-step instructions!!! Video is clear, multimeter information is great.

[@douglashedrick352]

Great video with clear info!!

[@maggieandsydfathers8748]

Brilliant video. Fantastically clear verbal description and really great supporting video. Next step - buy myself a multimeter and try to follow the wiring on my ride-on for the day I need to fix a problem! Thank you very much for the effort you’ve put in. Needless to say I’m a subscriber now!

[@btsllc9676]

The best I have seen so far. Excellent !!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@gregorybuydaert6175]

Excellent instructions. I keep your entire list on my IPAD. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@kevinpritchard3592]

Excellent video, learned a lot, thanks

[@samcallahan5077]

Thanks a bunch. I've Been searching for clear mower electrical info - you nailed it. You've got me as a long term subscriber.

[@deansena3827]

Amazing how simple it can be when well explained. I had 2 issues, and was able to discover both before throwing money at parts. I'm a 60 yr old guy that is cursed with the fix it jean, I've been doing this since I was 10. And I couldn't figure this one out . Thank you

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching, glad it helped!

[@yvonnebrown4909]

Where have u been all my life. If I could get my people to explain things like this....Thank you for making it make since

[@daniellemay7161]

Awesome video very comprehensive.

[@johndixon7381]

Brilliant Video thanks 👍👍👍

[@Viper81766]

Excellent video on this topic

[@onlybanger739sk]

This was awesome, I’m going to check Tomorrow thanks

[@roylafountain5478]

Excellent information! Well done, indeed.

[@clintstevenson1214]

OMG! That was my first riding mower owned!

[@pauldonelan3739]

You sir and the most elegant Taryn Dactyl helped me alot getting my mower running. Thank you

[@dale5491]

Outstanding tutorial. Top notch

[@Independent_minds_]

Very informative video! Love the step by step

[@Chocaluvr]

Excellent video! Very detailed! Thank you!

[@gatorgotme]

Very thorough…fantastic!

[@garryw1159]

Great video, explained in detail. Thanks

[@KarlosZ1912]

Great troubleshooting Sir, very talented. Thank you for sharing.

[@Littleraptorland]

Brilliant Video my lawnmower has an electric issue. I will update tomorrow to see if I can finally find the problem

[@EnriqueReyesJrREALTOR]

Very good step by step diagnosis instructions. Keep up the good work.

[@southerneagle9057]

Very Thorough explanation. Thank you.

[@maymanrml]

You did an awesome job on this video! Thanks so much!

[@vleonard2009]

Clear, concise, easy to follow and understand, my go to channel to learn all that I need to maintain my small engines and lawn tractor.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@carolchen274]

Thank you for the video. Very useful and great instructions.

[@garymahon1955]

Very well done and thorough.

[@tripp8860]

Great video bro. Thank you!!