Riding Lawn Mower - Solenoid Clicks but Doesn't Start

[@2000redvette1]

good job, stuck to the issues and not a bunch of personal stories. Too many guys go on and on and you never get to the problem. You did that quickly and with no bull. Thanks for your getting to the point and only the point

[@jonro3739]

My riding lawnmower was doing this and I’ve watched multiple videos and this is by far the most thorough, well-explained, and straightforward video I’ve found.

[@drewsfoodforest_tv]

😮 same here …

[@ajc5903]

Same here 👍

[@stevencameron5242]

Your tutorial saved me hours of frustration. I checked all my connections, charged the battery and my mower would not start. After reading all the comments I discovered 2 other guys had the same problem. My battery was fully charged, and was good after putting a load on it at the parts store. It needed a booster to start for some reason, but when it started I got so excited I mowed my yard of 2+ acres. Im a new subscriber and thank you for the video.

[@wallygoots]

After overcoming the big wall of awful that was my clicking mower, I did all the steps you suggested and found it was a ground on the battery and solenoid that fixed it! Life saver! Thank you. I agree with what everyone else said about how helpful and clearly you described the likely failure points.

[@deemac4952]

I know this is an old video, but I just wanted to pop in and say thank you! You taught me a lot and helped me diagnose my no-start issue!!

[@sthpawil]

I have a John Deere 185 Hydro lawn tractor with a 17HP Kawasaki FC540V engine and a Nippon Denso 12800-2810 starter that had an intermittent "one click, no start" issue. I installed a $16.00 knock off John Deere AM107421 Starter Relay Kit from eBay and it solved the issue. This video helped me track down the issue caused by low voltage at the starter solenoid.

[@josec3823]

I can't thank you enough for your help. After 4 years I finally got mine fixed. You are the man bro.

[@Kornstalx]

Thank you so much for including the little blurb around 7 minutes about the brake switch. I was convinced I had a brake/seat/blade safety switch problem, but could hear the solenoid so you eliminated wasting more time on that for me.

[@timdonohoe9803]

This was extremely helpful. I did not even know where to start until I watched this.

[@TheRedJin]

So far this has been the best video with step by step. I will try all of this and see what happens.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

I have an even better one, step by step kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHu6k5mJra2MZ7s

[@eddypagan8675]

Outstanding explanation in troubleshooting a riding mower. With simple equipment. Right to the point. I need to say your a excellent technician and teacher.

[@markclark5678]

Thanks for the great video, helped me to find out my issue was battery ground cable was lose where it connected to frame! Guys like you help so many of us trying to trouble shoot.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching, glad it helped!

[@j.w.3345]

I sent this to my Brother.....It started and runs great!! Thanks bro!

[@andy82665]

Thank you! Just bought a 48” inch 2048 zoom zero turn for $300 and this video was all I needed to get it running!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@dangroce82]

2048?? Your way ahead of your time. Lol

[@paulfleming1782]

Way to go , you checked just about everything possible and it was a very good lesson to all of us . Thank you !

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@NorthToSouthOutdoors]

Thanks for the video man, I’m a first time home owner with a gifted mower and this video got it running

[@JorgeTorres-qu6eb]

If not the best well explained video on KZbin, it's one of the best videos that are well explained step by step. Unfortunately not all of us are familiar with those testers but this guy is a brain! I wish he lived in the Tampa Bay area!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@mjmejiahatcher]

TY so very much. Watching your video has given me encouragement to not give up yet. So off to troubleshoot. Thanks

[@ArunVijayaraghavan]

Thanks a ton, you tip was very helpful!! Being an owner of new to me landmower; my zero turn wouldnt start, heard the solenoid tick but the motor didn’t start. However, took courage after seeing your video to pop open the driver seat, put my battery boosters in and vola! My zero turn started right sway

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Maybe time for a new battery, thanks for watching, and good luck!

[@ArunVijayaraghavan]

@@EliminatorPerformance Yeap..I agree..I’ll get one from Amazon..looks like an easy swap

[@bprice3553]

Very good step by step video by eliminating electrical issues.

[@willowjana]

Thanks for this video. My yard machine was running and then nothing but click. You’ve given me lots of things to check out and hopefully I’ll have it fixed. Great video.

[@stewpid1]

Dude !!! thank you !!! this is probably the best / most well explained / detailed ...fix it ..learn it video i have seen on here ! and I've watched hundreds of videos GREAT JOB ..TY keep 'em come n !!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

@@stewpid1 I have a newer one called complete electrical diagnosis of riding mower kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHu6k5mJra2MZ7s

[@selkirk27]

Thanks so much guy.. I didnt have a click and had no idea where it was located.. no one I looked at showed where it was and you did . your the man.

[@doncook3584]

So simple when explained professionally. Everything starts and ends at the battery. Connections to every circuit and appliance. Battery pos neg,Solenoid, safety switches, starter, key switch, fuses, and ground.

[@RCorDIE]

Your vids are the most clear and concise I have seen. Thanks.😊

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching, be sure to check out my complete electrical diagnosis video if you want a full explanation of how the system works

[@64rollingstone]

Thank you from the UK, I will check all my leads on my MTD.... Good video.

[@jimfrankovich2339]

Thanks brother. You just saved me about $100. God bless you sir.

[@martinwalters1954]

Thanks for the straight ahead no bullshit, no unfunny jokes, and a half hour of unscrewing things. Kudos. Subscribed

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@ElkhornRich]

Great no nonsense video, covering all the stuff I'm reluctant to check. Will be doing so in about twenty minutes. Thanks for a great job!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@mirzkamihoo6012]

Hi. I'm from Poland. i had the same problem. your video helped me a lot. Regards.

[@benjaminbarsh6964]

Dude! I was stumped. I checked safety switches and ignition along with many other things. I have a brand new battery too. I heard a click under neath my seat and it was the solenoid. Saw your video and removed the solenoid. Cleaned the ground, the battery terminals and the starter terminal. Jumped on and it started! Thanks!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@darrelljernigan3241]

This video was very thorough and informative and thorough troubleshooting. Great work brotha.

[@nassirbadrudin9741]

Thanks a million for this video. Very clear step by step testing. At the end all the tests pointed to the problem being in the starter motor. It was getting the correct voltage but not spinning. I thought to myself that if this happened in the car I would give it a couple of bangs with a hammer,so I tried it and guess what? It worked and has continued to do so. I guess that over the winter the thing had seized up…Bendix or whatever. I thought this might help someone before they undertook removal and repair/replacement.

[@martint766]

I hate electrical problems on riding mowers. This makes it easy. Thanks

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@williamwilson3934]

Excellent explanation one of the best videos I've ever seen on lawn mowers great great job

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@brotherbax4083]

I’m having this problem, so I’ll go through the steps and see what’s up. Thanks for the great video!

[@jessicagatson1025]

I am mechanically inclined, but engine illiterate so this was great. Thanks!

[@robertpluszczynski4383]

Thank you for the video! Mine is doing the exact same thing. I think you may have saved me from spending more $$ throwing parts at it! Keep up the great work

[@mecarpentermusic]

This video just might save me a lot of money on my Husky. Having this exact issue. Subscribed for sure now!!!

[@b.m.6492]

Thanks, I just learned a lot. I have the clicking sound as well, and have been jumping it with the car to get it started. Will check all connections.

[@casewebb7762]

This video was outstanding,,, I liked that you moved right along,,, and didn't hesitate with unneeded information. Off to check my mower now. Thanks man.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@IamSquidword]

Awesome video! Why couldn't I live next door to a guy like this 👍👍👍

[@Sam-lk6eo]

Best breakdown, And step by step, I wasn't sure about wiring the solenoid but when you explained it could go either way, Then I thought maybe I'll attempt to do mine. Thank you !

[@noeleb8538]

2 month old mower started doing this. I found the ground from battery was connected to a painted surface. A little wire brush and presto, better than new. Great walk thru video on diagnosing this issue.

[@grantwallace1882]

I have this problem. I have not experience of mechanics, but what to compliment you on your clear and thorough explanation.

[@M0ADIS]

This has been awesome! Gonna go take this knowledge and apply it to my LT 1500.

[@richags328]

subscribed immediately after watching...great camera work as well as commentary of information given, keep up the great videos...

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching Rich, happy holidays!

[@ajconnor1983]

Same here

[@hunterm.172]

Just my two cents but you can test the fuse by the two contactors on top without removing it-it has saved me a lot of headache when working on cars-just wanted to pass along the advice- Great video!

[@victorebolum1583]

A Real Teacher. Thank you so very much. Wow!!!

[@rickycole6327]

Thank you I followed your steps and found the problem loose wire to the positive post again thank you

[@tomwalter5999]

You are the best in the business. Thank you!

[@tonybollers]

Many thanks for an excellent guide. Saved me hours of tinkering by leading me to THE PROBLEM

[@chillywilly3397]

Great job diagnosing the problem. Great job giving the lesson.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@PainlessChiropractor]

Very well done video!!! Gave me alternate diagnoses to investigate and clear instructions throughout.

[@samthetileman9579]

Dude, you literally got my mower started! Much obliged!!!! Thank you my brother!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching, glad it helped!

[@tuarangi5122]

I had a craftsman YT3000 ride on mower.I had no idea how to fix it.The mechanic had a look at it n reckons its something else.He started it up with his truck terminal n still won't start.I replaced the old solenoid n a new battery n still won't started.He reckon the main motor key to start it came off or did I hit something hard like iron.It turns but not enough power to start it.He had a quickcheck up its still won't start.I watch your video n I think this might do it if I follow the video.clearly.in steps n.It mite work.I live in Rarotonga,Cook Islands n it hard to get parts for.the machine.I.really like watching this videos n others mainly on ride ons.Kia orana from Rarotonga.

[@Stelcom66]

Good troubleshooting procedure. I was hearing a click, but like a small relay. Found out that was the fuel cutoff solenoid by the carburetor. When in the start position, only ~5.5volts at the battery. Somewhat similar to this situation, It was the positive cable to the battery wasn't tight. It stated a few times after re-installing the battery in the spring, I guess after a few mows that loosened the connection.

[@TheLaidbackBiker]

Great video bro! I have a Yardman by MTD given to me and I have just begin to work on it. I look forward to watching more of your vids.

[@StrategicMessagingForLiberals]

Thanks! This is a great video because it covers every possible things that could go wrong and offers solutions for each on.e It goes beyond standard troubleshooting into things a repair manual wouldn't like noting that the paint on the frame could make a bad contact. Very clear about everything. More videos should be like this. And I'll be checking out what else I can learn from this channel!

[@crazyboy4793]

Man Great video. So many mechanic videos out there that are too long, bad angles, heavy breathers, useless info, etc. and this video had none of that. Great editing to get right to the point and cut the useless shit out. Thanks

[@stephenhaley9517]

Thanks... this was super helpful. My solenoid clicked ONCE after months of not being used. Then nothing.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@terrellparaons5283]

You saved me a lot of time and money thank you

[@bobbyhutcheson1382]

Straight to the point ,all buisness,superb video.Thats the way it's done,very professional .No comedy ,blackened teeth hokie jokes ,just give us The Video don't act or try comedy not y'alls profession,The subject of the video that's all!!thumbs Up

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@Mr_Tim_B.]

Thanks! Thought it was the battery, replaced the solenoid, nothing but click. It's the cables, especially the ground. Thanks again!

[@beemorgan3539]

Thank you, did everything you have suggested and found out that the solenoid was bad originally it did click but a no start ... got a little sneaky and with the key on I shorted out on the solenoid in original place the incoming 12v cable and the starter cable and the starter motor turned over so the solenoid was defective

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Sometimes they click but don't make the connection, this mower is still starting and running to this day!

[@phillipdavis4507]

I've done sm engines for 40+ years, and had a lot of bad switches, do a video on switches for newer folks to repair. Good video 👍

[@pavlos413]

Thank you! I have a 1998 mtd Ranchking 16.5hp opposed twin I bought used. I just about changed everything on my mower to finally get it running the last thing I did was change both battery terminals and put a new starter on it (my solenoid was clicking too but wasn't cranking)...also my heads were flooded so I pulled sparks out, flamed up the chamber to get it dry, slapped the spark plugs back in and it finally got going. I also had to adjust the idle on the carb to get it running stronger, because it used to die out when mowing sometimes. Also of note, just to provide yall with as much info as I can, I put new battery, new spark plugs, new magneto, new fuel lines/filter, new engine oil. I took the heads off and sanded off all of the carbon buildup on them and the pistons, also threw some seafoam in there for good measure. I also attached a new solenoid. Just about the only thing decent on it was one of the belts and the blades are still good. I'll be getting 2 new tires for it soon as well.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@harrygao2066]

Thank you for your expert knowledge. I was able to follow your step and found the ground wire next to solenoid that was loose. Btw, ever since I replaced the engine two year, the headlights is always on. I was able to live by so far by disconnect the battery each time. Wonder if you know the cause for that

[@israelmacotela6817]

Well explained video! I learned a lot tricks in 12 min. Thanks for your advices!🙂

[@kimseymour8896]

You do a great job of describing how to test etc. Thanks

[@samgentry2605]

Great video. Great example of the process of elimination. Thanks

[@bferguson6643]

Thanks for the video.. Big help, now my mower is running and cutting some grass. Cheers

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Glad it helped, thanks!

[@slitterking]

Excellent troubleshooting and video. Thanks for the mini-tutorial while using the multimeter!

[@missystokes4542]

Thank you for your through explanation of clicking solenoid! Wish you lived near me in south Ga, you’d be my mower guy for sure!

[@mike889988]

Great video, had the exact same situation. Was deff a bad connection, thanks for the tutorial.

[@dank.1256]

Excellent. Logical procedures. Very clear narration. Please make more troubleshooting videos

[@Anto-kz5hk]

Hey great video. I recently got a craftsman riding mower for free from a nice old lady. She said she paid several mechanics to work on it. Nobody could fix it but they of course charger her good. I found out some of the wiring is gone, one hook for the carburator is missing, honestly it needs an expert to find out what else is missing and make it work. I think I will just give up on it.

[@CrabManDuke]

Your video was money. Thanks for this! You got my subscription!!

[@Redsr5]

Just picked up a jd317 with a new Briggs 23hp and no wiring was hooked up at all so I had to rewire the tractor from nothing . It came with a old reply and it was doing exactly what u said in the beginning of the video about it not Turing the starter .d this helped a lot

[@palorodriguez8579]

Verry good, explained clear n say exactly what we want to hear. Thank U amen.

[@eltristejr7063]

You’re awesome Explain everything point by point I learned something new today thanks boss God bless you

[@jimdoyen2444]

Very informative, Thank you !!!

[@lindseyloo6619]

You made this so easy to follow thank you!!

[@fishkilrz]

i went through all this numerous times with an intermittent problem - starter would not turn over or trn just a little. next time it would start fine and stay that way for awhile. finally pulled the starter. found a broken chunk of field coil that would jam up and let loose whenever it felt like it. 1 new starter later and I was back in business. 1st time in 50 yrs I had run into that one.

[@parishaymakers]

This is good stuff brother! I appreciate you making the video!

[@kenfoster2647]

Well done. just the right pace and detail. Excellent. thank you.

[@kgoldric]

You just saved me some time. I was about to pull the pressure switches out from the deck and brake to check them but I do hear the solenoid clicking so that means power is getting through both and the ignition is working. It makes sense the pressure switches need to be before the solenoid, not sure why that didn't occur to me, probably more just frustration getting to me. I can start it right up from a jump box on the starter so I'm thinking its probably just a bad contact from the battery I need to clean up. Great video.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Glad it helped, good luck and thanks for watching!

[@leeclem6066]

I was about to do the same but watching this made me think. My mower would randomly not start with the relay clicking. I've had the mower 2 years and this started about 6 months after getting it. Recharging the battery didn't solve the problem. After seeing this and checking everything I became suspect of the battery. Toro supplied a 195 cranking amp battery. Other blogs indicate this is way too low. I bought a 340 and the machine fires up immediately every time. Easy fix after a lot of needless worry. Shame on Toro for supplying such a weak battery,

[@EliminatorPerformance]

@@leeclem6066 we run 370's regardless of engine size, because that's the only battery we recommend! Turns over a mower every time!

[@charlierichardson3169]

I’m about to give this a shot because this is the exact same problem I’m having. I’ll keep you posted to on how it turns out!! My man!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Good luck!

[@sergiovillegas-umana6951]

Same, I just got it back a month ago from dealer... but it's Sunday, so what else am I going to do.

[@charlierichardson3169]

Didn’t work and I’m out of energy. Thanks for the video, I hope it helps other. Taking to a mechanic tomorrow.

[@jonro3739]

Charlie Richardson what did it end up being?

[@lifeononeweel3008]

@@charlierichardson3169 heloo

[@antoniomagnotto3860]

Very helpful. I am troubleshooting an old Ransome's Bobcat. Starter switch is bad but I have been bypassing it with a jumper cable from the positive battery post to the red post on solenoid. So no feedback of clicking. Last week, no cranking, just sparks at solenoid. Will try your approach to eliminating causes.

[@TripleGAutoDetailing]

Awesome video. Now i have a step by step diagnostic plan of attack. Much appreciated!! 🙏🏻 Subscribed.

[@SmutchyBritches]

Very well detailed explanation!! Thank you for sharing with us.

[@rrhodes2009]

Great job on this video. Don't get me wrong, I can spell "lectrical" but I really suck at it. My beloved Kubota 0 turn which has not given me any problems has some sort of switch issue and this video will take me way down the testing road. I'm also happy that I have the exact same multi-meter and now understand how to do a continuity test. Keep up the great work!

[@dancharak6300]

You ate very knowledgeable. Great breakdown and explanation. Thank you. I'm currently experiencing this with my chipper shredder. Not even a year old yet. Not sure what's going on :/

[@jepolch]

Great video! I wish you could diagnose my mower. I get the click, but the starter doesn't turn over. I guess I'll have to go through the troubleshooting steps. But at least I learned that my solenoid is good.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Watch this one, it's step by step: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHu6k5mJra2MZ7s

[@rowekmr]

Great detailed video with explanations and good video work!

[@birdiesawyer]

The video was a huge help. I replaced the solenoid and now I get the click. I get power from the key and I am also getting a connection from the solenoid to the starter. The starter looks like it starts to move a little then nothing. Bad Starter? I am getting power to the starter that has been confirmed.

[@birdiesawyer]

If it helps at all I took the starter off and tested it on its on and it spins. So the other thing I was thinking was a kill switch somewhere maybe?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Could be a bad starter, do a bench test of the starter. Simple 12v bench test: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpyXg2WNgLebes0

[@dameionwilliams3820]

I just followed you. This was very well explained.

[@canesser1]

Very helpful! Appreciate the diagnostic algorithm, this is one for the playlist! Suspect the battery is toast with that low of a reading. "Batteries don't die, they're murdered" LOL.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidwilson7476]

You're very knowledgeable. My interest is how to use a multimeter all settings and without bricking the device

[@outlet6989]

My Craftsman GTS 5000 had a similar problem. Turned out to be the brake switch. I spent a great deal of time replacing it. When I do maintenance on the mower, I make sure to remove any corrosion from all of the terminals. After that, I spray CRC Battery Terminal Protector on all the terminals. A great tip of yours is to remove the paint from any ground wires connected to the frame. Sometimes the problem will be a buildup of rust.

[@WiPri0371]

I have a Craftsman rider at least 20 years old. The solenoid was clicking like crazy when I turned the key over. Battery tested at 12.7v with meter. Tested everything else out & was fine. Replaced solenoid anyway and tore starter down and cleaned it up inside. But it was a head scratcher until I load tested the battery. Didn't even move the needle. Changed that. Like nothing even happened.

[@jefferykirby7498]

Great video now I can do this without having to dismantle the mower body thanks