FIXED: Mower Will Not Start - Diagnose and Replace Faulty Solenoid Cub Cadet RZT

[@TightWadDIY]

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE - If this video doesn't help you fix your issue, you should check your safety switches. Here is a video showing how to do that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2mVhaODqqdpfbM

[@DebraBrooks-h9x]

I'm a 74 yo woman and I have been taken soooo many times by 'legit' repair places, contractors, electricians, plumbers, etc etc. I have become VERY self sufficient in home remodeling but know NOTHING about small engine repair. This is the first time I'm attempting to do the repairs myself. This site will prove to be a life saver, money saver for sure. I've replaced the battery on my cub cadet and still just clicks. I bought the solenoid and am going to rewatch your video and get to work. Thank you for doing this to help those who need to help themselves!!!!

[@TightWadDIY]

Glad it can help! It's great to see women empowered to tackle repairs themselves.

[@chrisadcock1683]

I was just about to buy a starter, but decided to check out KZbin. Found your video. Determined it was my solenoid NOT my starter. Saved me some $$. Thank You!

[@TightWadDIY]

Chris Adcock Thata Great! I’m always happy when people save money! Be sure to subscribe. I have several videos for mower repairs and maintenance.

[@wayguitar69]

I will try your advice, thanks for the no-nonsense easy to understand instructions. I have an CC RZT-L that's about 5 or 6 years old that seems to have issues every year, mostly running rough, rebuilt the carb by the shop, always spraying it with carb cleaner, using high-test ethanol free fuel, new filter, new pump, disappointed with the reliability of this model. Wasn't cheap, like most if them of course. Was running rough right before it pulled this number of intermittent turning over and then nothing. Good connections, newer battery, fully charged, tried jumping it just to make sure. Thanks again.

[@jaya.0069]

My ZT is doing the same thing and now I know where to start and hopefully fix it. Thanks for posting this video for us!

[@TightWadDIY]

Jay A. You are very welcome.

[@Swampytheroot]

Thanks for this video! Saved me a few days pay vs. taking it to the shop! I can't believe what they charge now for service on a mower; it's damned near as bad as taking a Harley-Davidson to the shop

[@TightWadDIY]

Glad it helped

[@djdurlak]

Thank you for making this video! I was ready to replace the starter until I watched your video. My RTZ 50 solenoid was in a different location. I put a new one on and know it runs like a champ again!

[@TightWadDIY]

djdurlak That’s great news! I’m glad you were able to get yours fixed. It’s strange how they move things around on the same models.

[@danseman51]

Just so you know...it's always best to remove the negative terminal first. The ground is connected to the entire chassis or engine block. It's easy to accidentally touch the positive and "Shock" yourself.

[@nickys5578]

THANKYOU!!!!! I am pretty handy and worked as an electrician for a time and know a fair bit about repairing carbs and motorcycles and cars but I have never had an issue with the solenoid.

[@TightWadDIY]

Nicky s Always happy to help.

[@RobertLeeKirkland]

Tightwad. I have replaced all the safety switches, solenoid, one of the coils, fuel filter. And it still won't start. The magneto turns slowly and I can see a very small spark from the plug. But that's it.

[@dennisf7185]

Thank you this fixed my mower for 23 bucks.

[@TightWadDIY]

That’s so great! I’m glad you were able to get it fixed!

[@2tirefire79]

Well done. 20$ and im rolling again. The solenoid location on mine was behind the seat,under the frame. You can see two bolts sticking out*

[@TightWadDIY]

Jacob Joyner Great! I’m glad you were able to figure it out. It’s crazy how many locations they put the solenoid on these mowers. Thanks for sharing for the good of the community.

[@robertlarocque4685]

I had a solonoid click only, I removed the starter and found the top bearing seized and could be barely turned. so I dissembled the starter all but the armeture , housing and bottom end plate, I then carefully wire brushed the top armeture shaft at the bearing point and reassembled it and it worked perfectly.

[@TightWadDIY]

Robert Larocque Great job finding the issue and solving it!

[@sociopathmercenary]

Appreciate the video! FYI... Although it makes a lot of sparks, you cannot shock yourself with 12 volts.

[@TightWadDIY]

Thanks.

[@tigeroswald777]

Do Not have the Click. I have nothing. replaced all the safety switches, New Battery. Could it still be the solenoid without the CLICK?

[@jim44094]

great video man helped me so much. I knew mine is not working but wondered how to remove now I know thanks.

[@TightWadDIY]

James pate sr You are welcome. Be sure to subscribe because I will keep posting videos of this mower. I just recorded one today showing how to replace the drive belt.

[@nybergsgarage]

wow... having just been fiddling with the solenoid on my hustler turf, I am once again reminded of how much I hate where cub cadet places the components on their machines. on my hustler, you just lift the seat up on it's hinge, and there's the solenoid, out in the open and ready to be fixed.

[@TightWadDIY]

Agreed. My MTD was much worse than this one! It was in such a tight spot I could only get 1/8 wrench turn. It took forever.

[@nybergsgarage]

@@TightWadDIY I know how you feel. just don't ever try to replace a carb heat cable on a cessna cardinal. now that's a pain, literally and figuratively.

[@rebrak25]

i parked my cub cadet a few weeks ago and now its not turning over. i replaced the solenoid, no change. i then by passed the solenoid and it cranked but no start. any advice?

[@FakeJeep]

Most helpful video on youtube for this... every other video has the starter out, wires out, and doesn't show where this damned thing is. Even the manual from the manufacturer doesn't show where this stupid solenoid is. Mine was turning over, stopping, turning over, stopping... had to bump the key repeatedly until it spun enough to start... and today it died. Now I get to replace the solenoid it seems.

[@TightWadDIY]

Jax Endsleigh Thank you for the kind compliment. Let me know if the solenoid is not your issue.

[@FakeJeep]

@@TightWadDIY Mostly did. It still turns over and stops, but it takes far less effort to start after changing the solenoid. That said mine was actually on the chassis under the seat... Upside down, backwards, with the bolts facing the rear of the mower... and one blocked by the gas tank... I want to slap whoever thought bmw design belonged on a mower.

[@TightWadDIY]

Jax Endsleigh My old rider was mounted in a crazy place too.

[@FakeJeep]

@@TightWadDIY Late reply, but the starter was bad as well and failed soon after. After replacing the starter, solenoid and battery it started without a problem.

[@Sighlense]

The replacement solenoid you linked has two spade connectors, but in your video it appears to have only one. My RZT22 only has one. Does the second one do anything, and would it be ok to use it on mine? Did a search for my model but most come with two spade connectors. Thanks for the video.

[@sluckinbill]

What did you find out here? I’m about to order one ….

[@AmyCevelin]

I have a cub cadet zt1 ultima & it won't start all I get is the click .ive replaced battery ,fuel filter ,spark plugs, I took a test light and I put it in positive side of battery and its lights up on everything but one of the bolts on selanoid lights up on positive side and lights up on the little connection wires just not on the negative bolt. If I do the touching the chisel to connect the bolts do I have key on.? And will it start if im not sitting on seat

[@TightWadDIY]

It will turn over if you jump across the terminals but will die if you aren’t sitting on the seat unless you disable your seat switch. You need to see if you have 12v on the small wire going to solenoid. Thats from the key switch that checks all safety switches first and then sends 12v to activate the solenoid.

[@patriciahoover7703]

My battery is good. still had to jump the battery to start. once going, the pto would stop. I could wait a few min, and pull the pto down and up and it would engage again. now pto will not engage at all and will not start with a jump. what do you think? Same mower you have.

[@artalamoc]

I have the same mower and it starts fine and drives fine but when I put up on the PTO nob, after 5 seconds the engine die. I can turn all the pulleys by hand easy. This trouble started after cutting high wet grass and I cleaned under the deck well. There must be something grounding the engine dead, how would you test the PTO switch? I have had this mower for over 6 years(got it used) and just this week found out how to push it by hand, pull out rod on left side. I like how you explain things on your videos..

[@Huncholee13]

i have a cub cadet zt1 it cranks like it about to start then stops. i replaced spark plugs, fuel filter, oil change. hoping something was just clogged but not the problem i spray starter fluid in the carb and about 2/4 times i can get it to turn over and it will run for hours after that as soon as i turn it off same problem. i figured either the solenoid or the alternator. any suggestions?

[@rodsapyta7059]

Thank you for this video. God Bless.

[@TightWadDIY]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@jimmybrown6337]

thanks for the information, my rzt is blowing the inline fuse any suggestions

[@TightWadDIY]

Jimmy Brown That is typically the result of a faulty connection. Check and clean your battery terminals. Remove and reseat the wiring on your solenoid. That’s a good start at least.

[@lomane5327]

I bought a gravely mower less than a year ago and it has started to bog down and cut off after about 30 mins of cutting, I could get it to start up again but would cut off again after only a few minutes even if I wasnt cutting. Now i can not get it to start, I can get it to turn over but not fire up, is it it possible there is a blockage in the exhaust line that is causing the engine to not get proper air intake to start?i would greatly appreciate ur thoughts on why this is occurring, thanks.

[@TightWadDIY]

josh wells It sounds like an air flow or fuel flow issue. Have you done the basics like change the air filter, fuel filter, and spark plugs? Drain the fuel completely and refill with new gas.

[@rdobbs67]

Great video. I have an RZT S-42 with the Kohler Courage 22 hp engine. Installed new solenoid (fried) and battery (bad cell). Completely tuned up the mower. I'm now back at hard to turn over and starts after manually moving the choke forward.The mower is about 7 years old has about 250 hours. Do you think it is time to install or rebuild the carb? Appreciate some guidance.

[@TightWadDIY]

Robert Dobbs I could probably use a good cleaning.

[@rdobbs67]

@@TightWadDIY the new carburetor?

[@TightWadDIY]

Robert Dobbs Clean up/rebuild the existing one.

[@rdobbs67]

Actually got a deal on a new carb and installed. Started it a few times and obtained full throttle. Started it this afternoon it runs slightly below half throttle like it is barely getting gas. Adjusted the throttle from choke to idle. The engine speed never changes. Any idea what I should look at.

[@jakefriesen326]

I have the same problem not getting any power to my starter but I did try to jump start it like that so have to be my solenoid

[@TightWadDIY]

Jake Friesen Did it work when you jumped the solenoid?

[@jakefriesen326]

@@TightWadDIY yes it did start if I jump start it but it won't start with the key so it has to be my solenoid

[@TightWadDIY]

Jake Friesen It’s most likely the solenoid but could be a safety switch or key switch.

[@jakefriesen326]

I have a good use solenoid laying around going to try it on the tractor tomorrow

[@laytonvires2953]

my 04 cub cadet rzt 50 with 500 hours 22 hp briggs v_twin was mowing stopped for a while got back on to finish didnt do anything no lights on dash so i got out jumper cables attached them but when i hooked up final ground cable it was shooting sparks like cables were reversed it happened out of nowhere any suggestions would be appreciated

[@TightWadDIY]

Check your fuse. That happened to me one when using the nagging attachment.

[@jdacosta4024]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to posting this video. Very helpful, thanks again!

[@TightWadDIY]

JD Acosta You are welcome! Be sure to subscribe.

[@henryglazier7748]

tell ed brake switch on rzt 50 and lights still on no start any ideas?

[@TightWadDIY]

What is tell ed?

[@henryglazier7748]

replaced sorry

[@GrillThisSmokeThat]

@@henryglazier7748 Are you sure you have your parking brake engaged and the handles in the down position when trying to start it? It’s possible one of your handle switches is bad.

[@henryglazier7748]

@@GrillThisSmokeThat I hope so they're on the way

[@Chente-27]

Iam having a issue with my cub cadet rzt zero turn it turns on and immediately blows the fuse then it turns off it a 2007 model what can it be ? Because I put a new fuse and did the same thing

[@TightWadDIY]

vicente Torres You have a short somewhere. Try disconnecting and reconnecting your battery cables and the cables attached to your alternator.

[@Chente-27]

I try that I tell you what it did

[@scottd345]

Overly, extremely, excessively frugal is the PC term for us tightwads.

[@TightWadDIY]

Haha. I embrace the name!

[@crp9347]

What causes them to go bad ? I changed 2 in six months.

[@TightWadDIY]

Typically corrosion.

[@crp9347]

@@TightWadDIY so frequent?!

[@TightWadDIY]

@@crp9347 It shouldn't but some after market ones are poor quality.

[@gataheart]

My CC-RZT ..initially whenever I moved RH bar to rear position it would hesitate or require several attempts to reengage blades. Then the blades just stopped altogether. Left overnight battery went dead. Now refuses to fire/start on jumpstarting. Any suggestions? Thx b4hand.

[@TightWadDIY]

gataheart It could be a faulty safety switch on that RH arm. Mine has two safety switches on each arm.

[@YaaGirlTiny]

Mine aint doing the clicking sound. It's almost like it's just whining and not starting. I thought it might just be a bad starter. What'd you think?? Appreciate it in advance.

[@TightWadDIY]

Jordan Clean or change the spark plug, make sure it has good gas, and clean the air filter.

[@WilsonKimble86]

Can you send me a picture of the pto clutch and where the clutch bar should be located. i bought a cub cadet lawn mower that is missing the pto clutch bar. Thanks

[@robertlenox4559]

I have a 2006 RZT 50 and no spark. Put new starter on. Doesn't a new starter come with the solenoid attached ?

[@TightWadDIY]

Robert Lenox The solenoid is not attached to the starter. It is actually under the arm near the PTO. If you are comfortable doing so, you could try to jump the solenoid to see if it turns over.

[@tonypod]

Awesome tutorial. Helped me out a ton!

[@TightWadDIY]

You are welcome. I'm always happy to help!

[@yoshimatsu6]

What does the yellow warning sign mean?

[@TightWadDIY]

Anime lover It depends on the mower. What model do you have?

[@johnleddy4482]

So my Solenoid won't Jump....On my Cub Cadet...Does that mean the solenoid os getting Power

[@TightWadDIY]

John Leddy It could mean a variety of things. Start by checking the battery cables and the fuse.

[@johnleddy4482]

@@TightWadDIY Thank you I see a relay and the safety switch lol..Keep up the Videos.

[@zoranmaksimovski2755]

Wonderful Purchase

[@tannerprice696]

How fast dose it go

[@chuckdavidson9968]

I would like seeing where the wires go to on the solenoid from the battery all wires and connections to the solenoid

[@hull_k0gan641]

Agreed. The whole reason I looked at this video.

[@ronaldwprovo6111]

Thank you. my pto switch was bad.

[@TightWadDIY]

Ronald W Provo You are welcome! Im glad you were able to get it fixed! Be sure to subscribe. I have several videos for this mower.

[@travisb7868]

I turn the key and I dont even get a click. I've changed the battery, spark plug, air filter, have good gas. Battery terminals are good. Dont know what's wrong.

[@TightWadDIY]

Travis B Did you check the fuse? Start there then try to jump the solenoid.

[@travisb7868]

@@TightWadDIY Yep it was the fuse. Thanks for the help 👍👍👍

[@TightWadDIY]

Travis B Great! I’m glad you got it fixed!

[@hull_k0gan641]

I was really hoping to see exactly how this was wired. It’s nowhere online that I can find.

[@TightWadDIY]

Could you see it front my video?

[@rxsonny]

Hi sir, I have Murray model 465306x8. Mine no click or sound when turn the key. I have replaced solenoid and ignitions key still no click or sound. I have tried to jump from battery straight to the starter and it starts motor turn. I am not sure what else to look for please can you help. Battery is good @ 12.49 volt. This riding mower used to starts without problems I can get off and get back on many time and it still start. But something happened when I got off the seat and tried to start it then it won’t click or sound at all."

[@TightWadDIY]

rxsonny Just to make sure, did you check the fuse between the battery and solenoid? Did you check to make sure you are getting power at the first post of the solenoid?

[@dodge3187]

Mine wont even click, thought it was battery but replaced it with brand new one and still nothing. I put the key in and it doesnt light up and the starter doesnt try do anything. Ive been going all over the mower looking for the issue but no luck so far, any ideas?

[@TightWadDIY]

Dodge 318 Make sure the mower is in park. Check the inline fuse between the battery and solenoid. Check your safety switches.

[@dodge3187]

TightWadRepairs Ok thanks I just got home so first thing in morning I'll check them. Ive looked over the thing top and bottom for loose wires or bad wires and I cant see anything out of the ordinary. I was using it last week then the belt deck belt came off because it was old & loose. So I drove it and parked it. Went few days later to start it up and nothing. The gauge display doesnt come on and no clicks or anything. Could it be the drive belt possibly? Or the pto deck belt not being on? Ive changed the fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs, battery.

[@TightWadDIY]

Dodge 318 It shouldn't be a belt. Just to make sure, did you turn off the PTO switch?

[@dodge3187]

TightWadRepairs Yes I double checked it, checked wires on battery and made sure they were on good as well. Ive got a new solenoid for it but I dont guess that'd be the problem if it aint even clicking

[@efilnikcufecin9333]

I know this is old but did it turn out to be the inline fuse? Exact same thing happened to mine and that's what it turn out to be.

[@ceritafrenchie8820]

I have a 1717a zero turn and it was working then I cut off and I'm getting nothing I test the solenoid and it crank but won't start I have change all the safety switch and I have change the ignition and still nothing

[@TightWadDIY]

Cerita Frenchie So it turns over when you cross the poles on the solenoid but it won't start?

[@daveramsay8115]

Great video

[@TightWadDIY]

Thanks! I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@knighthawk86855]

Don't go cheap on the selinoid, see cheap ones as soon as you hit a bump it will cause the new selinoid to crap out again, spend some cash and get a good one.

[@fabianzaleta3597]

l have one everride.zero .but dont.starer l need.help

[@TightWadDIY]

fabian zaleta I need more details. Have you checked the things mentioned in the video?

[@fabianzaleta3597]

@@TightWadDIY yes l did it and.fixed thanks

[@nicolebrooks9343]

Oh you must know my TIGHTWAD HUSBAND !!!lol

[@TightWadDIY]

Haha. He attends our monthly meetings.

[@nicolebrooks9343]

Oh lol I love it! That made me laugh!! Thank you!!

[@supertrucker200]

always remove your ground never your positive cause if it arcs you want it to happen on the grd. side not on the pos. side were it can damage electrical components

[@brandonsmith5692]

My solenoid is doing the sparking thing without even jumping it😂

[@robynandryanwalley1707]

No click still won't start

[@TightWadDIY]

Robyn and Ryan Walley I just added a link to the description and pinned comment. That video shows how to find and test the safety switches.

[@earlnelson3705]

To toJ oh my by

[@roberthester5379]

I didn't hear it crank lol

[@Mr.EeToMyself]

I don't care what is wrong with it now.

[@TightWadDIY]

Okay…

[@johnbrief6856]

"sillinoid" o_O

[@TightWadDIY]

John Brief You like that pronunciation? Haha.

[@timothygrant2831]

I'm not even getting Click

[@TightWadDIY]

That’s either a safety switch, battery, or fuse most likely. Less likely could be the key switch or PTO switch. Start with the fuse and battery. They are easiest.