How to Fix a Riding Mower that Doesn’t Crank or Click When You Turn the Key

If your riding #lawnmower doesn't do anything when you turn the key to start the engine, it could be a variety of things. This video shows you how to #diagnose the cause by checking the riding mower’s battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. It also walks you through how the starting system works, so you can better understand how to track down the problem.
What is the significance of the click when you turn the key? When you hear the click, you know the starter solenoid coil is getting power from the battery through the ignition switch. If you don't hear that click, either the starter solenoid has failed or the starter solenoid coil isn’t getting power.
A dead battery won't power up the starter system and could prevent the solenoid coil from clicking.
Check battery voltage using a multimeter. If it measures less than 12 volts, the battery is weak or dead and you've likely found the problem.
If the battery is okay, it means power is getting to the red battery cable. But, is voltage getting through the red battery cable to the red terminal post? To check that, let’s measure voltage at the red terminal post. A word of warning here: Don’t let the meter lead touch both the solenoid posts at the same time or you’ll see a severe spark. Shorting across the solenoid posts sends the current to the starter motor. Some of you may be tempted to short across the solenoid posts intentionally using an insulated screwdriver to start the engine. But we strongly discourage this approach, because this dangerous practice overrides safety switches. If the battery measures less than 12 volts, check the battery terminals and cable leads for corrosion. Clean corrosion off the battery terminals. Recheck the voltage. If it still doesn’t measure more than 12 volts at the red post, replace the red battery cable.
Now that we know the red terminal is getting power, the next step is to find out whether the solenoid coil gets power when you turn the key. If you measure voltage at the coil but the internal contact doesn't click, the starter solenoid is to blame. The solenoid clicks when it sends power to the starter motor.
Check the fuse. Replace the fuse if it's blown.
Test the ignition switch.
Test the brake interlock switch.
Replace the brake interlock switch if it's bad. Here's a video that shows you how: • How to Replace the Bra...
Check the blade engagement interlock switch.
If the blade switch is okay, then there’s a break in the white wire between the ignition switch and the solenoid coil that’s preventing the coil from getting power. Find and repair the wiring break.
Now that you’ve gotten through all of our troubleshooting tips, you should be able to start your mower. Now you can get to the real work of mowing your lawn!
If you need to have a Sears Technician (like Wayne) diagnose and #repair your riding mower, schedule service here: www.searshomeservices.com/rep...
Order parts for your riding mower here: www.searspartsdirect.com/
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