How to Fix a Riding Lawn Mower that Doesn’t Crank or Click

This #diy video shows how to #diagnose and #repair a riding mower or lawn tractor that doesn't crank or click when you turn the key to start the engine.
Find the written article that matches this video here: www.searsparts...
Use promo code KZbin to save 10% on www.searsparts...
This video shows what to do if your riding lawn mower doesn't do anything when you turn the key to start the engine-not even click. We show you how to pinpoint the cause by checking the riding mower’s battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. We also walk you through how the starting system works, so you can better understand how to track down the problem. Order parts to fix the problem once you find the cause of the failure.
Visit us at:
www.searsparts...?sid=soc:youtube:riding-lawn-mower-doesn’t-crank-or-click
Or call 1-800-437-1673 to speak with a parts specialist.
The video includes these parts and tools. Look up your model to make sure you get the right parts for your mower.
Starter solenoid
www.searsparts...
Fuse
www.searsparts...
Ignition switch
www.searsparts...
Brake switch
www.searsparts...
Blade Switch
www.searsparts...
Find riding mower parts at
www.searsparts...
Or click here to schedule an appointment with a repair technician.
www.searshomes...

[@DuckTracy]

By far this is the best troubleshooting how-to of any kind that I have ever seen. Thanks and keep up the good works!

[@joshuagiuffre247]

Mid 2024 and you literally saved me big time with a video from 7 years ago, thank you so much!! Goes so in depth and so well explained, I had been trouble shooting for days but thanks to you it only took an extra 30 mins after watching the video.

[@TwiliteNites]

Forget all those dweebs with their fancy (eck...music?)and ponytail boys. THIS GUY IS THE REAL DEAL! Many thanks!

[@kellybyrne1782]

This was awesome!! Husband and I fixed our zero turn! Saved so much money and time! Thanks!!

[@Zoofactory]

Dwayne’s beard is as positively charged as his video. Thumbs up!

[@brandonkelling962]

This is by far the best video I have ever seen in my 20 years of using KZbin. Holy moly.

[@IYUB30]

I thought the same thing! I wish there was more tutorials just like this.

[@rcf8367]

+1

[@leogle]

Very helpful. I was going through all of the checklists and then I heard him say, "If the blades are engaged it will not start. I went out and the mower and sure enough I had left the blades engaged. I put them in the off position and the mower started right up. I knew it would not start with the blades engaged but I just forgot to turn the blades off the last time I turned the mower off. Thanks again!

[@searspartsdirect]

Thanks for letting us know what you found. Sometimes the initial troubleshooting checks solve the problem and you don't have to pull anything apart.

[@myrontruex4196]

This is absolutely the most concise video I have seen. Best demonstration seen in over 40 years.

[@searspartsdirect]

Thanks for the encouragement. We worked hard to produce a credible and useful troubleshooting video that many DIY'ers can use.

[@91GT347]

@@searspartsdirect Agreed. Very clear speaking and video work. Clearly shows the meter settings, etc. Most people probably don't know where the settings are. They probably have to borrow one.

[@nora-ub9yi]

Thank you. Single mom here and had no idea how to go about this… the power switch was loose… saved my time, and money I don’t have to spent on a big repair…

[@rargle111]

I just want to add in another comment for this being one of the most straight forward and informative videos about this subject. Helped me find the problem in my riding mower (bad brake switch), it was driving me nuts, thanks a lot.

[@calebgrimes4866]

I determined my buddies riding lawn mower had a bad solenoid. This video was amazing. Helped me diagnosis this issue. $12 for new solenoid.

[@smokeandmirrorsinc]

After buying a new starter and a new solenoid I finally see this video and never had checked the fuse. Sure enough that was the culprit. thank you.

[@tekkietekkie]

thanks for posting this, after having a non starting issue i figured out that my fuse was corroded, the incoming power was 12v but the outgoing was 8v which was very odd, replaced that and boom it fired right up!

[@atercero333]

Thank you for the video. Even though I have a different brand mower I was able to follow through checking the battery, solenoid, and safety connectors; and find that one connector was loose and not letting the mower to start. Thank you!!!

[@49Jersey]

Fantastic video. I have a Craftsman LT1000 and never had electrical problems. Working on a friend's Husky mover that won't start. Very informative video. Thanks.

[@kurayami3857]

I'm working on a LT2000 but I replaced the starter and spark plug and some more stuff and now nothing happens at all before I did all this stuff the engine would at least turn a little now nothing at all happens and idk what's wrong

[@donnacole7055]

Great job! This was by far the best video explaining in detail how to check your lawn tractor if not starting. Bravo!!!

[@billsaltz4220]

Much appreciated! My tractor's running again! Thanks for the help, thanks for an excellent video!!! God bless!!

[@GREVILSHOW]

Your amazing. You break it down so good for us dummies. Thank you so much

[@freedomhigh2160]

I’m having this same problem with my mower,, it has been sitting for two months now, I was thinking it was the starter motor. I will now perform these steps but have to buy a multi meter. I didn’t even search for this info, it just happened to be one of the videos that pulled up, Hmm 🤔 the universe, law of attraction, and my thoughts are working together just fine 🤗👍🏻 thank you sir !

[@rodleonard1429]

How could anyone thumbs down this video? Excellent info, thank you

[@user-cq6dg6ql9j]

Rod Leonard Some people are just assholes I guess. I fully agree that this video answered every question I had.

[@5ghostshadow]

When people can fix things themselves, the repairman or salesman loses money. In this case, the lawn mower repair shops or lawn mower sales stores are not happy. LOL.

[@scubaflimedic]

Excellent video! Clear instructions and well spoken!

[@jnevison4876]

Wow i cant believe it was just the blades being engaged lol thanks for the help

[@THEOGGUNSHOW]

The most complete video on this out there! Thanks

[@sctrj3001]

100% best troubleshooting video ever. Well done.

[@allentownsend3531]

This is excellent! I have a Simplicity Conquest. I found my problem at the switch. The rubber boot on the switch kept the key from fully engaging. Once fixed, it works like a charm. Thank you for your excellent video.

[@bjayscanlon]

An excellent video. Thanks sears parts direct. Now I'll need a new brake switch.

[@DrBruno50]

Outstanding. Every word was important and not a single useless word. This video should be used as the penultimate example on how to make an instructional video. I am forwarding all his videos to my kids and grandkids. After that I will feel better about looking at brown side of the grass. My kids will be in good hands and not at the mercy of some miscreant nincompoop.

[@Neznisgip]

Also, check to make sure that both of the wires that connect the fuse, hasn't wiggled loose. That is what was wrong with mine. It is a very easy fix, and could save you hours of headaches. You won't hear a click when you turn the key. I found the problem when I checked the fuse.

[@searspartsdirect]

Great suggestion! Thanks for letting us know what you found and posting it so others can check that fuse wiring too. We're glad to hear that you found the cause of the problem.

[@jamesgraves6839]

This is the best video out there. This guy knows his stuff.

[@searspartsdirect]

Thanks for the feedback. We're glad to hear that you liked the video.

[@robertcarney1019]

Terrific, informative yet concise video. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@ckimble7]

This was helpful for me. I never even though about checking the fuse. I checked the battery, solenoid,and switches before I ever checked the fuse. Smh. Thank you!

[@HoneyRowland]

Bought a "New to Me" Husquavarna lgt2654. Battery tested full charge but bad. Bought new battery. Died on me 3 times. Now won't start at all and I've no clue why. Thank you as I now know how to figure it all out!

[@Olichi60]

Well I managed to trace the fault in my lawn tractor and fix it. Thank you, I wouldn't have known where to start without your informative video. Thumbs up from me.

[@1sailingmax]

Great work Wayne! Very clear video helped me fix the problem. Thanks.

[@newrunner91]

Excellent video! It helped this mechanically un-inclined homeowner determine that the solenoid was bad. Twenty-five dollars and a few minutes for installation and my 18 year old Craftsman was back to mowing.

[@ScottFowler-m6e]

This was an excellent informative video. I have a simplicity tractor but the principles are all the same and was able to zero in on the problem

[@danyeo]

Thank you for this one. I need to troubleshoot my mower, it’s from 2006 but it’s been running great for years. I don’t want to drop 3k on a battery mower yet.

[@endsina1270]

Great video, but you forgot to mention the seat switch.

[@showandgo]

Good video. But before you do all of that make sure all connectors are securely connected. My lawn mower was not starting because there was no click sound, i checked and found out the spark plug connector was barely connected, and the ignition switch connection was lose, once i connected them it mower started and sounded much better.

[@ckac730]

Excellent video. I wish you could come diagnose my issue. But I'm gonna use what I learned here to do more review.

[@charlesvbassett]

Just "fixed" the mower with my insulated screwdriver thanks for the tip

[@91GT347]

Just an FYI. Works on a car as well.

[@michaelwalthers9158]

Thanks for video. Helped me troubleshoot and fix my riding mower problem. It was the fuse.

[@gregoryhoward7594]

Exactly the video I needed!!! Thanks!!! Very good information and illustration.

[@eqbviewllc7111]

good info . . . Ariens 42" is very similar to this craftsman so this was very helpful, thank you !!

[@vandalsavage6152]

Concise and instructive tutorial, helped me find and fix my problem. Thank you very much,,,,

[@hungry1011]

Outstanding. I wish that there was one for my Cub Cadet GTX 2000 with Kohler CH640 engine. I'm assuming that everything should be similar but the Solenoid is so very different.

[@ajtheaardvark4296]

The best and clearest instructions. Thanks.

[@joshschaaf9653]

That is an amazing step by step troubleshooting video! Thank you.

[@cherylspringtime]

OMG thank you!...I left the blades on when I turned it off...I ran out there after you said it and sure enough the mower started right up.

[@whatfreedom7]

On mine I had no click but the last time it did crank it was really dragging. I jumped the solenoid and charged the battery and still dragged. I can turn I it over by hand so it’s not locking the motor up. I believe the faulty weak starter caused the solenoid to burn up.

[@rudyhightower3320]

Fixed my issue in 24 secs of video 😂😂😂 it's been awhile

[@taylrwoodworth]

Mower died while mowing (ran out of gas)... battery was bad and kept having to charge it so I bought a new battery. Wouldn’t click or start up. PTO was engaged haha thanks for the reminder

[@N68172]

My blade disengagement was the problem 😆. I didn’t consider it at first because the lever was in the disengaged position. I worked it back and forth a couple of times between engaged and disengaged and tried starting. What do you know? It fired right up. I had already checked battery and fuse per other videos. THANKS!

[@thesarge-]

Just because a battery has enough Volts doesn’t mean it is still good. Mine had enough volts and after 3 hours of testing other components according to this video, my mower still wouldn’t start. I replaced the battery and now it starts great. That being said, this is a great video. Just know measuring battery “volts” is not enough to say the battery is “good”.

[@fonzyhaskell]

Thanks for this very informative video. When I turn the ignition switch the solenoid clicks and I have battery voltage at the starter, but it still won’t turn over. Any suggestions?

[@ubr4l]

Perfect video. Thanks verry much for the guide.

[@thomasowens6031]

Very informative, and really understandable.

[@johnbigelow5937]

Everything checked out fine after going through this video multiple times. I finally found my issue was that the blade lever wasn't fully pushing down on the blade switch.

[@wallaceford604]

Great Video. Very thorough and concise

[@searspartsdirect]

Thanks for the positive feedback. We're glad to hear that you liked the video.

[@shoeshineboy5869]

Thank you Sears. That was awesome!

[@jackiejoyner5362]

u

[@ronkrill1]

great video,on my bush hog,it was the black wire that connects to each coil,you could not have them hooked together anymore,had to be seperate kill wires or they would not fire if both hooked up and to make my starter turn the motor,i had to splice into the thick white start wire going into the middle relay and run that to the starter side of the solinoid,note,all of this cause my key switch fell apart and i was poking around with the plug trying to get it going and i fried some wires no doubt in the harness

[@searspartsdirect]

Thanks for sharing what you found. We're glad to hear that you got your mower fixed.

[@ronkrill1]

yes,so one of those 3 safety switches were obviously bad

[@randyleasure8763]

Very good video and help me a lot, but isn't there a seat switch under the seat that could stop the mower from running. I have mine out now and waiting on the replacement. Could that be the problem?

[@trentmozingo7176]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@diazmike427]

The best video on this topic....

[@johneremich1318]

I have a pro series 7800 and just recently it won't start, crank or click. I do get kind of a moaning sound from under seat when I turn the key though

[@bryanmatheis2194]

You helped me troubleshoot my problem! Thanks a lot,,

[@Fldavestone]

Excellent, my problem was the fuse.

[@Tacticaldino813]

Best video ever , fixed my mower

[@andremartineau3752]

Outstanding tutorial!!!!

[@pattersoncat]

Cheers pal. Brilliant video. Very helpful indeed

[@HummBabyBaseball]

Best video on KZbin. Besides the dancing crabs.

[@stevelacina327]

Very, very good video & instructions

[@SonLe-ry3ni]

Hi, if i cut off the wire of headlight of the craftman lawn mower because it damaged. Does it prevent the lawn mower start up because i turn the key and not thing happen.

[@teresasmith2271]

Thank you! Very informative.

[@eddiemedellin3994]

I have a YT 3000 Craftsman riding lawn mower I put a new battery new solenoid and it's still click should I put a new starter

[@jonbaker502]

Hilarious! I got to the 'before you start' comment and thought to myself, 'you idiot, sit on the mower and then it will start!!'. And it did. Sorry didn't watch the rest!!

[@boatmanswife]

Thanks for this, very helpful

[@illmatic33]

Does the same concept applies to Push Mower? I have one with used key and it won't even click. The battery measures 8V when tested,

[@searspartsdirect]

If the push mower uses a 12-volt battery and your meter only measures 8 volts, then you’ll likely need to replace that battery. The starting system for most push mowers differ from the starting systems in lawn tractors. If you need more help, let us know the model number of your mower and we’ll try to assist you further.

[@nathanburt6053]

I jump start it with the screw driver trick but once running all switchs kill the motor if not following proper running procedures. Then the key kills the motor when turned off. But won't start with the key nor will the hour meter show anything. What do you think the problem is

[@rollin19]

Hot damn...Im riding wheelies now...good ol' boy!!! Yee haw!!

[@simonsmith2391]

Yall just got me a free tractor thanks

[@DorothysHobbyFarm]

Great job and thank you for this video!!!!

[@calvinbinu6886]

My Troy bilt won’t crank or start not even, the light turn on once in a while and I replaced the battery with a brand new one

[@zheloz1]

No doubt the best video Perfect great job

[@TheCissero]

Thanks awesome! Thanks! educational entertaining videos ROCK!!🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@harryanderson5594]

Great site/video: thanks!👍

[@paulblackburn931]

that. I turn the key on no juice is getting to or from the coil to turn the starter.

[@ajconnor1983]

Thanks, great explanation

[@mybmerz4]

Hello, I have a R1000 model, I just replaced wire harness, all switches, key cilinder and the relay. When I try to start it doesn't do anything. Can be the starter?

[@dennismorris3577]

Excellent Job....Very Well Done.... ;0)

[@jroalan]

I've done on this on my Cub Cadet i1050. My battery measure 12.75VDC, all my switches appear to be working, the solenoid is getting 12VDC through the interlock/safety switch circuit. I've bench tested the starter and it spins without complaint but won't when installed. I'm running out of things to try. All my grounds look to solid. There is a small relay in line with the blade solenoid that I have yet to check but it doesn't appear to be the issue. It all started when I shut the mower down to answer a call. Went to start it and nothing except a small click and no cranking then loss of power. It would then struggle to power back on. When it does finally come back to life, and I try to start it, it does the same thing, flickers and goes dead. Do you think I'm grounding somewhere I shouldn't be?

[@paulblackburn931]

The video did help me but it got a lot of things that you didn't cover to help. Like showing clearly the place the meter needs to be to perform all tests.

[@boenrs]

Great video sir. My wife said you look like you could have been born by Sears😂. Thank you so much

[@davidcraven2870]

Very well done thank you so much

[@janicehodgesrealtor4633]

This guy rocks!

[@jonathanlitz2018]

Clean corrosion with baking soda and water i did one time on my 1999 chevrolet caprice classic

[@tavliburd9643]

How about the starter motor?

[@45-_-45]

So what my tractor does it clicks but when I jump it it’s start prefect then if I turn off the mower and try to start it again it just clicks I have to put cables on

[@charlieray1955]

craftsman starter solenoid hook up ground - motor turns over key on or off

[@mjdthemaker7574]

Great video.