Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn the Key! What’re Solutions?
A broken mower is the worst. If the safety sensors are open, lawnmowers won’t start. So why doesn’t the riding mower work when you turn the key or click?
If your riding lawn mower doesn’t start when you turn the key, there may be several reasons. Loose battery connections, fuses, the ignition switch, or something more serious could cause it.
If your Riding mower does nothing when I turn the key, you can troubleshoot it before calling a dealer.
Why The Riding Mower Doesn’t Work When I Turn the Key?
When you turn the key, the first thing that should happen is that the riding mower should start, but it won’t. The main problem lies with the battery.
If turning the key in your riding mower does not cause it to start, there are a few more probable problems that could be at play, such as the fuel system – the ignition system, the spark plugs, and others.
There is a possibility that one of the switches, such as the blade switch, safety switch, or ignition switch, is broken.
You need to test each of these components individually in order to determine which one is the cause of the problem.
The Power Source for a Riding Lawn Mower
Most riding lawnmowers have an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline. The gasoline is the power source for the mower, and it is stored in the fuel tank located in the engine compartment.
The fuel is drawn from the fuel tank and is then sent to the carburetor. From the carburetor, the fuel is mixed with air and then sent to the engine’s cylinders, where it is ignited and used to power the mower.
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7 Reasons Riding Mower Does Nothing When I Turn The Key (Easy Fixes Included)
The most common reason for a no start, not even a click sound, after turn the key is given below:
1. Dead Battery
If your riding mower doesn’t work when you turn the key, it could be due to a dead battery.
The Fix
You will need to check the battery, clean the terminals and check the voltage. If the battery is not holding a charge or is completely dead, then you will need to replace it.
It may also be a good idea to check the wiring and fuses to make sure they are in good condition.
2. Bad Battery Connection
The problem is that when I turn the key, the riding mower doesn’t go anywhere, and the manual says it’s because of a bad battery connection. Additionally, a worn battery terminal could be to blame.
The Fix
You should start by double-checking the battery’s connection. Remove any corrosion from the terminals and wipe them down. If so, check that the wires are firmly attached to the terminals.
Tighten the bolts if the connection is still sloppy. If you feel the battery terminals are worn and the connection is still loose, you should replace them.
3. Solenoid Coil Issue
When I turn the key, the riding mower does nothing, another most likely cause is a bad connection or a faulty solenoid coil.
The Fix
To check the connection, first, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight.
If they are, then use a multimeter to check the voltage at the solenoid terminals. If the voltage is low or non-existent, replace the solenoid.
If the voltage is good, then inspect the connections and wiring for any visible damage or corrosion. If any is found, repair or replace the wiring and connections.
If the connections and wiring appear to be okay, then the solenoid coil may be faulty and needs to be replaced.
4. Brake Pedal is not Pressed
If the brake pedal is not pressed before you turn the key, then the mower will not start.
The Fix
Make sure that the brake pedal is pressed down all the way before trying to start the mower again.
5. Main Fuse Blown
If the main fuse is blown, it may be due to an electrical short somewhere in the mower.
The Fix
Check all the wiring and connections to make sure they are all secure. If the problem persists, take the mower to a qualified repair technician for further diagnosis.
6. Faulty Ignition Switch
If the riding mower does not start when the key is turned, the ignition switch may be faulty.
The Fix
The ignition switch is a small electrical device that connects the battery to the starter, allowing the mower to start.
To check the ignition switch, locate the wires that lead from the battery to the starter and check for any corrosion or damage.
If the ignition switch is corroded or damaged, it may need to be replaced.
7. Faulty Control Module Blade Switch/lever on
If the riding mower doesn’t work when you turn the key, then one thing you should check is the control module or blade switch/lever. If these components are faulty the mower won’t start.
The Fix
The faulty control module blade switch/lever need to be replaced. It is also possible that the wiring from the switch/lever to the control module is damaged or disconnected.
In this case, the wiring needs to be checked and repaired.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What signs suggest a bad lawnmower solenoid?
Turn the ignition key to “On.” Connect the thick red wires to the solenoid’s huge terminal posts. Touch both large terminals with a screwdriver’s metal shaft. If the engine starts, replace the solenoid.
How to start a non-starting riding mower?
Sometimes you forget to stand while starting the gadget or apply the parking brake. After checking everything and the cables, continue troubleshooting the mower. Battery and fuse testing saves time.
How to resolve a riding lawn mower that won’t start?
First, activate the parking brake and remove the blades. The riding mower won’t start otherwise.
Confirm the blade is still removed. It won’t work otherwise. Your lawnmower needs gloves, goggles, a multi-meter, a screwdriver, a wire brush.
Related Posts:
- Riding lawn mower stops running during mowing – Reasons and fixes
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- Common symptoms of a bad starter in riding mowers
- Fixing a riding mower that cranks but won’t start: 6 proven methods
- Fixing riding mower blades that won’t engage: Step-by-step solutions
