Trystan Casey
Electric lawn mowers are generally reliable and require less maintenance than their gas-powered counterparts. However, they can still encounter problems, and when they do, many repair shops may not have the expertise to fix them. Common issues include clogged air vents, loose connections, and broken power cords. To fix a clogged air vent, simply remove the casing and clean the vents, or use an air compressor or leaf blower to blow the debris out. Loose connections can often be secured with electrical tape, while a broken power cord can be replaced by cutting out the damaged section and installing a new male or female plug. If you're unsure how to proceed, it's best to consult a professional or your local dealer.
How to fix an electric lawn mower
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Problem | Turns itself off |
| Possible cause | Loose cable or faulty contact on the on/off button |
| Solution | Check the push bar for contact with the switch, secure with electrical tape if necessary |
| Problem | Corded electric mower won't start |
| Possible cause | Cord not plugged in properly or outlet doesn't carry enough power |
| Solution | Check the cord is plugged in properly, check circuit breaker and outlet |
| Problem | Connections have come loose |
| Possible cause | Vibrations from running the mower |
| Solution | Unplug the mower, check all connections, secure with electrical tape |
| Problem | Cord is frayed or broken |
| Solution | Use wire cutters to remove the damaged section, strip about an inch off the end to reveal the wires, get a male plug end and wrap the wires around the appropriate contacts, repeat with a female plug or plug into an extension cord |
| Problem | Grass built up on the underside of the deck |
| Solution | Remove grass build-up |
| Problem | Grass and debris clogging air vents |
| Solution | Remove casing and clean, or use an air compressor or leaf blower to blow debris out |
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What You'll Learn
Check the power cord and outlet
If your electric lawn mower is not working, there could be an issue with its power cord or the outlet. Before attempting any repairs, ensure that the lawn mower is switched off and unplugged. It is important to remember that the blades of the mower will continue to turn for some time even after it has been switched off. Hence, always be cautious of the blades and give them enough time to stop turning before you begin inspecting the mower.
If your mower has a power cord, check that the cord is plugged in correctly at both ends. Also, ensure that the outlet has enough power for the mower. Check the circuit breaker to confirm that the power is on. If the mower still doesn't start, the issue could be with a connection within the mower.
Wearing insulated work gloves, unplug the extension cord and inspect all the electrical connections that you can access. Ensure that all connections are secure and there are no broken or frayed wires. For connections that easily plug together, try removing and reinserting them multiple times. This can help dislodge small amounts of corrosion and dirt that may be causing a faulty connection. If noticeable corrosion is present, it will need to be removed, or the part may need to be replaced.
If your mower's power cord is frayed or broken, you don't need to replace the entire cord. You can use wire cutters to remove the damaged section. Expose about an inch of wire at the end to access the black, white, and green wires. Take a male plug end and wrap these wires around the corresponding contacts, following the wiring pattern. Repeat this process with a female plug at the other cut end, or simply connect the remaining cord to an extension cord.
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Remove debris from air vents
Keeping the air vents of your electric lawn mower clean is essential for its optimal performance and longevity. Here are some detailed steps to help you effectively remove debris from the air vents:
Firstly, it is important to ensure the mower is turned off and unplugged or, in the case of a battery-operated model, that the battery is removed. This safety precaution is crucial to prevent accidental startups during the cleaning process.
Once the mower is safely powered down, use a brush or a leaf blower to remove any loose debris from the top of the mower, including the area around the air vents. Be cautious not to use a hose or any water-based cleaning methods during this step, as many electrical components, such as the air filter, oil filter, and spark plug housing, are not watertight and can be damaged if exposed to water.
After removing the larger debris, you can use a rag or a small brush to wipe away any remaining dust or dirt from the air vents and surrounding areas. Ensure you gently clean all crevices and small openings in the vents to prevent a build-up of dust and debris.
Compressed air or an air blower can be particularly useful for this task, as they can effectively blow away dust and grass cuttings from the vents and other vital components. Remember to wear protective eyewear when using compressed air or an air blower, as debris may fly around.
By regularly cleaning the air vents of your electric lawn mower, you will help prevent overheating and ensure proper airflow, ultimately extending the life of your mower.
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Check for loose connections
If your electric lawn mower is acting up, one of the first things you should do is check for loose connections. This is a common issue with electric mowers, and it can cause the mower to cut out or stop working altogether.
Start by making sure the mower is turned off and unplugged. If your mower has a cord attached, check it for any cuts, tears, or fraying. Check both ends of the cord to ensure they are plugged in properly, and make sure the outlet has enough power for your mower. Also, check the circuit breaker to be sure the power is on. If your mower is cordless, you can skip this step.
Next, remove the top cover of the mower. First, locate and remove any screws or fasteners holding the top cover in place. Then, gently lift off the cover, being careful not to damage any wires or components. Once the cover is removed, you can inspect the internal connections. Look for any loose or damaged wires, and check that all connections are secure. If you find any loose connections, tighten them or replace damaged cables. You can use electrical tape to secure them better.
If your mower won't start, but the cord appears fine, try turning the blade by hand with the mower unplugged to see if it moves freely. If the blade doesn't move freely, there may be an issue with the motor or another internal component.
By checking for loose connections and securing them, you can often resolve common issues with electric lawn mowers.
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Test the power switch
If your electric lawn mower won't start, it could be due to a faulty power switch. Before testing the power switch, make sure that the lawn mower is unplugged and switched off. It is important to give the blades enough time to stop turning completely before you begin any repairs.
To test the power switch, you will need an ohmmeter. Disconnect your lawn mower from the electricity supply and use the ohmmeter to test for power. If the ohmmeter shows no power or intermittent power, the switch is faulty and needs to be replaced. Consult your user manual for instructions on how to perform this check and remember to take the necessary precautions as electric lawn mowers can be dangerous.
If you are unsure about any part of the process, it is best to seek professional help or advice. You can call your local dealer or a reputable repair shop to assist you with the repair. It is always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with electrical appliances.
In some cases, the power switch may not be the issue. For example, if your mower has a cord, check that it is plugged in properly at both ends and that the outlet has enough power. Additionally, ensure that the circuit breaker is on and there are no blown fuses. If the mower stops working mid-cut, it could be due to a build-up of grass on the underside of the deck, which is a common issue.
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Check for broken or frayed wires
If your electric lawn mower is not working, there could be a number of issues at play. Firstly, it is important to ensure your safety by switching off the mower and unplugging it if it is electrically powered. Remember that the blades will continue to turn even after the mower is switched off, so always wait long enough for the blades to stop turning before attempting any repairs.
One of the most common problems with electric mowers is that cut grass and other debris can get caught in the air vents, causing the mower to overheat. If this happens, try to remove the casing with the air vents to clean it. If the casing cannot be removed, use an air compressor or a leaf blower to blow the debris out.
If your mower is powered by a power cord, check that the cord is plugged in properly at both ends and that the outlet has enough power for the mower. Also, check the circuit breaker to ensure that the power is on. If the mower still won't start, the issue may lie within the mower itself. At this point, it is important to check for broken or frayed wires.
Wearing insulated work gloves for protection, begin by unplugging the extension cord and examining all accessible electrical connections. Ensure that all connections are secure and intact, with no signs of broken or frayed wires. If noticeable corrosion is present, it will need to be removed, or the part may need to be replaced. For connections that easily plug together, try removing and reinserting them multiple times to dislodge any small amounts of dirt or corrosion that could be causing a faulty connection.
If your mower's power cord is frayed or broken, you can repair it without replacing the entire cord. First, use wire cutters to remove the damaged portion of the cord. Then, strip about an inch off the end to access the black, white, and green wires within. Take a male plug end and wrap the wires around the corresponding contacts, following the wiring pattern. The green wire is always the ground wire. Repeat this process with a female plug on the other cut end, or simply connect the remaining cord to an extension cord.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few reasons why your electric lawn mower won't start. It could be due to bad gas, a clogged carburetor or filter, or a faulty spark plug. Check the spark plug for any loosening, disconnection, or coating of water or carbon residue. If there is buildup, spray brake cleaner onto the plug, let it soak, wipe it, and tighten it with a socket wrench. If the problem persists, consider replacing the spark plug.
If your lawn mower is not cutting grass properly, the blade may be dull or damaged, or it could be installed upside down. Inspect the blade to ensure it is installed correctly, with the sharpened cutting edge facing the right way. Most blades will have a stamp or wording to indicate which side should face up or down. If the blade is dull, it will need to be sharpened or replaced.
If your electric lawn mower is overheating, it could be due to cut grass and other debris getting caught in the air vents, causing a blockage in air circulation to the engine. Try removing the casing with the air vents to clean it. If it can't be removed, use an air compressor or a leaf blower to blow the debris out.
