Otis Singleton
Electric lawn mowers are a convenient way to keep your lawn in shape, but they can be frustrating when they won't start. There are many reasons why your electric lawn mower won't start, from a discharged battery to a faulty electrical connection or even a clogged carburetor. Before attempting any repairs, it is important to read the engine and equipment manual(s) to avoid personal injury or property damage. If you are unsure about any procedure, it is best to consult a professional for assistance. This guide will help you diagnose and fix common issues with your electric lawn mower's starter, so you can get back to maintaining your lawn.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Engine won't rotate | Disconnect spark plug leads, remove spark plugs, turn the crankshaft over slowly by hand |
| Dirt or debris in the starter gear shaft | Apply lithium-based grease to the shaft |
| Faulty electrical connection | Check the battery and charging system for problems |
| Wrong oil viscosity | Use the Small Engine Oil Recommendation FAQ to choose the right lubricant |
| Dirty or worn starter motor commutator | Use Repair Parts Look-up to find appropriate replacements |
| Faulty parts | Safety interlocks, starter motor switch, solenoid |
| Clogged carburetor or filter | Clean or replace |
| Faulty battery | Replace the battery |
| Clogged mower deck | Flip the mower and scrape out the grass clippings |
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What You'll Learn
Check for dirt or debris in the starter gear shaft
If your lawn mower's electric starter is malfunctioning, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue. Firstly, ensure the engine can rotate properly by disconnecting the spark plug leads, removing the spark plugs, and slowly turning the crankshaft by hand. It's important to disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the spark plug during this process to prevent unintentional sparking, which could lead to electric shock or fire.
Now, let's focus on the aspect of checking for dirt or debris in the starter gear shaft:
When diagnosing issues with your lawn mower's starter, it's crucial to inspect the starter gear shaft for any dirt or debris buildup. This step is essential because dirt and debris can impede the proper functioning of the starter mechanism. To do this, carefully examine the starter gear shaft for any signs of grime, grass clippings, or other foreign substances. Use a flashlight if needed to get a clear view of the area. If you notice any dirt or debris, it's important to clean it out. You can use a soft brush or compressed air to gently remove the buildup without damaging the components. Ensure you wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, during this process.
Once the starter gear shaft is clean, apply a lithium-based grease to the shaft. This will help keep the mechanism well-lubricated and reduce friction, which can improve performance and prolong the life of the starter. Additionally, refer to your lawn mower's manual for specific recommendations or procedures for cleaning and maintaining the starter gear shaft. Different models may have varying requirements, so consulting the manual will ensure you're using the correct products and methods for your particular mower.
If, after cleaning and lubricating the starter gear shaft, the issue persists, there may be other underlying causes. In such cases, it's advisable to consult a repair manual or seek assistance from a qualified service technician. They can help you diagnose and address more complex issues with your lawn mower's electric starter.
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Test the starter switch and solenoid
To test the starter switch and solenoid, you will need a voltmeter or a multimeter.
First, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent the engine from starting. Then, turn the ignition key to the "on" position. Using your voltmeter, touch the red probe to the positive or red battery terminal and the black probe to the negative or black battery terminal. A fully charged battery will measure more than 12 volts. If your battery is not fully charged, charge or replace it.
Next, reconnect the black starter cable to the solenoid post and clip the red meter probe to the black post. Hold the ignition key in the start position and check the voltage reading after the click. If you measure a drop of more than 1 volt through the starter cable, replace it. If the starter cable is okay, you know that the starter motor is getting power, and the issue is likely a seized engine or a failed starter motor.
You can also test the solenoid by carefully laying an insulated steel screwdriver over the two posts. If the motor jumps, you know the issue is with the key switch, safety system, or solenoid. Additionally, you can test for a broken wire on the safety switch circuit, as this is a common issue.
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Check the battery and charging system
If your lawn mower's electric starter is malfunctioning, one of the first things you should check is the battery. If your mower uses a key to start, it includes an electrical charging system with a battery and alternator.
First, verify that the connections are clean and tight, then connect the battery to the charger. If it isn't fully charged within 8 hours, your battery is dead and needs to be replaced. If it does charge fully, the battery should not drain when not in use. If it does drain, you can use a multimeter to test if your battery is faulty. If the battery holds its charge, the problem may be with the alternator.
Alternators keep the battery charged by circulating power back through the system while the engine is running. To check if your alternator is working, turn on your mower's headlights, then turn off the engine. If the lights dim, the alternator is functioning. If not, it may be faulty.
If you're testing any parts with a multimeter, you should get a reading of 12 volts or more. A reading of 12.5 volts is about 90% charged and should start the mower with no problem. However, this could also indicate a battery with reduced capacity, as lead plates can become sulfated, leading to battery failure.
Other issues that can cause problems with the battery and charging system include faulty electrical connections, corroded terminals, and dirty or worn parts.
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Check for grass clippings clogging the mower deck
Grass clippings clogging the mower deck can leave clumps of grass on the lawn, slow down cutting due to reduced airflow, and accelerate the rate of deck corrosion. To check for grass clippings clogging the mower deck, first, remove the spark plug and scrape off any caked-on grass from underneath the mower deck using a pry bar. Next, blow off any remaining grass with an air compressor. Going over your mower deck with an air compressor ensures a thorough, grass-free clean.
To prevent grass buildup, spray the deck with non-stick cooking spray, silicone lubricant, or a rust protectant. Mowing regularly when the grass is dry can also reduce buildup. If your mower is compatible, switch to high-lift blades.
If your mower has a washout port, follow the instructions in the manual to run water through the port. You can also add a port to a mower that doesn't have one by installing a deck washout port kit. Many people use a spray lubricant such as MO-DECK to keep grass from sticking. These products can also help prevent rust and make cleaning the deck easier. Before applying, remove any accumulated clippings from the deck.
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Check the engine can rotate properly
If your lawn mower's electric starter is malfunctioning, you should first check if the engine can rotate properly. This can be done by following these steps:
Firstly, disconnect the spark plug leads and remove the spark plugs. This is important for safety, as unintentional sparking can result in an electric shock or fire. Keep the spark plug wire away from the spark plug and use an approved spark checker.
Next, turn the crankshaft over slowly by hand. This will allow you to check if the engine can rotate properly. If the engine rotates smoothly by hand, it indicates that the engine itself is not seized and is capable of rotating.
Additionally, inspect the starter gear shaft for any dirt or debris. If there is any buildup, clean it and apply some lithium-based grease to the shaft. This will ensure smooth operation and reduce friction.
By performing these steps, you can determine if the engine is capable of rotating properly. If the engine rotates smoothly, you can move on to checking other potential issues with the electric starter. If the engine still fails to rotate properly, further investigation or professional assistance may be required.
It is important to approach this process with caution and to refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your lawn mower.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons why your lawn mower won't start. It could be due to bad gas, a clogged carburetor or filter, or a discharged battery. Check the battery for cracks and corrosion or test it with a multimeter.
Check if the piece under the gear is spinning. If it is, the plastic piece inside the spring that the gear spins up to may be stripped. You can buy a bendix repair kit to fix this.
You can use a digital multimeter to test if the starter switch and solenoid are working properly.
