Otis Singleton
If your lawn mower is acting up and dying randomly, it can be frustrating. There are several reasons why this could be happening, and most of them are simple to diagnose and fix. A common issue with lawn mowers is a faulty battery, which could be due to a dead cell in the battery or a malfunctioning charger. Another common issue is a dirty carburetor, which can be cleaned with a carburetor cleaner. If your spark plug is dirty or worn out, it may need to be cleaned or replaced. Old fuel can also cause issues, as it can evaporate and leave a gummy residue that clogs the fuel system. If your mower has power cables, they may be faulty due to internal damage or being accidentally cut.
Why does my mower randomly die (electrical)?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Faulty battery | One or more cells in the battery may be dead. |
| Malfunctioning charger | The charger may be unable to provide a full charge. |
| Faulty power switch | The power switch may be faulty. |
| Loose cable connection | The cable connection may be loose. |
| Overheating motor | The motor may be overheating and causing the thermal cut out to trip. |
| Clogged blades | The blades may be clogged or dull, causing the underside to clog. |
| Dirty carburetor | The carburetor may be dirty or clogged, causing an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture. |
| Worn-out spark plug | The spark plug may be dirty, worn out, or covered in carbon deposits, causing weak or intermittent sparking. |
| Old gasoline | The gasoline may be old and degraded, forming clogs in the fuel system. |
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What You'll Learn
Faulty battery or charger
If your lawnmower is randomly dying, it could be due to a faulty battery or charger. Here are some steps to identify and resolve the issue:
Faulty Battery
Firstly, check if your battery is faulty. This is the most obvious cause, and it could be that one or more cells in the battery are dead. If your battery is used on a walk-behind mower, try charging it using a dedicated battery charger. If the battery still won't hold a charge, it's likely faulty and should be replaced.
Malfunctioning Charger
If your battery is unable to hold a charge, the next step is to check the charger. The charger you're using to recharge the battery could be malfunctioning and unable to provide a full charge. Use a multimeter to test the charger's voltage output. Also, use the multimeter to test the electrical outlet the charger is plugged into to ensure it's providing sufficient voltage.
Defective Alternator
Riding mowers use an alternator to provide voltage to the mower while it's running and recharge the battery. A defective alternator may not be able to recharge the battery adequately. To determine if the alternator is defective, use a multimeter to test its voltage output according to the component's wiring diagram.
Defective Voltage Regulator
The voltage regulator controls the amount of voltage sent from the alternator to the riding mower's battery. A defective regulator can prevent the battery from receiving enough voltage, causing rapid drainage. You can use a multimeter to test the regulator by referring to its wiring diagram. If it's faulty, replace it with a new one.
Battery Maintenance
To prolong the lifespan of your battery, it's essential to perform regular maintenance. Place the battery on a trickle charge when you're not using the mower for extended periods, such as during winter. Additionally, lawn mower batteries usually have a flooded design that requires adding water for maintenance. Check the reservoir and ensure it's filled to the maximum level.
By following these steps, you can identify and resolve issues related to a faulty battery or charger, ensuring your mower stays powered and operational.
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Clogged carburetor
A clogged carburetor is a common issue with lawn mowers and can be the reason why your mower randomly dies. The carburetor plays a critical role in mixing air and fuel in the proper ratio to power your lawn mower's engine. If your carburetor is clogged, it cannot balance the air and fuel properly, which causes your engine not to start and not cut grass.
You can troubleshoot this issue by cleaning the carburetor. You will need a pair of safety gloves for this solution since you'll have to dig inside the mower to unscrew the carburetor. Most carburetors are underneath the air filter, which may require the help of a screwdriver to remove. Take out the air filter (inspecting it for cleaning or clogs). Then, spray a carburetor cleaner into the hole before taking an air-compressed can to blow into the jets after letting the cleaner sit for at least five minutes. You can identify a clogged carburetor by the presence of gunk and grime.
There are several carburetor cleaners available at most auto parts stores. For example, the WD-40 Specialist Fast Acting Carb/Throttle Body Parts Cleaner uses a solvent formula to break down carbon contaminants, leaving your carburetor clean and gum-free. If you need a more precise application, Gumout makes a cleaner with a jet spray applicator.
After cleaning, reattach the carburetor and reconnect any parts you had to remove (such as the air filter and covers). Reconnect the spark plug wire and try starting the mower to see if it runs smoothly.
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Faulty spark plug
A spark plug is a critical component of a lawnmower's engine. It is responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine, which powers the engine and keeps it running. Over time, spark plugs can wear out, get dirty, or become covered with carbon deposits, leading to weak or intermittent sparking. This could be the reason why your lawnmower randomly dies.
A spark plug that is functioning optimally creates a strong, consistent spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture instantly. However, when the spark plug deteriorates, you may find yourself pulling the starter cord multiple times or cranking the electric starter longer than normal. The mower may struggle to start and run poorly, with reduced engine power and inconsistent combustion timing.
To check if your lawn mower's issues are due to a faulty spark plug, you can use a small engine ignition tester. Here's how you can do it:
- Remove the ignition coil wire and boot from the spark plug.
- Attach the ignition tester clip to the spark plug.
- Insert the opposite end of the tester into the boot.
- Attempt to start the engine, but be sure to stand clear of the tester and any other electrical components to avoid shock.
- If a spark is visible in the tester window, and the engine starts, the spark plug is functioning correctly.
- If there is no spark, unclip the tester from the spark plug and attach it to a good grounding location, such as a bolt on the engine valve cover.
- Attempt to start the engine again. If there is still no spark, the spark plug is likely defective and needs to be replaced.
If your spark plug is indeed faulty, replacing it is a straightforward and inexpensive fix. You can find the right spark plug for your lawn mower engine by searching for it online or consulting a specialist. It is generally recommended to replace spark plugs annually or every one to two years.
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Clogged blades
If your lawn mower starts then randomly dies, clogged mower blades could be the reason. This is a common issue for mowers that do not stay powered for long.
Clippings and other debris can clog the blades, meaning the engine needs to work harder to turn them. This can cause the mower to stall and then die. If your mower has been used to cut wet grass or extremely tall clippings, this could be the cause of the blockage.
To inspect the blades, turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire for safety. For ride-on models, raise the mower deck to access the underside of the mower. For push mowers, tip them on their side. Check the blades and undercarriage for debris. Be careful when removing any clippings, twigs, and other build-up. A clogged underside is usually a sign of dull mower blades that aren't cutting efficiently.
If your blades are dull, it is best to sharpen or replace them to prevent future clogs. You can use a sharpening stone or metal file to sharpen the edges. Alternatively, you can use a blade sharpening kit or take them to a professional.
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Faulty power switch or cable connection
If your electric lawn mower is cutting out sporadically, the most likely reason could be a faulty power switch or a loose cable connection. Before beginning any repair work, ensure that the appliance is disconnected from the mains.
If you have checked and confirmed that the cables and connections are intact, the motor is the most likely offender, especially if the mower cuts out after being used for a while.
The motor is the powerhouse of the mower and is responsible for rotating the blades. An overheating motor can cause the thermal cut-out to trip. If the mower continues to cut out after a few minutes of use, and the appliance is not being forced through long grass, the motor may be faulty and need replacing.
To avoid overloading the motor, ensure that the air vents near the motor housing are clear from grass clippings to allow cool air to flow into the motor.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why your mower may be dying randomly. Here are some of the most common causes:
- A dirty carburetor: The carburetor is the engine mechanism that brings in air and mixes it with fuel to create combustion. If it is dirty, it won't mix the air properly, meaning your mower's engine won't have power.
- Clogged blades: Not every problem is internal, and this is a common issue for mowers not staying powered for long.
- A faulty spark plug: The spark plug is responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine. Over time, spark plugs can wear out, get dirty, or become covered with carbon deposits, which can result in weak or intermittent sparking.
- Old gasoline: Gasoline that's been sitting in the mower's tank for too long can degrade, forming harmful deposits that can clog the fuel system and prevent proper combustion.
You will need a pair of safety gloves for this solution, as you'll have to dig inside the mower. Most carburetors are underneath the air filter, which may require the help of a screwdriver to remove. Take out the air filter and inspect it for clogs or dirt. Spray a carburetor cleaner into the hole and let it sit for at least five minutes before using an air-compressed can to blow into the jets.
Switch off your lawn mower and, if it's electric, disconnect the power. For ride-on models, raise the mower deck; for push mowers, tip them on their side. Check the blades and undercarriage for debris and, if necessary, sharpen or change the mower blades.
Locate and remove the spark plug using a spark plug wrench. If the spark plug looks worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced. If it is dirty, clean it using a wire brush or sandpaper. Make sure the electrode is free of carbon build-up.
