Bad Boy Mower Error Codes(All Errors + Solutions)

Understanding what these error codes mean is crucial for maintaining your mower’s performance, preventing serious breakdowns, and avoiding costly repairs.

In this post, we’ll explore common Bad Boy mower error codes, what each means, and how to troubleshoot them. Use the table below as your go-to reference guide.

Bad Boy Mower Error Codes

Error Code	Description	Cause	Troubleshooting
A01	Low Battery Voltage	Weak battery or poor connection	Charge or replace battery; check terminals
A02	High Battery Voltage	Overcharging or faulty regulator	Inspect voltage regulator, replace if faulty
A03	Alternator Not Charging	Broken alternator belt or faulty alternator	Replace belt or alternator
B01	Brake Switch Error	Brake not engaged or bad switch	Confirm brake is fully engaged; replace switch
B02	Blade Sensor Error	Faulty blade engagement sensor	Test and replace blade sensor
C01	Communication Error	ECU not receiving signals	Check CAN wiring, ground connections
C02	Controller Not Responding	Dead ECU or software fault	Replace or reprogram controller
D01	Drive Motor Overload	Overload due to terrain or blockage	Remove blockage; allow cooldown
D02	Drive Motor Overheat	Heat buildup due to stress	Allow to cool down, check motor fan
D03	Drive Encoder Fault	Sensor feedback error	Inspect or replace encoder
E01	Engine Sensor Fault	Faulty temp or oil pressure sensor	Replace engine sensor
E02	Engine Not Starting	Starter, fuel or ignition issue	Check fuel lines, solenoid, spark plug
E03	Engine Overheat	Clogged cooling fins or radiator	Clean fins; refill coolant if liquid-cooled
F01	Fan Motor Error	Fan not spinning or seized	Test motor and replace if needed
F02	Fuel Pump Error	Pump not working or low pressure	Check fuel delivery system
F03	Fuel Level Sensor Fault	Incorrect fuel reading	Inspect and recalibrate or replace sensor
G01	Ground Fault	Short to ground detected	Inspect wiring harness for damage
G02	Gearbox Error (if equipped)	Malfunctioning transmission gear sensor	Replace gearbox sensor
H01	Hydraulic Pressure Low	Leak or low fluid	Top up fluid; check for leak points
H02	Hydraulic Filter Clogged	Restricted fluid flow	Replace hydraulic filter
I01	Ignition Coil Fault	Weak spark or no spark	Test coil with multimeter; replace if bad
I02	Idle RPM Error	Engine idle speed not stable	Recalibrate throttle, inspect idle solenoid
J01	Joystick Error	Calibration off or failed component	Recenter joystick, replace if needed
J02	Jumper Installed Incorrectly	Diagnostic jumper misconfigured	Adjust jumper as per service manual
K01	Key Switch Error	Intermittent start or no crank	Inspect or replace ignition switch
K02	Kill Switch Engaged	Emergency kill circuit active	Reset kill switch; check wiring
L01	Low Oil Pressure	Insufficient oil or bad sensor	Top off or replace oil; check sensor
L02	Low Oil Level	Oil too low for operation	Add correct type of oil
M01	Motor Controller Fault	Communication or thermal failure	Allow to cool; replace controller if needed
M02	Memory Error in ECU	EEPROM failure	Replace or reflash ECU
N01	Neutral Switch Fault	Not detecting neutral gear	Test and adjust or replace switch
N02	No Start Condition	Safety lockout or system fault	Verify brake, seat, and PTO safety interlocks
O01	Operator Presence Not Detected	Seat sensor open circuit	Test or replace seat switch
O02	Overcurrent Detected	Electrical surge or stuck component	Check motors and wiring for shorts
P01	PTO Clutch Error	Clutch coil failure or short	Replace clutch or wiring harness
P02	PTO Switch Error	Intermittent contact or corrosion	Replace PTO switch
Q01	Quadrant Position Error	Steering arm calibration fault	Recalibrate position sensor
Q02	Quick Start Not Available	System not ready	Wait for system checks to complete
R01	Reverse Safety Switch Fault	Faulty reverse engagement switch	Replace switch or check connection
R02	RPM Sensor Fault	Flywheel or magnetic pickup failure	Replace RPM sensor
S01	Safety Interlock Error	One or more conditions not met	Ensure seat, brake, and PTO switches are active
S02	Solenoid Error	Starter or fuel solenoid stuck	Replace solenoid
T01	Throttle Position Sensor Error	Sensor out of range	Replace or calibrate TPS
T02	Temperature Sensor Fault	Sensor reading out of range	Replace faulty temperature sensor
U01	Under Voltage During Operation	Alternator not charging under load	Replace alternator or belt
U02	USB Diagnostic Port Error	Failed connection	Replace port or ECU board
V01	Voltage Spike Detected	Charging system issue	Check regulator and stator
V02	Vibration Sensor Fault	Sensor not reading correctly	Inspect or replace vibration sensor
W01	Wheel Motor Fault	Encoder error or overload	Check wiring, test encoder
W02	Wiring Harness Open	Broken wire or disconnected plug	Inspect and repair harness
X01	X-Axis Calibration Error	Steering sensor misaligned	Perform recalibration via panel
Y01	Yaw Sensor Error	Orientation sensor fault	Replace sensor
Z01	Zero Turn Sensor Fault	Sensor or potentiometer failure	Test and replace turn sensor
Z02	Zone Detection Error	Operating out of safe zone	Reset boundaries; check GPS (if equipped)

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How to Troubleshoot Common Bad Boy Mower Error Codes

1. Start with the Operator Manual

Most Bad Boy mowers come with a manual that includes a list of error codes. Use this as your first line of defense.

2. Inspect Electrical Connections

Loose wires and corroded terminals are among the most common causes of error codes. Disconnect the battery before inspecting to prevent shorts.

3. Reset the Mower’s ECU

Many minor error codes can be cleared by disconnecting the battery for 10-15 minutes to reset the Electronic Control Unit.

4. Use Diagnostic Mode

Some Bad Boy models (especially with Kawasaki or Kohler EFI engines) allow you to enter diagnostic mode via the display panel to run self-checks.

5. Consult a Technician

If the code persists or affects mower performance, consult a certified Bad Boy dealer for advanced diagnostics.

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Tips to Avoid Future Error Codes

• Regular Maintenance: Keep oil levels, battery charge, and hydraulic fluid within the recommended range.
• Clean Wiring: Prevent mud, moisture, and debris from corroding electrical systems.
• Check Fuses: Blowouts or shorts in small fuses can trigger several misleading codes.
• Don’t Overload: Avoid putting extra stress on the mower, especially during wet grass conditions or steep inclines.

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FAQs

What would cause a Bad Boy mower not to start?

• Dead or weak battery – Low voltage is a common culprit.
• Faulty safety switches – If the seat, brake, or PTO safety switches aren’t satisfied, the mower won’t crank.
• Blown fuse or bad relay – Electrical failure in the start circuit.
• Clogged fuel line or dirty carburetor – Prevents proper fuel delivery.
• Bad spark plug or ignition coil – Stops engine ignition.
• Starter solenoid or motor issues – Prevents engine from turning over.

Start troubleshooting with the battery, fuses, and safety switches, then work your way to fuel and ignition components.

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Where are the fuses located on a Bad Boy mower?

Fuses on most Bad Boy mowers are typically located:

• Under the seat – Near the battery or the control module.
• Next to the ignition switch wiring – Some models have an inline fuse holder here.
• In the control panel – For mowers with a diagnostic display or advanced ECU.

What is the paint code for Bad Boy Mowers?

Bad Boy Mowers use a signature orange color known as “Bad Boy Orange”. While the company doesn’t always publish official codes, it’s often matched to:

• PPG Paint Code: 60896 or 60395
• Sherwin-Williams: Custom-matched industrial orange

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How to unlock Bad Boy zero-turn mower?

If your Bad Boy zero-turn mower seems locked or won’t move:

• Check the parking brake – It must be disengaged to move freely.
• Inspect hydraulic bypass valves – Located near the rear wheels, turn counterclockwise to disengage the drive system manually.
• Ensure control levers are in the open/outward position – Some models require this to release safety lockouts.
• Look for any error codes – If electronically locked, resolve the error first.

Always turn off the engine and remove the key before unlocking drive systems manually.

How to diagnose a mower not starting?

1. Check Battery Voltage – Should be around 12.6 volts or more.
2. Inspect Safety Interlocks – Ensure seat, brake, and PTO switches are functioning.
3. Look for Blown Fuses – Replace any damaged ones.
4. Check Spark Plug – Clean or replace if fouled.
5. Test Starter Solenoid – Listen for clicking or test with a multimeter.
6. Inspect Fuel System – Look for blockages or empty tank.
7. Check for Fault Codes – Use diagnostic mode on digital display (if equipped).

Start with the simplest checks first, then move to more complex electrical or fuel system diagnostics.

How do I start a Bad Boy mower?

1. Sit in the operator’s seat – Activates the safety sensor.
2. Engage the parking brake – Required for engine start.
3. Ensure the PTO switch is OFF – Mower blades must not be engaged.
4. Place control levers in neutral/outward position – Ensures startup safety.
5. Turn the ignition key – Hold until engine starts, but don’t crank longer than 5 seconds at a time.
6. Adjust throttle/choke as needed – Especially important for cold starts.

If it doesn’t start, revisit the battery, fuses, and safety switches first.

Final Thoughts

Bad Boy mowers are engineered to warn you before a small issue becomes a major one. These error codes are not just error messages, they’re early warning signals. By understanding what they mean and how to fix them, you’ll save time, money, and ensure your mower continues to run at peak performance.