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 CodeDescriptionCauseTroubleshooting
A01Low Battery VoltageWeak battery or poor connectionCharge or replace battery; check terminals
A02High Battery VoltageOvercharging or faulty regulatorInspect voltage regulator, replace if faulty
A03Alternator Not ChargingBroken alternator belt or faulty alternatorReplace belt or alternator
B01Brake Switch ErrorBrake not engaged or bad switchConfirm brake is fully engaged; replace switch
B02Blade Sensor ErrorFaulty blade engagement sensorTest and replace blade sensor
C01Communication ErrorECU not receiving signalsCheck CAN wiring, ground connections
C02Controller Not RespondingDead ECU or software faultReplace or reprogram controller
D01Drive Motor OverloadOverload due to terrain or blockageRemove blockage; allow cooldown
D02Drive Motor OverheatHeat buildup due to stressAllow to cool down, check motor fan
D03Drive Encoder FaultSensor feedback errorInspect or replace encoder
E01Engine Sensor FaultFaulty temp or oil pressure sensorReplace engine sensor
E02Engine Not StartingStarter, fuel or ignition issueCheck fuel lines, solenoid, spark plug
E03Engine OverheatClogged cooling fins or radiatorClean fins; refill coolant if liquid-cooled
F01Fan Motor ErrorFan not spinning or seizedTest motor and replace if needed
F02Fuel Pump ErrorPump not working or low pressureCheck fuel delivery system
F03Fuel Level Sensor FaultIncorrect fuel readingInspect and recalibrate or replace sensor
G01Ground FaultShort to ground detectedInspect wiring harness for damage
G02Gearbox Error (if equipped)Malfunctioning transmission gear sensorReplace gearbox sensor
H01Hydraulic Pressure LowLeak or low fluidTop up fluid; check for leak points
H02Hydraulic Filter CloggedRestricted fluid flowReplace hydraulic filter
I01Ignition Coil FaultWeak spark or no sparkTest coil with multimeter; replace if bad
I02Idle RPM ErrorEngine idle speed not stableRecalibrate throttle, inspect idle solenoid
J01Joystick ErrorCalibration off or failed componentRecenter joystick, replace if needed
J02Jumper Installed IncorrectlyDiagnostic jumper misconfiguredAdjust jumper as per service manual
K01Key Switch ErrorIntermittent start or no crankInspect or replace ignition switch
K02Kill Switch EngagedEmergency kill circuit activeReset kill switch; check wiring
L01Low Oil PressureInsufficient oil or bad sensorTop off or replace oil; check sensor
L02Low Oil LevelOil too low for operationAdd correct type of oil
M01Motor Controller FaultCommunication or thermal failureAllow to cool; replace controller if needed
M02Memory Error in ECUEEPROM failureReplace or reflash ECU
N01Neutral Switch FaultNot detecting neutral gearTest and adjust or replace switch
N02No Start ConditionSafety lockout or system faultVerify brake, seat, and PTO safety interlocks
O01Operator Presence Not DetectedSeat sensor open circuitTest or replace seat switch
O02Overcurrent DetectedElectrical surge or stuck componentCheck motors and wiring for shorts
P01PTO Clutch ErrorClutch coil failure or shortReplace clutch or wiring harness
P02PTO Switch ErrorIntermittent contact or corrosionReplace PTO switch
Q01Quadrant Position ErrorSteering arm calibration faultRecalibrate position sensor
Q02Quick Start Not AvailableSystem not readyWait for system checks to complete
R01Reverse Safety Switch FaultFaulty reverse engagement switchReplace switch or check connection
R02RPM Sensor FaultFlywheel or magnetic pickup failureReplace RPM sensor
S01Safety Interlock ErrorOne or more conditions not metEnsure seat, brake, and PTO switches are active
S02Solenoid ErrorStarter or fuel solenoid stuckReplace solenoid
T01Throttle Position Sensor ErrorSensor out of rangeReplace or calibrate TPS
T02Temperature Sensor FaultSensor reading out of rangeReplace faulty temperature sensor
U01Under Voltage During OperationAlternator not charging under loadReplace alternator or belt
U02USB Diagnostic Port ErrorFailed connectionReplace port or ECU board
V01Voltage Spike DetectedCharging system issueCheck regulator and stator
V02Vibration Sensor FaultSensor not reading correctlyInspect or replace vibration sensor
W01Wheel Motor FaultEncoder error or overloadCheck wiring, test encoder
W02Wiring Harness OpenBroken wire or disconnected plugInspect and repair harness
X01X-Axis Calibration ErrorSteering sensor misalignedPerform recalibration via panel
Y01Yaw Sensor ErrorOrientation sensor faultReplace sensor
Z01Zero Turn Sensor FaultSensor or potentiometer failureTest and replace turn sensor
Z02Zone Detection ErrorOperating out of safe zoneReset 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.

George Bill
George Bill

George Bill is a Mechanical Engineer by Profession and an avid gardener and has been mowing his lawn for over 20 years. He has used a variety of different mowers during this time.
George is an expert at maintaining his mowers and over the years, he has learned many tricks and techniques for getting the best results from his mowers and is always happy to share his knowledge on this site.