A lawn mower that won’t start can be a frustrating roadblock to keeping your yard in top shape. One of the most common culprits behind this issue is a faulty starter. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the signs of a bad lawn mower starter, how to test it, and what steps to take if it’s the problem.
How to Tell If Your Lawn Mower Starter Is Bad
1. No Response When You Try to Start
If you turn the key on an electric-start mower or pull the cord on a recoil-start mower and nothing happens, no engine turnover, no sound, or no resistance, it’s a strong sign the starter is malfunctioning. For electric starters, this could mean the starter motor or solenoid is dead.
For pull-start mowers, a lack of resistance in the cord suggests an issue with the recoil mechanism or internal starter components.
2. Clicking Noise When Starting
For electric-start mowers, a clicking sound when you turn the key often points to a starter solenoid issue. The solenoid is responsible for engaging the starter motor with the engine’s flywheel.
A single loud click or rapid clicking typically indicates the solenoid isn’t delivering enough power or the starter motor is seized.
3. Engine Cranks Slowly
If the engine turns over but does so sluggishly, the starter motor might be failing. This is common in electric-start systems where the motor is worn out or not receiving enough power from the battery.
A slow crank could also be due to a weak battery, so you’ll need to rule that out first.
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4. Grinding or Whirring Sounds
Unusual noises like grinding or whirring during startup suggest the starter gear isn’t engaging properly with the engine’s flywheel. This could be due to worn gears, a damaged starter motor, or misalignment in the starter system.
5. Recoil Starter Feels Loose or Slips
For pull-start mowers, if the recoil cord pulls too easily or slips without engaging the engine, the starter mechanism is likely broken. This could be due to a worn-out recoil spring, a damaged pulley, or an issue with the clutch that connects the starter to the engine.
How to Test Your Lawn Mower Starter
Diagnosing a bad starter requires a systematic approach to rule out other potential issues, like a dead battery or fuel problems.
Here’s how to test both electric and recoil starters:
Testing an Electric Starter
- Check the Battery: A weak or dead battery can mimic starter issues. Use a multimeter to ensure the battery has at least 12.6 volts. Charge or replace it if necessary.
- Inspect Wiring and Connections: Loose or corroded connections between the battery, solenoid, and starter motor can prevent proper operation. Check for frayed wires or loose terminals and clean or tighten them as needed.
- Test the Solenoid: Locate the solenoid (usually near the battery or starter motor). With the key in the “start” position, use a multimeter to check for voltage at the solenoid’s output terminal. If there’s no voltage, the solenoid may be faulty.
- Bypass the Solenoid: To test the starter motor directly, use jumper cables to connect the battery directly to the starter motor’s positive terminal (ensure the mower is in neutral and the ignition is off for safety). If the motor doesn’t spin, it isn’t good.
- Listen for Engagement: If the starter motor spins but the engine doesn’t crank, the starter gear or flywheel may be damaged. Inspect these components for wear.
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Testing a Recoil Starter
- Inspect the Cord and Handle: Pull the cord to check for resistance. If it pulls too easily or doesn’t retract, the recoil spring or pulley may be broken.
- Remove the Starter Assembly: Take off the recoil starter housing (usually a few screws) and inspect the spring, pulley, and clutch. Look for broken or worn parts.
- Check Engine Compression: If the starter mechanism appears intact but the engine fails to turn over, the issue may be internal, such as seized engine components. Manually rotate the flywheel to check for resistance.
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Common Fixes for a Bad Starter
If you’ve confirmed the starter is bad, here are your options:
- Replace the Starter Motor: For electric starters, a new motor can often be installed with basic tools. Ensure the replacement matches your mower’s make and model.
- Replace the Solenoid: A faulty solenoid is a common issue and is relatively inexpensive to replace.
- Repair or Replace Recoil Components: For pull-start mowers, you may only need to replace the recoil spring or pulley. Full recoil starter assemblies are also available.
- Professional Help: If the issue involves internal engine components or you’re not comfortable with repairs, consult a professional technician.
Preventing Starter Issues
To avoid future starter problems:
- Keep the battery charged and terminals clean.
- Store your mower in a dry, sheltered area to prevent corrosion.
- Regularly inspect and lubricate recoil starter components.
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for your mower.
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FAQs
How do I check if my starter is bad?
To check if your lawn mower starter is bad:
- Clicking sound but the engine doesn’t turn: The solenoid might be working, but the starter motor could be faulty.
- No sound at all: This could indicate a dead starter, bad solenoid, faulty ignition switch, or wiring issue.
- The starter spins but the engine doesn’t crank: The starter gear may not be engaging with the flywheel.
- Test directly: Use jumper cables to bypass the solenoid and power the starter directly. If it doesn’t spin, the starter is likely bad.
What is the first thing to check if a lawn mower won’t start?
Start with the basic checks:
- Fuel level and quality: Make sure there’s clean fuel in the tank.
- Battery: Check if it’s fully charged and connected properly.
- Spark plug: Inspect for damage or fouling.
- Air filter: Clean or replace if clogged.
- Safety switches: Ensure brake and blade controls are disengaged.
- Fuses and wiring: Look for any blown fuses or loose wires.
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When I turn the key on my mower and nothing happens?
If nothing happens when you turn the key:
- Dead or disconnected battery: Check voltage with a multimeter (should be around 12.6V).
- Faulty ignition switch: Use a multimeter to test for continuity.
- Blown fuse: Locate and replace any bad fuses.
- Bad solenoid or starter motor: No response could mean a bad connection or a failed part.
- Faulty safety switches: These can prevent the engine from starting completely.
Can you start a mower without a starter?
Yes, in some cases, you can:
- Manual (pull-start) mowers: These don’t require a starter motor.
- Riding mowers: You might start the engine by turning the flywheel manually or using a drill on the crankshaft (not recommended except for testing purposes).
Bypassing or hot-wiring mowers is risky and should only be done for diagnostic purposes, not regular operation.
How do I know when my starter needs replacing?
Signs your lawn mower starter may need replacing:
- Grinding noise when trying to start.
- Clicking sound but the engine doesn’t crank.
- Starter doesn’t engage at all.
- The starter gets hot quickly during use.
- You’ve ruled out battery, solenoid, ignition, and wiring and it still won’t crank.
How do you test a starter on a lawn mower?
To test a lawn mower starter:
- Remove the starter motor.
- Connect jumper cables:
- Positive to the starter’s terminal.
- Negative to the starter’s metal body (ground).
- Touch the positive cable to the battery’s positive post.
- Watch the starter:
- If it spins and the gear moves outward, it’s likely good.
- If it doesn’t spin or is sluggish, the starter is bad.
Final words
A bad lawn mower starter can bring your yard work to a halt, but with the right approach, you can diagnose and fix the issue efficiently. By recognizing the signs, like no response, clicking noises, or a loose recoil cord, and systematically testing the system, you can determine whether the starter is the culprit.
