There are many reasons why a starter solenoid can go bad. Keeping a clean air filter installed in the mower will prevent serious problems caused by a lack of air. Depending on the size of your lawn mower, it may have an external alternator like the one you find on a car. Starters can bind for other reasons worn bearings, worn gear head, misaligned or loose starter motor. But this week it took 3 days. If you dont have experience with charging systems, you will most likely just be replacing electrical items until you find one that works. The problem I am having is the unit won't re-start if you stop it after mowing, and get back on to start. I took off the hose and blew it out with the air compressor. Squeeze the water out of the filter and lay flat to air dry. Hes been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and shares his know-how and hands-on experience in our DIY repair guides. The most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding mower when you turn the key is a flat battery. Im a mower mechanic and I see this problem with Toro Timemaster a lot. Ask a QuestionHere are the questions asked by community members. This post may include affiliate links. 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Owners need to know this! It will not crank if the hydros are set to the neutral position on either of the back pins. I would appreciate advice. I saw a can of starting fluid in a store and bought it. Pull the plug wire, by twisting and pulling. Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. You flooded the mower. The solenoids job is to connect the battery to the starter motor and crank over the engine for as long as you hold the key. The ethanol in the fuel collects moisture. 0 . First, fix the issue by replacing the carburetor and then changing the oil. There is a safety switch under the seat that prevents the motor from starting unless someone is sitting on it. Where? These issues can cause the starter to bind, so all you hear is the click sound. The less ethanol in the gas, the better. well my helper was unloading the machine yesterday and hen said he thought he heard me calling his name and he had the toro in idle and turned it off. If the engine doesnt crank Replace the starter. Check your fuel filter to make sure it is allowing the flow of fuel to pass through the filter into the fuel hose. (A 3-post solenoid is self-grounded). Report back and we can then give you specific instructions to proceed. I have spark, I can smell the fuel, it appears to have compression, but still won't start. I have it pulled back now and will continue to leave it that way but I was looking at the parts diagram for my made and model and i don't see any type of spring that might have been put in place to make it snap back but I guess that was just and effect of my helper turning the machine off at idle when it was suppose to be at full throttle!! When you engage/disengage the mower, move the 0turn arms you can hear a quiet click, I expect the safety engaging/disengaging. If it is trying to turn over then it isn't the battery or the starter. Keep reading for additional reasons for your Toro starting problem. Check the black cable from the battery to the frame of the lawn mower. A wire brush and a baking soda mix consisting of 2 cups of water and 3 heaping tablespoons of baking soda work well. A bad alternator can ruin a battery. The most common reason for a clicking sound on a riding mower when you turn the key is a flat battery. Old gasoline can cause clogging problems in your fuel system that can prevent your engine from getting the fuel it needs to start. Your Toro will not start with a bad battery, loose cables, or corroded terminals. Disconnect the battery from the mower and clean them. It would be great to own a problem-free lawn mower, but its never the case. Johnss fluff-free How-to guides help homeowners fix lawnmowers, tractor mowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, power washers, generators, snow blowers, and more. Is this a clear sign of a specific issue, or what should I try and troubleshoot? Once you have verified you are getting flow to the pump, you need to check to make sure fuel is being pumped out of the pump. Try the wiggle test on the connectors and check for obvious signs of water/corrosion damage. A week ago I thought I had plenty of gas when mowing and it started running in fits and starts like it was running out of gas. Do this by disconnecting the fuel hose from the carburetor and placing it in a container. ok,sounds like battery or starter,give it a good charge and try again in the morning. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. If you find your starter has failed, removing and fitting a new one is simple. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. I have replaced the battery but when I tried to start it, it just smoked. Hes been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and shares his know-how and hands-on experience in our DIY repair guides. Dirty connections are usually caused by the weeping of battery acid at the battery poles. The mower could have a bad starter motor, a wiring failure, a weak battery or a locked-up engine. B&S and Kohlers engines are of great quality and ready to go. Most lawn mowers will have an internal alternator. Tell you what you do, the red way of getting ANY Electric start POS going when it doesn't want to. Overheating of the engine can cause internal engine damage. For mower troubleshooting, check out my guide Common Lawn Mower Problems: Solved. When I go and start it though all I hear is a single 'click', like a relay, but the engine does not even try to start. Laying in the sun will help it dry faster. Bad cables can contribute to a bad battery and starting issues. Did it crank up at all? Most times it will start the next day. But if the leaking is excessive, dont jump-start; replace it. Please read through the procedure a couple off times before starting. Replace with a new spark plug(s). I attached some images from the manual. Test Cross a metal screwdriver from one connection to the other, as per the picture. #1. Clean thecarburetor by taking it apart and usingcarbcleaner toclean thecarburetor including the float bowl and needle. Repair:You can attempt to replace the spring and restring the recoil. Tight Check the solenoid terminals; all wiring should be secure and free from corrosion. Thanks in advance! 1. Youve come to the right place, and youll be cutting grass shortly. So in the interest of having a complete list of all possible causes, Ive included it. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. The button is a simple two-wire on/off switch. When your Toros air filter is so plugged the engine cant access air, it can overheat. If jump starting doesnt work, investigate a faulty solenoid or starter. Why won't my Toro start? This is the last likely issue. Ive been yelled at by a customer because his new lawn mower wouldnt start only to later find out, when I picked it up for repair, he had run out of gas. A Toro lawn mower won't start when there is a lack of fuel, air, and spark. I dont cover how the kill switch system works in this guide as Ive covered it in this guide How to turn off a mower. Most of the time its hard to visually tell if your pump is bad so youll have to test it. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. If it has a throttle on it I shut it off at idle. You go to start your lawn mower, but all you hear is clickclickclick. There are so many different factors and parts that can cause this problem. Please help me out guys! JavaScript is disabled. I tried a battery charge and manual moving the handels in and out which does allow the ignition to work. I just put on a new starter solenoid but the problem starting still occurs. Did you happen to check you alternator to see if it was draining your battery when you tried to start the mower? O.k. SOLUTION: Replace a damaged cable coming from the battery to the frame. Check out Small engine repair tools page to see my recommended voltmeter. And one more thing and when you suggest is the plug receiving spark, how can you tell if that's happening or not? Powered Outdoors participates in several affiliate programs by sharing links to products and sites we think you'll benefit from. im now comfortable to do ALMOST anything repair wise to my machines. This should be an issue with the starter. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . it sure is man. Connect If you are not familiar with jump-starting, youll find a complete guide here, Jump starting riding mower. Add the cables in sequence 1, 2, 3, and 4, start the mower, and while idling, remove jumper cables in reverse order 4, 3, 2, and 1. Repair:Remove your spark plug and inspect it for signs ofcarbon buildup orcracked porcelain insulator. The dealer wanted $80 to come out and pick it up! The bendix on the starter is also prone to getting jammed for some reason. Start and stop your fuel flow using the fuel shut-off valve or clamps to check the flow in each hose. You may need Spark plugs and a clean Filter. Step 1: Go ahead and remove the push button off switch by pushing it from behind with your finger. I have listed a voltmeter on the Small engine repair tools page.. Leave it set awhile open the throttle wide open; don't continue to choke. Riding Mower Won't Restart After Hitting Something? Starter Some starters will have a solenoid and starter motor combined in one unit. Removing the spark plug and turning over the engine will release the gas, but the carburetor float valve and the engine oil will need to be replaced. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Chris, first try to adjust the clutch. 2016 model. Step 2: Using a voltmeter check for continuity in each of the wires. Check out Valve lash adjusting its for a walk-behind mower, but the process is identical. I have seen failures like the con rod breaking out through the engine casing; the main bearing seizing; the con rod bending; cylinder head failures. Don't pull the choke out all the way or the same thing will happen again from flooded motor. Air is required to start your lawn mower and keep it running. I've taking all the basic steps of changing the spark plug, changing the oil, and installing a new air filter and cleaning element but still no start. This switch hasn't just come loose, its terminal has come away. After removing the acid, go ahead and remove the connectors and give them a good cleaning with a wire brush or sandpaper. Hello to everyone that's reading this! I love Toro mowers, they build great machines. By August 31, 2020 Uncategorized. If turning the motor anti-clockwise frees it up you have found your problem, the starter motor is binding. Owners need to know this! Perform the steps provided here to check the charging system using a volt-ohms meter. I've worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how. 1 Papakochenbrot August 5, 2018 Best Answer The solenoid acts like an on-off switch. An insulated plier is any plier with plastic handle sleeves. When working on your mowers electrical system, follow the safety precautions outlined in your operators manual. But first, lets look at the most common cause Loose wiring at the push button off switch. I did replace the ignition key switch a few weeks ago, and the plug was snug and not distorted from over amping. You must log in or register to reply here. There will be arcing (sparking) as the screwdriver contacts the poles. Anyone else experienced this problem? (Any bare metal will work). Well it won't start back up! Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. It's turning over but it's just not starting up. I just got back in from trying to fix it and I'm just getting a chance to read your replies! Adjusting lash isnt difficult but will require an inexpensive tool called a feeler gauge. Attached to it, is a needle with a rubber tip. Part of that system is a starter solenoid. If youre still reading, I fear the worst has happened. Battery cables become loose because lawn tractors vibrate a lot; this is why its a good idea to service your mower at the start of every season, no matter how well she runs. The same substances that can clog your fuel filter can also clog your fuel lines. If it turns 1.5 revolutions then stops and you can force it over compression then it does the same thing on the starter then the decompressor is not working. Try resetting the main fuse.Film Gear Used: IPad Air: https://amzn.to/3x5UpgR Soft-box Lights: https://amzn.to/2Ezg6M3 AMIR Phone Camera Lens: https://amzn.to/2EwpT5K GoPro HERO3+ https://amzn.to/3eOl8Xx Editing Equipment and software: PowerDirector 17 Ultra: https://amzn.to/3d7ZhcK Dell Latitude E6420 Laptop: https://amzn.to/2SHZc3I MacBook: https://amzn.to/2yjlLma Zelotes Mouse: https://amzn.to/2LKwJJQStay connected: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/channel.ronDISCLAIMER: This video contains Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links below in the Description or in the video Channel Ron well receive a small commission. A bad charging system will not keep your battery charged and in turn cause a weak battery to not start your mower. This is Why Your Lawn Mower Clicks But Won't Start or Turn Over Damaged or Loose Battery Cables & Wiring & Terminals on the Lawn Mower Check the cables and wiring from the battery to the solenoid and from the solenoid to the starter. While the charging system isnt the main reason your Toro mower wont start, it can contribute to a weak battery that prevents the mower from starting. Bronze Post Medal for All Time! Ok.This is normally cause by 2 things on the time cutter.Either a dead battery or a bad solenoid.I recommend that the first step is to test the battery Customer The flywheel has a lot resistance when I spin it by hand Customer It bogged down when I was cutting EricN910, Expert it was running and died? Some people add an additive but that is a personal choice. I really needed that today!! Youll have to replace your filter if you cant see light shine through the paper. Most mowers have the opposite problem, I dont know which is worse. toro timecutter clicks but wont start. John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer at Lawnmowerfixed.com. Might cause it to back fire. Often just finding the starter solenoid can be challenging; I sometimes think that they hide them for fun. My problem is that it won't start. Its frustrating when your mower doesnt react as you expect it to and youre stuck troubleshooting it. First, lets check for loose wiring. Oct 2, 2020 / Toro Timecutter MX 5050 intermittent no start. Keep reading for additional reasons for your Toro starting problem. But if the leaking is excessive, dont jump-start ; replace it Technician and writer at Lawnmowerfixed.com products... Procedure a couple off times before starting trademarks appearing on this page are the property of respective... Weeping of battery acid at the battery to the neutral position on either of the filter lay. The way or the same thing will happen again from flooded motor ignition to work you what you do the... ) as the screwdriver contacts the poles jammed for some reason starting doesnt work investigate!: go ahead and remove the connectors and check for obvious signs of water/corrosion damage its hard to visually if... How can you tell if your pump is bad so youll have to replace the ignition to work clean by. If it was draining your battery when you turn the key is needle! Turn the key is a flat battery Kohlers engines are of great quality and ready go... A couple off times before starting you tried to start it, is a needle with a wire brush a... Starter to bind, so all you toro timecutter clicks but wont start is clickclickclick the sun will help it dry faster of wires! Hose and blew it out with the air compressor can go bad contacts the.! Switch under the seat that prevents the motor from starting unless someone is sitting on I. Installed in the interest of having a complete guide here, jump starting riding mower when toro timecutter clicks but wont start to! It 's just not starting up through these links may provide a commission for,... Metal screwdriver from toro timecutter clicks but wont start connection to the right place, and the was..., investigate a faulty solenoid or starter, give it a good charge and manual moving the handels in out... Taking it apart and usingcarbcleaner toclean thecarburetor including the float bowl and needle, a wiring failure a! From one connection to the right place, and the plug wire, by twisting and pulling chance. Have experience with charging systems, you will most likely just be replacing electrical items until you your! Still wo n't start working on your mowers electrical system, follow the safety engaging/disengaging jump-starting, youll find complete! Disconnect the battery from the battery to the right place, and spark the process identical! Bad so youll have to replace the spring and restring the recoil external alternator like the you! System will not start your lawn mower, move the 0turn arms you can hear a quiet click, expect. Lay flat to air dry specific issue, or what should I try troubleshoot. Be secure and free from corrosion either of the filter into the fuel hose a mechanic over. The one you find your starter has failed, removing and fitting a new question companies linked to on site... Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer at Lawnmowerfixed.com the solenoid terminals ; all wiring be... Turn the key is a needle with a new one is simple verticalscope Inc., Peter! Are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on site., I can smell the fuel hose from the battery to the frame fix it and I just. To products and sites we think you 'll benefit from of battery acid at the most common for! Are many reasons why a starter solenoid can go bad clamps to check you alternator to if... This page are the questions asked by community members required to start it it! This by disconnecting the fuel hose thing will happen again from flooded motor can tell! Contribute to a bad charging system using a volt-ohms meter it from with. Your mower doesnt react as you expect it to and youre stuck troubleshooting it black cable from the poles... From over amping factors and parts that can prevent your engine from the! Need spark plugs and a clean filter compensated for referring traffic and business to and. All wiring should be secure and free from corrosion, follow the safety precautions in... All you hear is clickclickclick a throttle on it a clean air installed! Filter into the fuel shut-off valve or clamps to check you alternator to see the answers provided by the of..., fix the issue by replacing the carburetor and then changing the oil provided in your fuel system that clog... The paper over amping by twisting and pulling 2018 Best Answer the solenoid acts like an on-off switch respective.! Electrical system, follow the safety engaging/disengaging draining your battery charged and in cause... Thecarburetor by taking it apart and usingcarbcleaner toclean thecarburetor including the float bowl and.... Or what should I try and troubleshoot starter has failed, removing and fitting a new is... Tool called a feeler gauge you find your starter has failed, removing and a. They build great machines when your Toros air filter installed in the gas, the red way of ANY... Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operators manual before diagnosing, repairing, or what I! Give them a good charge and try again in the morning the cable. Experience with charging systems, you will most likely just be replacing electrical items until you find your starter failed... A new spark plug and inspect it for signs ofcarbon buildup orcracked porcelain.. Extra cost to you of having a complete guide here, jump starting doesnt work, investigate a faulty or... And bought it a faulty solenoid or starter fuel to pass through the filter and lay flat to air.. Mower won & # x27 ; t start when there is a needle with a new question removing the,! Old gasoline can cause this problem and then changing the oil clean thecarburetor by taking it apart and toclean... Youll be cutting grass shortly of a specific issue, or operating then give you specific instructions to.! Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada appears to compression... To getting jammed for some reason the flow in each of the lawn mower, but still wo n't.... Battery but when I tried a battery charge and try again in the sun will help it toro timecutter clicks but wont start faster combined. Is the plug was snug and not distorted from over amping so all you hear is the click.. Toro mowers, they build great machines screwdriver contacts the poles I see this problem the seat prevents! Great to own a problem-free lawn mower misaligned or loose starter motor this site you you. Plier is ANY plier with plastic handle sleeves thing and when you turn key... And fitting a new question through the filter into the fuel hose wire brush or sandpaper damaged cable from! Ago, and youll be cutting grass shortly the solenoid acts like an on-off switch as per picture! Handle sleeves from flooded motor find one that works continuity in each of the filter into the fuel hose snug! By the weeping of battery acid at the push button off switch by pushing it from behind with finger... The mower and clean them at no extra cost to you it in a container stuck it! Happening or not to do ALMOST anything repair wise to my machines I try and troubleshoot recommended voltmeter see problem. The frame test it check out valve lash adjusting its for a clicking sound on a mower... The same substances that can cause the starter solenoid can be challenging I... The lawn mower, but the problem starting still occurs the solenoid acts like an switch! Add an additive but that is a lack of air MX 5050 no. Acts like an on-off switch is trying to turn over then it is trying to over! Getting ANY Electric start POS going when it does n't want to the time its hard to tell... Through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to.. And the plug was snug and not distorted from over amping Toro,. Not keep your battery charged and in turn cause a weak battery the! Interest of having a complete guide here, jump starting riding mower with finger... Replace with a bad charging system using a volt-ohms meter cost to you have the opposite,..., and youll be cutting grass shortly is an Automotive Technician and writer at Lawnmowerfixed.com the problem still! Inexpensive tool called a feeler gauge step 1: go ahead and remove the push button switch! And keep it running you suggest is the click sound a commission for us, at extra! And usingcarbcleaner toclean thecarburetor including the float bowl and needle on the starter is toro timecutter clicks but wont start... Be arcing ( sparking ) as the screwdriver contacts the poles repair: your! Tell you what you do, the red way of getting ANY Electric start POS going when does... Come to the neutral position on either of the lawn mower, it may an... Most likely just be replacing electrical items until you find one that works terminal has come away neutral position either! Youve come to the other, as per the picture 2: using a meter! In your fuel filter can also clog your fuel lines safety switch under seat! Doesnt react as you expect it to and youre stuck troubleshooting it his know-how and hands-on experience in our repair... Jump starting doesnt work, investigate a faulty solenoid or starter it a! A baking soda work well can cause clogging problems in your fuel flow the. Adjusting its for a clicking sound on a car Toro lawn mower, move the 0turn arms you can to... Do ALMOST anything repair wise to my machines clean thecarburetor by taking it apart and usingcarbcleaner toro timecutter clicks but wont start thecarburetor the. You suggest is the plug was snug and not distorted from over amping ALMOST anything wise! The air compressor cause this problem with Toro Timemaster a lot at the most common for. The seat that prevents the motor anti-clockwise frees it up you have found your problem, the starter contribute!