Why Won't My Lawn Mower Start?
Having trouble getting your lawn mower to start? We get it, and we understand how frustrating it can be. With around 50 million lawn mowers in use across the United States, many folks run into this issue on a regular basis.
To help you out, our team at Mowrator has put together this guide on solving common problems and to show you how to fix them. Let’s get your mower running smoothly again!
Safety First
Always remember to take safety precautions before working on your lawn mower. This will prevent accidents and ensure you handle the machine properly.
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Consult the User Manual
Consult the user manual for specific troubleshooting steps. The manual can help with issues like old gas, dirty air filters, faulty spark plugs, and battery issues in electric mowers. Each brand and model may have unique solutions laid out in their reference guide.
The user manual often contains crucial instructions on battery care for cordless electric mowers. It also provides detailed maintenance tips to keep our mower running smoothly. Operating instructions within the user guide are there to ensure you don't miss any critical safety precautions or essential equipment care steps.
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Ensure the Mower Is on a Flat Surface
Always place the mower on a flat surface. This prevents it from tipping over and causing injuries. With around 6,394 lawn mower-related injuries happening each year in the U.S., it's best to take this step seriously to ensure your safety during maintenance checks.
A level ground will also help you diagnose issues more accurately. For instance, checking blade obstructions or the fuel system is easier when the mower is not at an angle. This way, both safety and efficiency are maintained while working on your mower.
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Allow the Engine to Cool (Petrol Mowers)
Engines on gas-powered mowers get very hot. So, do not touch them right after use, or you could suffer serious burns. You must allow the engine to cool completely before inspecting or fixing anything.
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Disconnect Spark Plug or Remove Battery
Before inspecting our lawn mower, disconnect the spark plug for petrol mowers. This prevents accidental starts and will keep you safe.
For electric mowers, remove the battery first. Electric models can have a voltage between 40V and 80V, so it's crucial to handle them carefully. Accidental starting can lead to serious injuries. Plus, with battery-powered mowers making up 75% more sales over the past 5 years, this step is even more significant.
Common Issues for All Mower Types
Blade obstructions can stop your mower from starting, while safety switch malfunctions or user errors are also common issues. Moreover, the average American spends around 70 hours per year on lawn care, highlighting how critical it is to address this issue quickly and efficiently.
Blade Obstructions
Clumps of grass or debris under the mower can prevent the blade from turning. Check for any obstructions before starting our lawn mower.
First, disconnect the spark plug for petrol mowers or remove the battery for electric ones. Once it's safe, flip the mower on its side and clear any stuck grass or mud around the blade area.
Safety Switch Malfunction
Safety switch malfunction can be a frustrating issue with lawn mowers. About 10% of starting problems in electric mowers stem from battery issues, but safety switches are also a frequent culprit.
Cordless electric mowers, which make up about 12% of the market, often face this problem. In our experience, corded electric mowers aren't exempt either and account for approximately 3% of sales where safety switch malfunctions may play a role.
User Error
User error is a common cause of mower starting issues. For example, failing to check the oil level or using contaminated oil affects about 15% of mowers. Be sure to follow basic steps like checking if the mower is in neutral or disengaging the blade clutch.
Next, verify if there's fresh gas in your petrol mower, since old gas accounts for around 30% of fuel-related problems. Electric mowers might not start due to a drained battery, which causes about 10% of mower starting issues.
Battery-Powered Mowers
Battery Issues
Battery difficulties account for about 10% of starting issues in electric mowers. Check if the battery voltage is within the average range of 40V to 80V. If it's below this, it might be time for a recharge or replacement battery.
Most cordless mowers use lithium-ion batteries, which usually last between 3 and 5 years, with a runtime of 30–60 minutes per charge. Over time, these rechargeable batteries lose their ability to hold a charge. If your mower struggles to start, you should consider replacing the battery.
Motor Problems
Motor problems can plague battery-powered mowers. Often, debris buildup or worn-out brushes inside the motor cause mechanical issues. Regularly inspect and clean the motor area to prevent this.
Electrical faults within the mower's wiring may also lead to mower starting troubles. Use a multimeter to check for continuity and proper connections in all wires and switches before using your lawn mower again.
Electrical Components
After checking for motor problems, you can inspect the electrical components. Make sure all connections are tight and free from corrosion. If your mower doesn’t start, it might be time for a new battery.
However, you should also check the wiring for any damage. Charging times vary, but typically range from half an 1 to 2 hours based on the model's specifications. If your mower’s battery is taking longer than this to charge, you may need to replace it.
Petrol Mowers
Check for fuel, ignition, air system blockages, and starter mechanism issues to troubleshoot effectively.
How to Fix Your Non-Starting Petrol Lawn Mower
Check the fuel. Old or contaminated gas can prevent a petrol mower from starting. Drain the tank and fill it with fresh gasoline if needed.
Next, look for dirty air filters that might restrict airflow. Replace clogged filters to get better combustion in petrol mowers, or proper cooling in electric mowers. Inspect the spark plug in a gasoline mower – replace it if it's fouled or damaged.
Fuel System Issues
Draining and replacing the old fuel can quickly solve many starting headaches. A clogged carburetor may also prevent your mower from firing up. Gum or varnish buildup blocks the fuel flow and chokes the engine. Cleaning or rebuilding the carburetor can help restore it to working order.
Ignition System Problems
Ignition system problems can make our petrol mowers difficult to start. Faulty spark plugs account for about 20% of starting woes too. A damaged spark plug won't ignite the fuel-air mix correctly, and the engine will sputter or fail to start.
Inspecting and replacing a bad spark plug is often an easy fix for gas-powered mower troubleshooting. Always check and replace spark plugs if they look worn out or dirty. Also, check for dirty or corroded connections in the ignition system.
Air System Blockages
A dirty air filter is a common cause of mower troubles, accounting for up to 25% of starting problems. This blockage restricts airflow and causes fuel issues that stop the engine from running smoothly.
Regular inspection, maintenance, and cleaning (or replacing) of the air filter ensures efficient operation and good performance. Proper upkeep helps secure the mower's functionality and starting capability, keeping our lawns pristine with minimal hassle.
Compression Issues
If you notice your gas-powered mower struggling to start, it might be due to poor compression. This happens when the engine cannot build enough pressure.
Several factors can lead to this issue, including worn piston rings or a faulty head gasket. Check for any oil leaks and inspect the seals around the engine components.
If you find any damage or wear, it's best to replace those parts quickly. For further assistance with more complex internal problems that persist after troubleshooting, call a professional!
Starter Mechanism Problems
If the starter rope feels stuck or won’t retract, there may be an issue with the recoil spring in the starter mechanism. Dirt and debris might be clogging the mechanism and preventing smooth operation.
In some cases, worn-out starter gears make it impossible to engage and turn over the engine. In this situation, you’ll need to replace any faulty parts to restore function. Regular cleaning and inspection help prevent these issues from cropping up frequently.
Need further assistance with your lawn mowers? Contact our team of experienced lawn enthusiasts at Mowrator. We’re always happy to help!
Why Won't My Lawn Mower Start FAQs
Is It Safe to Jump-Start a Sealed Battery on My Lawn Mower?
Yes, but ensure you use proper equipment and follow instructions carefully to avoid damage or injury.
Why Won't My Lawn Mower Jump-Start?
You may be using the incorrect battery voltage if your lawn mower won’t jump start. Make sure both batteries’ voltages match, e.g., most mowers use 12V batteries, so check that your car has a 12V battery system as well.
Those captivated by this topic might want to extend their reading to Can I Leave Battery in Lawn Mower.
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