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How to test a lawn mower solenoid

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Metal in Motion explains how to properly and accurately test the starting solenoid on a riding lawn mower.
www.metalinmotionshop.com
To learn how to test lawn mower key switches click here: • How to test lawn mower...
To learn how to test blade and seat safety switch click here: • How to test lawn mower...

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3 авг 2010

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Комментарии : 275

@darrellmiles8969 9 лет назад

Thank You Metal in Motion!! I took the solenoid off cleaned the connectors and she works like a charm. Saved me $1000 from buying a new riding lawnmower.

@DJ_Merkury66 11 лет назад

Thanks for your help. Not only did I fix my mower, I replaced a 4 pole solenoid with a 3 pole that was half the price. I used your key switch test video and this one to learn how to verify everything. Very nice of you to share your knowledge.

@vinnydavi1 11 лет назад

Thanks for posting this video!! I'm a do-it-yourselfer at home and I used your troubleshooting tips to isolate the problem to the solenoid, ordered one from the local hardware store, installed and starts right up. Thanks again!!!

@theghettocop69 10 месяцев назад

13years later and your video is still helping people

@TVNail 11 лет назад

Well done video. Thanks for being concise, accurate, and informative. I watch a lot of how to videos on youtube for all kinds of things, and this, by far, is one of the best I've seen. Thank you.

@apebiz 4 года назад

It’s been 10 years since you posted this video but *today* it was very helpful to me in diagnosing and fixing my Scott’s S1642 lawn mower. Thanks! (It turned out to be dirty connections on one of the safety switches.)

@mom2bels 7 лет назад

Thanks! I tested my 4 pole solenoid and am now off to test the switches. Your videos are very useful and give a lot of information to help people with all different models or testing equipment.

@getright9040 8 лет назад

I just wanted to thank you for this video! I cleaned up the ground connection on my 3 pole solenoid and my mower started the first time!!

@flowerm4n 12 лет назад

josh an update, it was the foot brake switch! lol. ive adjusted it for now and its working , if i get anymore trouble from it ill replace it. just to let you and watchers know the t1600 has brake switch and seat switch so it was just a matter of elimination . thanks for the videos they were of great help with the ignition test and solenoid tests.

@pearson28 10 лет назад

Great video. Diagnosed my solenoid, got the new part at Sears and was back in business cutting grass the next day. You rock!

@iamphilyaboots 12 лет назад

Thanks josh, you saved me £100 because I was about to call someone out when I saw your video and fixed my problem this morning. Appreciate it and will buy you a pint if I meet you! Very useful videos especially for novices like me. Thanks.

@tetrachtys 11 лет назад

Lucid, to the point and very helpful. Thank you very much. I have found all your videos to be constructive and easy to follow. You have very good presentational style. You turn a tricky job into a simple one and that's a real gift for amateurs such as I.

@2aniteshifter 9 лет назад

Lol,thanks for the video. I ran out of gas and forgot to raise my blades up. Now I can drink my beer in the shade.

@cleomack22 11 лет назад

Hey Josh, I am an electrically challenged person (although I did learn to respect it at 4 years old when I discovered it was a BAD idea to stick a bobby pin into an outlet) but your video explained how to check the solenoid (it is bad) very clearly and easily!! Thanks

@texblks 12 лет назад

nice info bro, my mower wasn't able to put out enough power to start. i pulled the solenoid and took a dremel to my main ground points on the frame,where the solenoid sits and all terminals. fired up first try after that. you saved me about 30 bucks.

@cim851 12 лет назад

Thanks for your informative video, I managed to fix my 16.5hp engine from your tutorial and saved me $200 or so from the service shop! Cheers, keep up the excellent vids.

@williamholden2385 4 года назад

Just followed your direction and now using my lawn tractor .. thank you

@edthompson1727 3 года назад

Great video. This information showed me how to check my solenoid on my 2018 mower. Timeless info.

@CraigArndt 9 лет назад

Great video to help do it yourselfers diagnose electrical issues on tractors. Thanks for posting.

@abernard117 7 лет назад

Great Video. Had a 99 John Deere LT 155 with a non-crank situation. Checked the battery first, key switch, (another video) then the solenoid and got 12 volts exactly as noted. Once this was good followed another video of yours regarding testing the safety switches. The brake safety switch tested good but had dirty connections.That is all it was. Thanks!

@dylanaddison2540 11 лет назад

@cam trathen I had the same issue with my Cub Cadet too, the best advise I can give you is to hook it up and run a hot wire (a direct connection from the battery to the coil) to the positive side of the coil, the negative side of the coil should be hooked to the points and condenser (this is for an older cub) and make sure the points are clean and sanded and the condenser is good. If the coil is good then you should see a spark jump between the two points when you crank it over.

@donnietaylor7422 6 лет назад

Thanks Josh for a very down to earth explanation of a solenoid test. Great video

@cath1657 13 лет назад

Very well presented and easy for a lay person like myself to understand

@daniellemay7161 Год назад

Very educational video, solved my problem, thank's.

@85hokieRock 12 лет назад

As a shop teacher for 25 years and having worked on small engines also - I find this video an excellent step by step process. Very well done!

@pamelalong9981 9 лет назад

Thanks so much for sharing this video. The information was very helpful. I was able to help a co-worker with her mower and I diagnosed my mower issue. Now, I just have to replace the solenoid and I will be ready to cut the lawn!

@Dave-yj9mq 9 лет назад

Question... I am diagnosing this problem with my Craftsman GT rider. I am getting no voltage either connected to the small wire or connected to the second solenoid pole. You say that the ignition should be in the "on" position. Do you mean just turned to the "on" position or should the key be turned all the way to the engine "crank" position and hels there? Thank for a great vid.

@matthoffmann3289 4 года назад

The first 30 seconds of this video is great turn on the subtitles! 😂😂. Awesome video great information!

@jimmyyounger618 3 года назад

This video helped me in a way I didn't expect! I'd run it out of gas and couldn't get a restart. Click, click, click - hmm, might be the solenoid? But with the mention of those 'Others' in the starter loop like the switch for the mower blades, I realized I might not have bumped that switch to off after running out of gas, then hadn't checked it when it wouldn't restart? I paused the video, went back outside, pushed the mower blade switch off and it cranked right up! Ugh, what was I thinking? Some days the dog, some days the hydrant - some days the genius, some days the idiot. Thankfully, the trouble shooting process here walked me to the right answer before I dragged out a multimeter.

@lancew2585 7 лет назад

Sorry, the page you were looking for does not exist or is not available. We performed a web search for “Metal In Motion Shop” and here's what we found.

@metalinmotionshop 12 лет назад

@joey102578 - I think it depends on the model. Some switches are simply and on off switch like some seat switches, while others turn one thing off while turning another on. For example a brake switch opens the ground to the ignition module when pressed, but closes the circuit to the solenoid for starting at the same time. You could jump the solenoid and the motor would turn over, but it might not start depending of which switch is bad, and how the switch is broken.- Josh@metalinmotionshop

@NumaJenna 12 лет назад

great info from a very good guy that has what he needs to repaire theses problems....helped me out alot...thank-you

@changedfor 9 лет назад

Thanks John..... Yeah "Phiberoptics" I have a Poulan now that I'm about to check.. When I turn the key it will halfway spin but then stops and refuses to turn over....

@richardreynolds8577 8 лет назад

Thanks for a well presented video. My craftsman is dead as a door nail but now I have some help in finding the problem. Internet Intelligence!

@brianhintze6440 7 лет назад

Thank you for taking the time to make this video...it is appreciated.

@marciaschilreff6543 8 лет назад

Im kinda in the same situation as Robin Wrobel that posted a year ago. New starter, new solenoid, new battery, checked the safety switches...replace the blade switch and still nothing. Im thinking a ground for the solenoid, but not sure if the 4th post should be grounded specifically to something.

@fibreflex1 9 лет назад

Great video! Easy to follow and no wasted explanations. Thanks Josh!

@MrDanoconnor 13 лет назад

Great Video....Just one thing..The Small Red Wire From the battery side of the solenoid to the Amp meter and switch Must be checked as well. That is the MAIN JUICE to the ignition switch.

@sjaxkingpin 12 лет назад

You didn't mention the kind of engine on that mower, but when it comes to uneven cranking, I usually think of the compression release debacle for larger briggs and stratton engines. Basically a lobe holds the exaust open a few degrees to make cranking easier and this part goes bad. Solutions of varying difficulty are all over youtube. Just a shot in the dark, but that problem affects more briggs engines that I can count.

@Kienfee 8 лет назад

Performed all the checks and I found my problem to be a defective blade safety switch that would not allow the engine to start. Thanks for the Help!

@kennethp2940 9 лет назад

I have a Snapper RER RE130 that I've had no-crank issues since I bought it new summer of 2013. Most of time I do not any crank when I turn the key. I have to hold the key in the start position for about 15-20 seconds before it starts to crank. That battery has a full charge, all safety switches appear to be engaged. I sit motionless with the key engaged waiting for a crank. I've even changed the key switch once and the solenoid twice, but get the same scenario every time I use the mower. BTW, the mower is still under the 3 year warranty, but since I don't have a trailer it would cost me $80 for the nearest Snapper service center to pickup/drop off the mower, but now think it's my only solution?

@captinbeyond 4 года назад

If you are not sitting in the seat( to make the safety switch there) would you still get voltage going to the solenoid when you turn the key?

@chuckdomingues7268 10 лет назад

great video! I watched it because I'm working on a 2001 Yamaha waverunner Gp1200r and when I try to start it all I'm getting is a loud buzzing noice from my solenoid. I think its going to be my starter, because the last time I used it I flooded the engine for a while before I noticed it. l was lucky I didn't mess up the engine. I own a extra starter and I'm going to try that first.

@donaldfafard 9 лет назад

so what was the problemo ?

@larrylynn2218 11 лет назад

My battery has 12 volts. New starter and has worked well until today. I get a "Clunk" when I turn the key to start. Double checked battery for 12v and fine. Just a clunk when I try and start. Clunk, Clunk... Will not spin engine.. I did wash it real good after last cutting and sprayed water around the solenoid.... Craftsman Lawn tractor. ... thx, Larry

@metalinmotionshop 12 лет назад

@Quick2000 - This should eliminate the solenoid since its engaging the starter and thus spinning the engine. However there is a possibility that a switch could hinder the ignition coil from firing the spark plug. -josh@metalinmotionshop

@dno440 9 лет назад

Thanks for the info; but hey are there solenoids with only two posts? I have a Craftsman 42A707 B&S engine/rider Mower Model # 9172565 and it looks like there is only two spots that wires are being attached too...

@metalinmotionshop 12 лет назад

@85hokieRock - Thanks you so much! I really appreciate the compliment. Josh@metalinmotionshop

@nurlatifahmohdnor8939 2 года назад

This book that is printed in Italy is the best so far. About Jaws. Je-rung.

@jlcsr09 11 лет назад

On some there is an oil switch, if it detects the engine is dangerously low on oil, then it will keep you from starting it and running it out completely. Although usually it will reset once the oil runs back down the reservoir after sitting level.

@Slowpoke5055 3 года назад

Love your vids, thanks Josh.

@Tomtinker1 13 лет назад

Thanks for a great video on how to check the solenoid!

@buggee65 10 лет назад

I know very little about riding mowers and am trying to fix my own I bought a new solenoid and took a photo of the old one and which wires went where - unfortunately I accidently deleted the photo. If I sent a new photo of the solenoid and connections could you tell me which ones go where?

@danthompson4879 10 лет назад

I have a 3 yr old 60" Country Clipper Jazee Pro with a 24 HP Kohler motor. Mower backfired (I think from running out of gas), filled gas, no spark. Found a blown 30a fuse. Replaced fuse. Now, motor turns over when key is in run position! Solenoid? Any help in figuring this out would be appreciated. Multimeter in hand. Thanks.

@DaPainterDude 6 лет назад

I have a 2015 T3200 Craftsman riding mower. Ran great last fall. stored in the garage for winter, pull it out today and added fresh gas to about 1/4 that was already in it. Mower will turn over but not firing or trying to start.. I took the fairly new plugs out and cleaned them up with a little sand paper on both ends of the plug, it still will not fire. Any ideas what I could check for to help diagnose the problem. Thank you ahead of time for any advice you can give me. Ric

@robinwrobel152 9 лет назад

I have replaced the solenoid and im still not getting any turn. Acts like no power at all. When I turn the key I hear nothing. What else could it be. I had battery checked also.I just put a new starter on last summer. You sound so smart I know you can help me. I want to tear out all safety switch but haven't found them yet.

@leemorgan4037 9 лет назад

***** hi mam im Lee its probably the safety switch on the blade

@Carissasbeautyquest 12 лет назад

My training says that if its 11.8 volts or lower its considered a dead battery. Or in your case potentially a bad cell in the battery. I would take is and have it charged and load tested to see if it can be reused. You local auto parts can usually do that.- Josh

@danielbarnatt9332 5 лет назад

Hey you just fixed my lawn mower! Thanks

@915darby 10 лет назад

My nephew connected a battery charger to the starter solenoid instead of battery posts!!! ??? and tried to start there were sparks and wouldnt turn over (of course) I checked the battery and it is still good. how do i check to see if the solenoid is still good and change if not, or could it have damaged the starter itself and how would i check and repair that posibilty or any other choices??? Please help the lawn needs mowed ASAP

@backyardsounds 11 лет назад

Great videos, Josh. TY very much. I have a Husqvarna with starting issues. Won't turn over and the run time timer disappeared, which tells me it may be the switch.

@TinyHouseCustoms 6 лет назад

If I have a 3 point can I use a 4 point and connect the black to that fourth point instead of the base of it??

@joetheboxertkd 7 лет назад

Hey Josh My mower just clicks. I think my solenoid is connected to the fuel line. I own a Pollouan. Has a 19.5 HP Briggs and starton mower.

@LiveLooperApp 10 лет назад

Thanks. Tested and replaced solenoid and now up and running.

@AriesRocker68 3 года назад

Just a question, I was wondering if during the test on a 3 post solenoid on my Cub Cadet 1554 from 2006, do I not have to connect any test cable from my multimeter to the post on the upper left of the solenoid or simply do as you did in the video? I tested it as you did and Solenoid is apparently Ok but mower still won’t start but clicks once when I turn key to Start. Battery is good, key switch. Is the next step the starter on side of engine?

@metalinmotionshop 3 года назад

Hi Ed, I really need to update this video, since it’s been 10 years or so since it was posted. Essentially whatever cable comes in from the battery positive to the top of that solenoid, make sure you have battery voltage there at the solenoid. When you turn the key to the start position, make sure you have battery voltage on the opposite big solenoid post that goes to the starter cable. If your solenoid is clicking then you know you have power and ground activating the solenoid, but you may not be getting any voltage through the solenoid. This is where you would test for voltage either on top of the solenoid starter cable side or directly on the starter post. Battery voltage there mean functioning solenoid. No voltage there mean Id switch out the solenoid (if it was still making a clicking noise like you said).

@Luigi-yu5wv 7 лет назад

Nice job explaining the ins n outs. Thanks!

@TwinTurbo74 10 лет назад

Cheers mate! I really appreciate it You just fixed my mower !

@guitar1195 11 лет назад

How specific do the solenoids have to be? Does it just have to be a 3 prong or 4 prong depending on the mower or does it have to be the specific part for that mower?

@lawrenceholman6387 9 лет назад

I have a craftsman lts1500 Briggs &Stratton 17.5 hp. I've clean just about everything possible but the mower will only run on high. The throttle has to be half way to start. Have you or anyone self run into this problem?

@HollywoodMGB3 9 лет назад

What if you get less then 12 volts through wire like 9. ?.......I have good battery test, good power lead to solenoid. Also no power through solenoid to starter. Thanks in advance

@PastorWagnerSouzaMello 2 года назад

very good, thanks friend, I'm fixing a MURRAY 18.5 HP TRAPP cleared my doubts, great explanation I'll subscribe to your channel 🇧🇷 🇧🇷 🇧🇷

@rmacphotography 13 лет назад

Very professional video, good information, very detailed.

@metalinmotionshop 12 лет назад

@CMink7777 - Did you test all of the safety switches (neutral safety switch)? I believe its the little orange wire that you are wanting 12v too, not the black one, and you want voltage to that wire with the key being held in the cranking position. If you or I could locate a wire schematic it would help greatly, because we could see exactly whats on the starting circuit ( i.e relays, fuses, connectors, etc) If you can post the model # and serial # off of the toro that would be great.

@rickeykeeton4770 6 лет назад

Can a 3 pole be used instead of a 4 pole if the griund wire is left off?

@blown6976 3 года назад

Nice video i would add that a battery can have 12 volts but have hardly no cranking amps.

@fred306801 11 лет назад

Safety switches are there to protect you. Yea they can be a pain, and expensive to replace. The simple way to check if its a bad switch is to locate the coil. It should have one black wire connected to it. Unplug that wire IF the mower starts then you know its a bad switch or connection. Once it starts the you will have to reconnect that wire OR ground out the coil or plug.

@metalinmotionshop 12 лет назад

The wire coming from your battery will have 12 volts. The other big wire going from your solenoid to your starter with only have 12 volts when you turn and hold the key in the crank position, providing your key switch and solenoid are good. If you do not have 12 volts, I would pull the little wire on the bottom left of the solenoid and test for 12 volts while holding the key in the crank position. If no volts there, it will not engage the solenoid and thus no volts on that other big wire. - Josh

@85hokieRock 12 лет назад

Yes - does it spin "fast" or slow? Sometimes a weak battery will spin the engine too slow to start. If slow, have someone "jump" the battery and see if it spins faster to start. If it spin fast as normal then you need to look for fuel or spark or compression problems.

@001hamish 11 лет назад

Awesome video! Very clear and concise. Thanks for the help!

@Savage_420 11 лет назад

I tested my solenoid (4 pole) the way you said too. When i tested the wire it was all good at 12V. Hooked the wire bac k up and then tested the pole as you've shown. Here is the issue though, when its all hooked up to test and im NOT turning the key it will read at 12V, but when i turn the key ON it will go back to zero or read real low like 3V or so. So its backwards reading or whats my problem. Thanx

@erwinerwin1245 4 года назад

Would testing for 12 volts at the starter be the same thing. Like meter the red wire connected at the starter and with key off, zero volts, turn on key and 12 volts............would that proof that the solenoid switch is good or does one have to test it at the switch . My switch is almost impossible to get at without removing the engine.

@metalinmotionshop 4 года назад

Yes, if you are getting 12 volts at the starter.... it will probably be a little less than that due to voltage drop… that will prove that your solenoid is functioning. I know what you mean. Some of those starter solenoids are buried way up under the rear fender and can be a pain to get to.

@erwinerwin1245 4 года назад

Thanks kindly for your reply and great info..

@cynthiakey1258 3 года назад

Thanks. Good explanation.

@flowerm4n 12 лет назад

josh i wonder if you could help me ? i have a westwood t1600 and im having trouble starting it off the key. i can jump it if i bridge the solenoid posts, so i replaced the solenoid with a new one, but i still have the same trouble, it will still only start via bridging the posts on the solenoid, could you advise me where to go from here thanks

@lewishawks2258 5 лет назад

I got a question on a three wire solenoid the hot wire is ok the little wire got power on it when you turn the switch on but no power on the other wire going to the start er what do think

@metalinmotionshop 5 лет назад

Power coming into the solenoid and power energizing the solenoid, but nothing coming out of the solenoid. Check for a good ground on the solenoid base first. If thats good and there is no clicking, try tapping the solenoid when you’re cranking. If still nothing then the contacts in the solenoid are probably burned preventing current flow and it need to be replaced.

@RyansShit4209 10 лет назад

So the solenoid is a little container with the positive wire going to it?

@MrHalfpint32 7 лет назад

I am showing -12.54 on my little wire that comes off a 4 pole . Any ideas?

@jimburnsjr. 7 лет назад

Great video... professional n clean... thank you very much

@jeffp6877 6 лет назад

I have to tap on starter to get engine to crank bought new starter still the same thing any suggestions

@myadventuresincooking6331 7 лет назад

so can any three pole work if the lawn mower is set up for a 3 pole

@joey102578 12 лет назад

if one of your saftey switches is bad would you still be able to jump the solenoid?

@udo4accept 13 лет назад

hey josh, on my 4 pole solenoid, the side that connects to the battery has 12 volts, but the other big terminal is shorted to ground (thus NOT having 12v). obviously not right. any idea's?!

@4343Jonathan 11 лет назад

probably crossion or a lose wire or a postive wire it grounded out some where on the frame. it can lose alot of juice from the battery to the starter with some of those very common problems.

@CMink7777 12 лет назад

I have a commercial mower. Runs when solenoid tripped. Just bought a new key switch and solenoid. There are 3 small wires: red, orange, and black. No power to small post when key turned. Continuity is good on two safety switches. Little black wire not lighting up when i hook it to a test light and touch battery.any ideas? If its safety switch related is there any way to just bypass ? i.e. run a little power wire from large to small post to power it? Thank you, chris.

@agpawpaw5912 2 года назад

Is it possible solenoid is stuck when starter is running and it’s not stop even when I turn ignition off?

@jludtxs 11 лет назад

do you have to press the brake or the seat switch for this test to work?

@TimODon87 11 лет назад

Great video my mower starts if i use a screwdriver to jump the solenoid terminals so im am guessing after watching this video that its a bad ground or bad solenoid Thank you

@nurlatifahmohdnor8939 2 года назад

In the old day. I was 11. 1991. I mean the programming language. From A promp to B promt. dir/w. My computer teacher at that time is Miss N.A.

@metalinmotionshop 13 лет назад

What test have you done to determine that your solenoid is good? Bring me up to speed with what you have done.-josh@metalinmotionshop

@mtnbiker49 12 лет назад

So, I got an old Agway tractor that hadn't been used for a year. I did all the necessary maintenance and got a new battery, but when I turn the key to start it, I get either a click or steady whine coming out of the solenoid. Is that bad?

@davegregory5478 7 лет назад

mtnbiker49

@illgiveitashot 12 лет назад

Will a weak battery measuring 10.5V be enough to crank the engine?

@JQUICK21 12 лет назад

My Craftsman tractor will not start, but it does try to turn over and does spin. Does this eliminate the Selenoid since it spins? Will it try to turn over if one of the switches is bad?