Lawnmower No Start Just Clicks Easy DIY Fix Works On Most Mowers. Battery, Solenoid or Starter? 

Check out our Store my-store-cf5bc2.creator-spring.com

I hope this comment helps and saves someone some valuable time. My Cub Cadet Zero turn (Doesn't really matter brand or type), but for the last two years has been either clicking as in this video or nothing at all when turning the switch. It would eventually crank when I ran jumper cables to it thinking the battery was weak. I assumed the solenoid was going bad but I just happened to check the wires that were on the post of the starter since they were right in front of me. They were completely loose even though looking at them they looked tight. I tightened them up on the starter post and it has been cranking every since on the first key turn. I am an old small engine mechanic from the 80s, a lot has changed from then to now, but the basics are the same. I could have kicked myself for not checking something SO simple. Maybe this helps someone in the future. Great video and info on how the solenoid switch works also. I subscribed also, thank you again.

Brand new battery, brand new starter/solenoid... still getting the same exact clicking sound you're getting.

Thank you for taking the time to explain… You sure helped this single mom who’s dad helped her with all repairs but sadly just passed away!! Gosh Idk what I’m gonna do w/o him😢 guess utube’s gonna be my go to!!😂💪🏼

You located the solenoid for me, thank you. I didn't even know what one was, much less what it looked like. Now I can point to it and say to my wife, "Look. Right there is the solenoid." She will think I'm swell!----Seriously, I thank you because now

I'm not suggesting you do this because I'm a silly sap but I just use a screwdriver and I cross on the solenoid and if the motor kicks over then I know I got a bad solenoid cuz I don't know about anybody else but I don't have time to be poking and prodding ...😄

👍

Ive been watching videos for about 3 days now in hopes of finding a answer to why my zero turn just clicks but won't start. It would start with jumping the solenoid though. This is the only video ive found that breaks each and every thing down and he actually shows you how to test everything and how to fix it. If it wasnt this video it was another one of his videos, but what i needed i found in this one. Thank you for your time and effort. I read where someone said theyre dad isnt around anymore and i just want to say mine isnt either. He would of showed me how to fix it usually but now im relying on ol RU-vid. Thank you sir snd keep up the good work

The melted solenoid probably came to pass from the other starter shorting out. Blessings

One of the clearest videos I've ever seen on troubleshooting an electrical problem. Thank you!

One thing I really appreciate is how you don't put down lower grade mowers. Taryl is always bashing MTD mowers, but those are what most people can afford. I have three mowers. I have an X320 John Deere, and it's done a great job. But so has the little Troy-Bilt Bronco I have... 750 hours on it, single piston Briggs... can't complain at all. :)

try this easy test find bad solenoid turn key only get click stop go to solenoid short 2 big bolts on top of solenoid this will spin starter if battery is good replace solenoid 2min test very easy

Great easy going tutorial!! Guy's as mellow as Bob Ross on PBS chillin art show!! Thank you Sir! God Bless you & yours

You sound like my pops. Loved the video thank you. It helped alot

Awesome video sir!! You went the extra mile explaining the difference between the 3 post and 4 post without making it complicated. Very nice my good man!

Good video. Thank you. P.S. What happens to me every two years or so, is somehow I manage to pull up the blade engagement knob when the tractor was just sitting.......don't know how I do that {; -)

Thanks for the insights into troubleshooting this tractor. I've got a LXT 1046 that has the same problem. So tomorrow, I'll be going to the hardware store to get a test light and see where my issue is. You probably saved me a bunch of money.

Took me forever to find a video that displayed my exact problem with my Cub cadet. Can't thank you enough

MTD uses really crappy ground and power cables. Change at least the ground wire to a thicker one and you'll eliminate the starter drag. I've owned somewhere around 40 of these and have 2 or three on the place at all times.

One of the best explanations I’ve seen on solenoids! You make some great videos, I’m Very glad I found your channel

Great help! I had the wiring wrong when I put back together and your explanation was the most thorough I have seen anywhere!

I appreciate the information and the time you take to show how to diagnose issues. Thanks! Very good videos.

Snapper RE 110 - New Battery, New Solenoid - New Key Switch - New carburetor as it failed as they often do on the rear engine mowers - Added fuel shut off valve to better control flow of fuel and storage during winter - I have no sound upon turning of key trying to start the mower - Check the Starter next I suppose, I have to check the starter...

My mower isn’t making any sounds.! I believe a loved one of mine put the battery in wrong, is replacing this still what I have going on.

Raley, is the kill wire you pulled off a ground? My v-twin started to keep running on and back firing. Very educational video.

Thank you for this in depth video this helped me so much.followed you just from this first video I watched.

Thanks for explaining how to disconnect a battery, a friend of mine was working on his mower, he said he was disconnecting the battery and his wrench shorted out, he said he couldn't get ahold of wrench and the battery blew up and destroyed his mower

thank you min dos the same thaing

You're a wonderful Teacher! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and presenting it, in such a clear and understandable manner! You demystify and diagnose, the most beneficial issues/problems, helping those of us that are willing to dive in, but lack your wisdom & confidence. Thank you. I'll get my Cub Cadet, back to cutting, in your honor! Wishing you all the best.

If you put a volt meter across the big posts on the solenoid and you get continuity, Does that mean the solenoid is bad ?

Thanks so much for taking the time to video and share your wisdom and expertise. Solved the mower no start issue. Really helpful for no knowledge mechanical problem solving. Best helps on RU-vid. Mucho Gracias

This was so helpful, thank you very much!

Helped me a bunch, thanks..

Video might be 2 yrs old but it may just helped me. My cub is doing this exact thing. I replaced an old (2012) battery and didn’t get it to start so I ordered a solenoid and spark plugs. Hoping this works. With the mower out of commission I had to push mow and it took me 3 days to mow an acre. I’m no mechanic and don’t know anyone to help me so this video was helpful.

PSA- make sure the mowing deck is not on, it makes the same noise when trying to start it when the deck is on…

Thank you, this was excellent and very educational!

Is that gap pretty standard on the valves? I'm working on a Kohler CV15S. The manual says do not attempt at home. I guess they didn't have RU-vid back then when they wrote the manual.

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

Brother you need to audition to do some voice acting for video games about hunting LOL I'm telling you man you've got the perfect voice for it!

Thank you for the detailed explanation. My 2 year old loves tractors and likes to play on our LT1050. You mentioning that the solenoid was burnt out likely due to someone holding the key on immediately told me how I ended up here. Thank you for both teaching me to fix my mower AND a new rule for my son when he plays on the mower haha.

Thanks and I did subscribe as I am having this issue now and needed some help so now I can start to give it a go.

Hey bud so, I don’t have a “click” sound. I hooked up the battery to a charger but it fails to turn on the “connected” light on the charger. I know the charger works but it doesn’t recognize that it’s connected. Any ideas ?

Thank you, for posting this video it was clear and simple . I follow step by step and got started. We had same issue.

Love the @ 1 minute Sound Effects! That's what I had, a bad battery. I didn't think it was since I just bough a new one from Lowe's but it was bad, swapped it out and if fired up. Thanks for the information and sound effect :)

Learned a lot. Bit intimidated. But all my repair men retired.

Nice description on the 2 different solenoids T - Bone. Those engineers stayed up late to determine where to put that solenoid that wouldnt make sense to anybody! There next choice was inside the headlight assembly. Lol. 🚜👍🇺🇸Roger

I don’t usually leave comments, but thanks for sharing the wisdom and enjoyed your video!

Great instructive video Sir… I have this same Cub with same problem … I feel confident today to solve it … thanks .. I ll now get it done

Very informative, thank you sir! You are feeding my learning hunger. God bless!

Help please i have a 2007 bolens briggs 15 hp the starter is getting ground at the red thick wire

Very good tutorial on a solenoid. You wonder how many good starters were replaced just because of a bad solenoid.

Great video. Thank you!

Very Goodm Thank You

I have a solenoid driving me crazy in the John Deere 4600. It keeps on getting gummed up, so in order to start it, I have to remove it, plunge it a few times, put it back in and it starts. It's a new one too, the last time I replaced it, I made it 5 years before problems started.

Good video, but if you would just show the wire hookup on the switch for a 4 post. I have recommended this video but homeowners want to see the wiring all connected before this is installed. It is well explained but for someone who wants to work on their own a picture of the 4 post totally wired would help them. I have shown a few customers and I always tell them to watch your video's but some just need to see the switch wiring all finished before it is installed. I have drawn some a diagram but just a pic of it would be so easy. Thanks man, you know your stuff, I watch your video's when I get stuck on something!

Man, you confusing me more than I was before I started

Yup! The solenoid is just an electromagnetic switch.

mine works without the extra wire but its hard cranking. Can it still be the wire? Starter is pretty hot.

You do an excellent job of explaining how things work! Thank you for sharing!

Recently came across your channel and I have to say you do a very good job of explaining things. This video is no exception. Please Please just ignore the haters and those who have nothing positive to say. Keep doing what you are doing

Good job T-bone you are very talented

Thanks Mr raley, it seemed an odd place to put a solenoid🤷‍♂️ also taking the negative terminal off before the positive was a good tip thank you sir 👍

I tried this and replaced both the solenoid and starter but still same issue just clicks

Does the seat switch have to be engaged by sitting or other pressure to start? TIA

Very helpful

Excellent information Sir, Very well explained, thank you!

Good video brother, thanks..

Great job on the explanation t bone. The 3 post always seem to be a little finicky with grounding. Sometimes I’ll try and just convert to a 4 post just for peace of mind. Stay warm out there brother.

Thank you for this video! I’m having this very problem on my very same lawn tractor…

Thank my traktor drive ❤❤❤❤

Grate information this was excellent what I needed

Thanks for the help. Exactly what my problem was.

Exactly what I was looking for! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Thanks. Showed me exactly what i needed to know.

One of the best instructions video I have ever seen. I had this same problem and watching this video helped me fix my problem.

Why would smoke come from the starter cable?

I am so glad I had this knowlage when working on my dads old lawnmower

Thank you sir

Again great Instructional video. Clear and concise easy to follow. Thankyou Sir.

So funny...all those different colors, newest models, different names...most of them made by the same company. Repairs pretty much the same too. Great video again. Thanks.

Great video your explanation so clear you take your time you communicate very well. Thank you.

Great video, Thanks..

Good video. Thanks.

Thank you so much for this lesson. I am having a problem with my tractor and I'm not savvy about this stuff at all. I have the solenoid wired up, but it's still not communicating. My question is... if one of the smaller wire connections can still (barely) move, it's not tight enough... does it absolutely have to be frozen in place to make it work? Thanks again for your video!

I wish you had my lawnmower to work on!!! Great video.

I had a similar problem, solenoid just clicked, everything tested ok, starter wouldn't move,12+ volts to starter, bought new starter , same thing. In desperation i cleaned off aluminum frame that starter is grounded to,it didn't look too bad but after i cleaned it it started right up! ( I used new nuts and copper washer as well) bottom line- make sure your starter is grounded well.

My solenoid clicked because the engine was on the compression stroke when trying to start. I could manually move engine by compression stroke and it was crank fine. I replaced 220 CCA battery with a 350 CCA battery and it fixed my problem. Has started fine ever since.

My toro timecutter had a 4 post solenoid. Sometimes it starts no problem, sometimes it just clicks. Very irritating, I thought my battery was draining. Got to the yard, wouldn’t start, would just click. Went all the way home, started right up every time. What do you think it is? It’s a newer mower.

Very good explanation about the solenoid also known as the goer according to my daughter. Great job as usual.

This is the best taught video I've ever seen. Thank you so much.

Thanks for taking the time and steps to explain everything!!!

THANK YOU SIR, LEARNED SOMETHING TODAY, GOD BLESS

I have a John Deere G110. No crank but fuel solenoid clicks. Battery, starter and solenoid, fuses and all switches are known good. Any ideas? Thanks

Another great lesson made simple! Awesome 💪🏽

Wow! I hope i can remember all tha t when i go into the barn to work on my macine. Thing is, i replaced the solenoid (and battery) last year; I've just replaced the carburettor. Won't turn over. I want to check for spark but am working on my owh. Bought a remote start switch for such a situation but never had to use it ...until now, and can't find the instructions! Any ideas, people??? Thanks.

Thank you very much for your help when diagnosing this problem

I had this same problem on my 2006 Yardworks riding mower. Up until this video, I never knew how to test a solenoid. Thanx for that demo. So I was jumping from battery to starter to get it running. Turns out it was the inside nut on the starter stud where your positive connects. I was cleaning connections this spring when I realized what the problem was. 1/4 turn is all it needed. It started up right after I got everything put back together.

Good work my friend, thanks

Great video T-Bone! That was a great explanation as to the difference between 3 and 4 post solenoids. Keep it up brother!

Great video ! Thanks. And your accent makes it more like "folksy" wisdom