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TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptoms
Probable Causes
Suggested Remedies
Battery is dead
Key switch was not left in the off position.
Switch key to off position.
Disconnect and recharge battery.
Battery is worn out or defective.
Replace battery.
Starter solenoid defective.
Replace starter solenoid.
Battery will not charge
Battery connections are loose or corroded.
Clean and tighten battery connections.
Battery is worn out or defective.
Replace battery as soon as possible.
Brakes are sticking (won’t release)
Master cylinder linkage is out of adjustment.
Adjust master cylinder linkage.
Master cylinder return spring is broken.
Replace master cylinder return spring.
Ground debris in brake linkage.
Clean debris from brake linkage.
Brakes don’t function
Master cylinder oil level is low.
Add brake fluid to the master cylinder.
Brake line is broken.
Replace brake line and bleed brake system.
Brake line has air in it.
Bleed brake system and add brake fluid.
Master cylinder is defective.
Replace master cylinder.
Electrical System does not work
Electrical fuse is blown or missing.
Replace electrical fuse.
Battery connections are loose or corroded.
Clean and tighten battery connections.
Battery is worn out or defective.
Replace battery.
Ignition switch is defective.
Replace ignition switch.
Engine backfires
Spark plug is fouled.
Replace or clean spark plug.
Fuel solenoid is stuck.
See Engine Manual.
Air intake restrictor upstream of air cleaner is
missing or incorrectly installed.
Replace or correctly install air intake
restrictor.
Throttle cable is defective or out of adjustment. Clean and oil throttle cable. Replace worn or
damaged cable.
Engine knocks
Engine speed is set too low.
See your
Ariens
dealer.
Fuel is stale or dirty.
Replace fuel with new fuel.
Engine overheats
Engine cooling fins are plugged.
Allow engine to cool. Clean cooling fins with
high pressure air.
Engine oil level is low.
Add specified engine oil.
Carburetor air intake tube is plugged.
Clean air intake tube.
Air cleaning element is plugged or missing.
Replace or clean air cleaner with air.
Engine loses power
Throttle cable is faulty, sticking or out of
adjustment.
Clean, adjust and oil throttle cable. Replace
worn or damaged cable.
Choke cable is sticking.
Clean and oil choke cable. Replace worn or
damaged cable.
Spark plugs are defective.
Replace spark plugs.
Spark plugs are fouled.
Clean spark plugs or replace.
Fuel supply is restricted.
Check for dirt in fuel filter and tank.
Fuel line is plugged, pinched, or kinked.
Clean or replace fuel line.
Fuel leaks into the crankcase.
Clean or replace fouled spark plugs.
Verify that choke is not stuck on.
Engine oil level is high.
Drain excess oil, check for gas in the oil.
Change if gas is present.
Fuel octane is incorrect.
See engine owners manual
Air cleaning element is plugged.
Replace or clean air cleaner with air.
Engine is overheating.
See Symptoms for engine overheating.