21
GENERAL
This section of the manual provides troubleshooting and
repair instructions for the more common and easily cor-
rected problems. For other problems, it is recommended
that you contact your dealer. Locate the problem that
best describes the trouble that you have encountered.
Check the possible causes one at a time, in the order
that they are listed.
TROUBLESHOOTING THE RIDER
Engine will not turnover or start.
1. Ground speed control lever not in neutral-start position.
Shift into neutral.
2. PTO (electric clutch) switch in ON position. Place in
OFF position.
3. Out of fuel. If engine is hot, allow it to cool, then refill the
fuel tank.
4. Engine flooded.. Move throttle control out of CHOKE
position .
5. Circuit breaker tripped. Wait one minute for automatic
reset. Replace if defective (see your dealer).
6. Battery terminals require cleaning. See Normal Care
section.
7. Battery discharged or dead. Recharge or replace.
8. Wiring loose or broken. Visually check wiring & replace
broken or frayed wires. Tighten loose connections.
9. Solenoid or starter motor faulty. Repair or replace.
10. Safety interlock switch or module faulty. Replace if
needed (see your dealer.)
11. Spark plug(s) faulty, fouled or incorrectly gapped. Clean
and gap or replace. See engine manual.
12. Water in fuel. Drain fuel & refill with fresh fuel.
13. Old stale gas. Drain fuel & replace with fresh fuel.
14. Clutch/brake pedal not depressed.
Engine starts hard or runs poorly.
1. Fuel mixture too rich. Move the throttle control out of the
CHOKE position. If problem persists, clean the air filter.
See engine manual.
2. Carburetor adjusted incorrectly. See engine manual.
3. Spark plug(s) faulty, fouled, or incorrectly gapped.
Clean and gap or replace. See engine manual.
Engine knocks.
1. Low oil level. Check/add oil as required.
2. Using wrong grade oil. See engine manual.
Excessive oil consumption.
1. Engine running too hot. Clean engine fins, blower
screen and air cleaner.
2. Using wrong weight oil. See engine manual.
3. Too much oil in crankcase. Drain excessive oil.
Engine exhaust is black.
1. Dirty air filter. Clean air filter. See engine manual.
2. Chok enot fully opern. Move throttle control out of
CHOKE position. If problem persists, check air filter
and carborator adjustemtns. See engine manual.
Engine runs, but rider will not drive.
1. Ground speed control lever in neutral. Shift in forward
or reverse.
2. (Hydro models only) Transmission release lever in
“push” position. Move into drive position.
3. Belt is broken. See Drive Belt Replacement.
4. Drive belt slips. See problem and cause below.
5. Brake is not fully released. See Brake Adjustment.
Rider drive belt slips.
1. Clutch is out of adjustment. See your dealer.
2. Pulleys or belt greasy or oily. Clean as required.
3. Belt stretched or worn. Replace with correct belt.
4. Idler pulley pivot bracket “frozen” in declutched posi-
tion. Remove idler pulley, clean and lubricate.
Brake will not hold.
1. Brake is incorrectly adjusted. See Brake Adjustment.
2. Internal brake disc on transaxle worn. See your
dealer.
Rider steers hard or handles poorly.
1. Steering linkage is loose. Check and tighten any
loose connections. See Steering Gear Adjustment.
2. Improper tire inflation. Check and correct.
3. Spindle bearings dry. Grease spindles. See
Lubricating the rider.
Troubleshooting & Repair
WARNING
To avoid serious injury, perform maintenance on
the rider or mower only when the engine is
stopped and the parking brake engaged. Always
remove the ignition key, disconnect spark plug
wire and fasten away from the plug before begin-
ning the maintenance, to prevent accidental
starting of the engine.
