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SECTION 12: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Note: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments above, contact your local authorized service dealer
Trouble
Possible
Cause(s)
Corrective Action
Engine will
not crank
Safety switch
button not
depressed.
Battery installed
incorrectly.
Battery is dead
or weak.
Blown fuse or
circuit breaker.
Engine ground
wire loose.
There are two switches in the starting circuit of your unit: the clutch pedal switch and
the deck lift lever switch. Make certain the actuator is fully depressing the buttons on
each switch.
The battery must be installed with negative terminal attached to black ground wire.
Negative terminal is identified at the post by “NEG”, “N” or “-”. The positive terminal,
identified by “POS”, “P” or “+”, must be attached to the big red wire which goes to the
solenoid. All batteries are to be fully charged before installing. Refer to “Quick Start”
battery guide that came with the operator’s manual.
Check fluid level in battery. If fluid is low, fill to just below split rings with water. Charge
with 6 AMP charger until fully charged.
Refer to operator’s manual for fuse box location. Replace fuse with automotive type
fuse. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. The problem must be corrected. Check for
loose connections in the fuse holder. Replace fuse holder if necessary. A dead short
may be in the cranking or charging circuit where the insulation may have rubbed
through and exposed the bare wire. Replace the wire or repair with electrician's tape if
the wire strands have not been damaged.
Note: Look for a wire pinched between body panels, burned by the exhaust pipe or
muffler or rubbed against a moving part.
Engine should have a black ground wire running from engine to frame or mounting
bolt.
Engine
cranks but
will not start
Throttle or
choke not in
starting position.
No fuel to the
carburetor.
No spark to
spark plug.
Dirty air cleaner.
Check operator's manual for correct position for throttle control and choke for starting.
Gasoline tank empty. Fill.
Fuel line or in-line fuel filter plugged. Remove and clean fuel line. Replace filter if
necessary.
Spark plug lead disconnected. Connect lead. Hold spark plug lead away from engine
block about 1/8". Crank engine. There should be a spark. If not, have engine repaired
at authorized engine service dealer.
Faulty spark plug. To test, remove spark plug. Attach spark plug lead to spark plug.
Ground the spark plug body against the engine block. Crank the engine. The spark
plug should fire at the electrode. Replace if it does not.
If the air cleaner is dirty, the engine may not start. Refer to the engine manual packed
with your unit.
Engine
smokes
Engine oil has
been overfilled.
Engine loses
crankcase
vacuum.
Check oil level.
Dipstick not seated or broken. Replace defective part.
Engine breather defective. Replace.
Excessive
vibration
Bent or
damaged blade.
Bent blade.
Stop engine immediately. Check all pulleys, blade adapters, keys and bolts for
tightness and spindle damage. Tighten or replace any damaged parts.
Stop engine immediately. Replace damaged blade. Only use original equipment
blades.
Mower will
not
discharge
grass or
leaves
uncut strips
Engine speed
low.
Speed selection.
Cutting height
set too low.
Blades short or
dull.
Throttle must be set at full throttle.
Use lower ground speed. The slower your ground speed, the better the quality of cut.
Raise deck.
Sharpen or replace blades (uncut strip problem only).
