- Check that the mower’s starting key is in the “off” position, then remove the key from the ignition.
- Look along the mower’s frame or back of the engine compartment to locate the solenoid. ...
- Make a note of where each of the large cables and small wires go on the old solenoid, or draw a diagram of the wire connections.
- Remove the old solenoid from the mower by undoing the bolts holding it in place. ...
- Note the model number and serial number of your riding mower. You will need this information to obtain a replacement solenoid that fits.
How to install a solenoid on a craftsman lawn tractor?
How to Install a Solenoid on a Craftsman Lawn Tractor 1 Open the front engine hood of your Craftsman lawn tractor and look at the battery. ... 2 Locate the solenoid on the engine's frame between the battery and the starter. The red positive battery wire also connects to the solenoid. 3 Remove the wire harness from the solenoid. ... More items...
How do you replace a starter solenoid on a riding lawn mower?
Pull the wires from the coil spades. Remove the starter solenoid mounting bolt from the mower frame. Rotate the starter solenoid forward and pull it out of the mower. Transfer the mounting clip from the old starter solenoid to the new one. Position the new starter solenoid on the frame and install the mounting bolt.
How do you test a starter motor on a riding mower?
Step 1 – If the riding mower’s starter motor does not move or is unresponsive when you turn the ignition key, you need to test the solenoid. Step 2 – If you are unaware the solenoid is a small black box that is directly connected to the battery of your mower via a thick red wire.
How do I replace the battery in a craftsman lawn tractor?
Open the front engine hood of your Craftsman lawn tractor and look at the battery. Disconnect the red "positive" and black battery cables from the battery using a socket wrench. This is for your own safety. Locate the solenoid on the engine's frame between the battery and the starter. The red positive battery wire also connects to the solenoid.
Where is solenoid on Craftsman riding mower?
Look along the mower's frame or back of the engine compartment to locate the solenoid. On most models, the solenoid is a cylindrical or square palm-sized black device bolted to the mower frame near the engine or bolted on at the back of the engine compartment near the battery.
How do you start a lawn mower with a bad solenoid?
0:241:48Crank a Riding Mower with a bad Starter Solenoid - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd basically when you turn the key it makes it start. And so you take something metal and bridgeMoreAnd basically when you turn the key it makes it start. And so you take something metal and bridge across those two bolts on top you can see and it'll start to.
How do you test a Craftsman starter solenoid?
1:193:04Solenoid Test Craftsman lawn tractor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou clip on to the top of this. And then bring your other end around and you should just be able toMoreYou clip on to the top of this. And then bring your other end around and you should just be able to tap it on the top of this pole. And you should turn the engine.
Can you just replace the solenoid on a starter?
The starter solenoid transfers electricity to the starter motor from the battery when you turn the key in the ignition. If you test your starter solenoid and find that it's bad, you'll need to replace it in order to start the vehicle again.
What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a riding lawn mower?
Symptoms of a Bad Solenoid on a Riding Lawn Mower A riding lawn mower solenoid may be bad when you hear a click or hum when you turn the ignition key and your mower doesn't start. Another indication your solenoid may be bad is when a wire gets hot and begins to smoke or melt.
What are the signs of a bad starter solenoid?
4 Signs of a Bad Starter SolenoidEngine Doesn't Crank or Start. ... No Clicking Noise When Trying to Start the Engine. ... Starter Spins Without Fully Engaging the Flywheel (Rare) ... Engine Cranks Slowly (Rare) ... Test the battery. ... Check That Power is Getting to the Starter Solenoid. ... Test the Starter Solenoid Itself.
Why does my riding mower clicks when I try to start it?
The clicking noise comes from a part called the starter solenoid. The solenoid connects the battery to the starter motor when the solenoid is energized. The key switch and the safety switches in the starter circuit combine to energize the solenoid. If the solenoid is clicking, the circuit that triggers it is working.
Where is the starter solenoid on a riding lawn mower?
0:102:10Replacing a Starter Solenoid on a Riding Lawn Mower - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe retaining tabs and lift the battery box out of the mower body set the box on the fender. NoteMoreThe retaining tabs and lift the battery box out of the mower body set the box on the fender. Note the location of wires connected to the starter solenoid.
When I turn the key on my riding mower nothing happens?
If your riding lawn mower doesn't do anything when you turn the key to start the engine, it could be a variety of things. This video shows you how to pinpoint the cause by checking the riding mower's battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch.
How do you remove a starter solenoid?
0:002:57How To Change A Starter Solenoid. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou have the wire that's feeding the starter on the post here you need to undo that nut which is theMoreYou have the wire that's feeding the starter on the post here you need to undo that nut which is the 13 millimeter. And you remove that.
Where is a starter solenoid located?
It's generally positioned between your vehicle's ignition module and the engine. Solenoids (also typically called starter solenoids or starter relays) operate by receiving both large electrical currents from your vehicle's battery and smaller electrical currents from the ignition system when the car key is turned.
How do I replace a starter solenoid?
How to Replace a Starter-Mounted SolenoidRemove the starter.Remove the field coil strap from the solenoid terminal.Remove the attaching screws and bolts and remove the solenoid housing. ... Install the new solenoid in the reverse order of removal. ... Reconnect the cable and wiring when you install the starter.More items...•
Symptoms common to all riding mowers & tractors
Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs.
Repair guides common to all riding mowers & tractors
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your riding mower or lawn tractor.
Articles and videos common to all riding mowers & tractors
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor.
What is a Craftsman mower?
The Craftsman lawn tractor is a riding lawn mower that features a Briggs and Stratton engine assembly. These tractor mowers can suffer from a number of problems that affect its ability to run properly, and a malfunctioning solenoid that requires replacement is a common culprit.
How to remove the battery wire from a starter?
The red positive battery wire also connects to the solenoid. Turn the bolts counterclockwise with your socket wrench to remove the battery wire. Remove the wire on the opposite side of the solenoid in the same manner.
Can you replace a solenoid on a Craftsman lawn tractor?
Fortunately, you can replace your old solenoid with a new one on your Craftsman lawn tractor regardless of your previous experience with replacing solenoids. Advertisement.
How to check if a Craftsman mower is bad?
Step 1 – If the riding mower’s starter motor does not move or is unresponsive when you turn the ignition key, you need to test the solenoid. Craftsman solenoid location. Step 2 – If you are unaware the solenoid is a small black box ...
Why won't my mower start?
If you have a faulty solenoid your mower won’t start. A solenoid is a low-amp relay system that bridges the high-amperage electrical connection between the battery and the starter motor when you turn the ignition key to start the mower. A defective solenoid denies electric charge to the starter motor thus preventing the mower from starting up.
What is a defective solenoid?
A defective solenoid denies electric charge to the starter motor thus preventing the mower from starting up. A solenoid is basically an electromagnetic switch that needs to work for your mower to start.
How to know if your mower is staring?
Other things that you should also check if you are having issues staring your mower are: 1 – Check the battery charge level of your mower. If the charge is below 12.5 volts you might need to charge the battery before starting the mower. 2- Check all the visible electrical wiring connecting the battery, solenoid, ...
Do riding lawn mowers have electric starting?
Most modern riding lawn mowers are equipped with electric starting systems. These electric starting mechanisms offer great convenience over older methods. By older methods, we mean blowing your arm muscles out ripping the cord to get the mower started. Several essential parts play a part in the working of electric starting systems.