If you turn the key or pull the cord and your lawn mower doesn’t even try to turn over, you’re facing one of the most frustrating yard care problems: a mower that’s not cranking. Whether it’s a riding mower, push mower with electric start, or a basic recoil model, the good news is most “no crank” issues are fixable at home with basic tools. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons your mower won’t crank, step-by-step troubleshooting, and what to do to get your mower running again.
Quick Picks: Most Common Reasons a Lawn Mower Won’t Crank
- Dead Battery: The most common cause for electric start mowers—no power, no crank.
- Loose or Corroded Battery Connections: Poor connections prevent current from reaching the starter.
- Blown Fuse or Faulty Ignition Switch: No power to the starter circuit.
- Faulty Starter Motor or Solenoid: No “click” or “whirr” when you turn the key.
- Disengaged or Broken Safety Switch: Many mowers won’t crank if the brake, blade, or seat switches are not activated.
- Seized Engine: Extremely rare, but if the engine has no movement at all, it may be locked up due to lack of oil or mechanical failure.
- Damaged or Broken Pull Cord: On manual models, the recoil starter may be jammed, broken, or disconnected.
Buyer’s Guide: Tools & Supplies for Diagnosis and Repair
- Multimeter: For checking voltage and continuity.
- Socket set & screwdrivers: For battery, starter, and switch access.
- Replacement fuse: For blown circuits.
- New battery or charger: For dead batteries.
- Starter solenoid or switch: If faulty.
- Terminal cleaner or wire brush: For battery posts.
- Gloves and safety glasses: For safe repairs.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Lawn Mower That Won’t Crank
1. Check the Battery (Electric Start & Riding Mowers)
- Test battery voltage with a multimeter. A healthy 12V battery should read 12.4–12.8 volts.
- If voltage is below 12V, try recharging. If it won’t hold a charge, replace the battery.
- Inspect terminals for corrosion or loose connections. Clean and tighten as needed.
2. Inspect Fuses and Safety Switches
- Find the fuse in the wiring harness (see your manual for location) and replace if blown.
- Check all safety switches: seat, blade, brake, PTO. All must be in the proper position for the mower to crank.
- Jiggle or manually test switches—replace if they feel loose or don’t “click.”
3. Test the Ignition Switch and Starter Solenoid
- Turn the key and listen for a click or starter noise. No sound often means the solenoid or ignition switch is faulty.
- Use a multimeter to check for voltage at the solenoid when turning the key. If no power is reaching it, replace the ignition switch.
- If you have power but the solenoid does not “click,” the solenoid or starter is likely bad.
4. Check and Replace the Starter Motor (If Needed)
- If the battery and solenoid are good but the engine doesn’t turn, the starter motor could be at fault.
- Remove the starter and bench-test by connecting it directly to a 12V battery.
- If it doesn’t spin, replace the starter motor.
5. Inspect for a Seized Engine
- Try to rotate the engine by hand (remove the spark plug first for safety).
- If it won’t turn, the engine may be seized. This could require professional repair or replacement.
- Low or no oil is the most common cause—always check oil before running your mower.
6. For Pull-Start Mowers: Check the Recoil Starter and Cord
- Does the cord pull smoothly? If not, remove the recoil starter and check for tangles, jams, or broken springs.
- If the cord is frayed, broken, or jammed, replace or rewind as needed.
- Make sure the flywheel is free to spin when the cord is pulled.
Comparison Table: No-Crank Lawn Mower Issues & Solutions
| Problem | Solution | Difficulty | Parts Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dead Battery | Recharge or replace battery | Easy | Battery, charger |
| Corroded Connections | Clean and tighten terminals | Easy | Wire brush |
| Blown Fuse | Replace fuse | Easy | Correct fuse |
| Bad Starter/Solenoid | Replace solenoid or starter | Medium | Solenoid, starter motor |
| Faulty Safety Switch | Adjust or replace switch | Easy | Replacement switch |
| Seized Engine | Add oil, attempt to free up, or repair engine | Hard | Oil, professional help |
| Broken Pull Cord | Replace or rewind cord | Easy-Medium | Starter rope, tools |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my riding mower click but not crank?
This usually points to a weak battery, bad solenoid, or corroded terminals. Test voltage and connections first.
Can I jump-start my mower with a car?
Yes—jump a 12V mower battery with a car battery, but only with the car turned off to avoid damaging the mower’s electrical system.
Why doesn’t my pull cord move at all?
The recoil starter may be jammed, or the engine could be seized. Remove the starter and check for tangles, then test engine movement by hand.
What regular maintenance prevents no-crank issues?
- Charge and test your battery before each mowing season.
- Clean battery terminals and keep connections tight.
- Inspect starter cords and switches annually.
- Keep oil topped up and change every season.
When should I call a professional?
If the engine is seized, major electrical repairs are needed, or you’re not comfortable with disassembly, a small engine shop is your best bet.
Conclusion
A lawn mower that won’t crank doesn’t mean your mowing season is over. With a methodical approach—checking batteries, connections, fuses, switches, and starter parts—you can solve most problems yourself. Regular maintenance and pre-season checks will keep your mower ready to work every time you need it. Don’t let a no-crank mower keep you from a healthy, beautiful lawn!