Ignition for lawn mower. How To Test A Lawn Mower Ignition Switch Step-By-Step

How To Test A Lawn Mower Ignition Switch [Step-By-Step]

The ignition switch of a lawn mower is the most crucial component which helps to start the engine. And if your mower fails to turn on, then there is a chance of having an issue in the ignition switch.

To figure out the fault in the switch, you need to understand how the switch works and it’s defective symptoms. And for that you must know how to test a lawn mower ignition switch.

That’s why today I’m here with you. In this article, I will guide you step by step of how you can test a faulty ignition switch. Also, I’ll be providing some symptoms of having a bad ignition switch as well.

In this content you’ll learn:

Symptoms Of A Defective Ignition Switch

If you are facing an issue with your engine, there is a chance of having a faulty ignition switch in your lawn mower. So, if your mower’s ignition switch has any fault, you will notice the following signs.

Key Won’t Turn On

If the key gets stuck and doesn’t turn on to the start state of the engine, then there is a fault in the ignition switch.

Overheating Issue

It’s another prominent issue where one end of the wire might become excessively overheated.

Lawn Mower Stalls

While starting or moving the lawn mower, it might stall after some time.

Engine Won’t Start

Another significant issue is that the engine attempts to start but fails every time. This might be due to faulty or broken ignition switches.

Steps Of Testing A Ignition Switch

Different types of procedure can be followed to test the lawn mower ignition switch with the help of digital and analog multimeter. You can follow any of the methods to test your mower’s ignition switch.

1st Method Of Testing The Ignition Switch

• Get the “fuse panel”, lying under the “steering”, and open it. Now, get the starter signal fuse from the panel and check carefully whether the metal strip is in good condition.
• Change the metal strip with a good one if it’s found to be damaged or defective. Make sure the new one comes with the same amperage as the damaged one.
• Connect the digital multimeter to the positive and negative terminal on the battery. Recheck whether the red lead of the voltmeter is connected to the positive side of the battery.
• The voltmeter marking should be at least 12.6 volt for moving the engine with its full speed. But if it becomes less than 12 volt, then probably the battery is dead.
• To check the ignition switch, start your engine by putting the key to the switch. If the engine fails to start and at the same time, you don’t hear any clicking sound, then the ignition switch isn’t working.

On the other hand, if you are hearing the clicking switch but the engine fails to start, then the issue is in the battery.

Lastly, if the engine starts successfully, both battery and ignition switch are okay.

2nd Method Of Testing The Ignition Switch

Replace the spark plug with an old plug to the end of the boot and power the engine placing the key to the ignition switch.

Now check the ignition switch by checking whether there is a continuous spark to the old plug. If there is no spark, surely the switch of the lawn mower is faulty.

Connect the voltmeter to the coil’s positive and battery’s negative terminal of the lawn mower. If the voltage of the battery is on the positive side, your ignition switch is okay. Otherwise for lower reading, there can be an issue with the switch.

3rd Method Of Testing The Ignition Switch

• For beginners, check the multimeter carefully and turn on the key. Place the multimeter’s positive end to the power supply and the negative end to the distributor’s base.
• Place the key to the running position in the ignition switch and inspect the voltage of the battery using the multimeter.
• If the reading of the voltage is lower than 90% of the main battery’s voltage, then there is a huge chance of having an issue in the ignition switch or wire.

Replacing The Ignition Switch

Once you have done testing the ignition switch, it’s time for taking the necessary steps, depending on the problem. Identify the underlying problem and replace the ignition switch if needed.

Replacing an ignition switch is complex work. However, if you have a good technical knowledge, you can simply change the ignition switch without any trouble. Otherwise, you can visit any nearby engine repair shop to take help from professionals.

Conclusion

In some cases, testing the ignition switch’s issue and resolving it becomes very frustrating and tiresome. But hopefully, following the above method will make your work easier.

Nevertheless, regular cleaning and operating the lawn mower will lessen the tendency of having technical issues in the inner components.

Lawn Mower Parts

Search and shop all the parts you need for your riding lawn equipment and Gator UTV including lawn mower blades, filters, belts, spark plugs, oil, and home maintenance kits.

Find Parts

Search part numbers and John Deere parts diagrams to identify exactly what you need to keep your equipment running smoothly.

Quick Reference Guides

As a John Deere owner, when it’s time to maintain, service or repair your equipment we have easy-to-use information sheets that keep your John Deere equipment running well.

Home Maintenance Kits

Feel confident in tuning up your lawn mower or garden equipment this season with our Home Maintenance Kits. Easily find the right product so you can DIY and save!

Looking for your Serial Number?

Finding your lawn mower’s model number and serial number is as easy as locating the identification tag on your machine. As seen in the example, the model number will be displayed below the MODEL heading (Example: Z235), and the serial number will be underlined on the top-right corner of the tag (Example: 130002).

If you’re looking for the engine number, that can be found directly on the engine itself.

Home and Garden, eat your heart out.

Get the latest on how to care for and enjoy your yard and garden. The articles and videos are informative and the ideas are amazing.

MowerPlus Mobile App

MowerPlus is the app you need to keep your John Deere riding lawn mower running well and your lawn looking great this season. The app tracks and records yard tasks and serves as a one-stop shop for seasonal care tips and maintenance activities. Know your mower and know how you mow with John Deere’s MowerPlus app.

The Right Part. The Right Price.

At John Deere, you get the value of choice for your maintenance and replacement parts for all makes and ages of machines – at any budget.

Genuine Parts

Genuine John Deere Belts Blades are your best choice for your newer machines.

Alternative Parts

Alternative Parts are an economical solution for your John Deere equipment.

The John Deere Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System

Never drain engine oil again.

We’ve changed the oil change. Revolutionized it really. See how fast and easy changing your oil can now be on 100 Series Riding Lawn Tractors with the John Deere Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System. Only from John Deere. Included on the E120, E130, E150, E160, E170, and E180 models.

Step One. Take it off.

Lift the hood. Make sure the engine is cool, then, twist to remove. It’s that simple.

Step Two. Twist and lock.

Grab the new Easy Change™ Canister, twist and lock into place. Make sure the arrow on your Filter System aligns with the arrow on your engine.

Step three. Done.

Close the hood and mow. John Deere recommends the Easy Change™ 30-second Oil Change System every 50 hours or at the end of your mowing season. Don’t drain engine oil ever again.

Draining engine oil is so 2017.

The engine modifications and new technologies are in. The re-envisioned oil filter with a media designed to resist breaking down in oil over time is here. The thousands of hours of testing are done. The end result is an all-in-one, oil and oil filter system like no other. The first of its kind. And thanks to the new John Deere Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System (“System”), you’ll never have to drain the oil from 100 Series Riding Lawn Tractors again.

Here’s why: The new System captures contaminants and recharges your engine with nearly a quart (0.8qt) (0.76 l) of new oil. In fact, this System increases the amount of oil in the engine by nearly 40%. 2 Your engine likes that.

What do you mean, I will never have to drain oil from my engine again? How is that possible? The answer is simple. We have developed a better filtration system and filter design for our 100 Series Riding Lawn Tractors 1. This fully synthetic filter media has greater surface area which increases its capacity to hold harmful contaminants. What’s more, the filter media is designed to resist breaking down in oil over time. Which means you’ll get a cooler running engine. And a cooler running engine and better filtering helps increase engine oil life. John Deere’s recommended oil service for 100 Series Riding Lawn Tractors 1. is to change the System every 50 hours or once a season, whichever comes first. Remember, the System replaces a portion of your engine oil. And that’s plenty.

The System uses John Deere Turf-Gard™ Oil. Using John Deere Turf-Gard™ Oil ensures you are using the exact oil specified by John Deere engineers.

Testing. Testing. Testing. Thanks to thousands of hours of rigorous and extensive testing, you can feel confident your engine will run for years to come.

1 The John Deere Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System is available on E120, E130, E150, E160, E170 and E180 Lawn Tractors today.

2 Compared to similar V-Twin engine models that do not have the John Deere Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System. That includes equivalent Deere 2017 models and 2018 models without the System.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is new with John Deere Riding Lawn Equipment?

We are excited about the exclusive John Deere Easy Change™ 30 second oil change system. Exclusive to John Deere and only available on certain models of the new 100 Series Lawn Tractors. These tractors are designed for ease of use for both operation and maintenance. The John Deere Easy Change™ System (“Easy Change”) allows the user to easily complete the recommended engine oil and filter maintenance in 30 seconds.

What is this new oil change system?

We changed the oil change. The all-in-one oil and oil filter system gives the owner the ability to change a portion of the oil and the filter in less than 30 seconds.

What happens to the rest of the oil in the engine when the Easy Change system is replaced?

The Easy Change system replaces.8 quart of oil. The remaining oil in the engine is refreshed by the charge of new oil included in the replacement Easy Change system. Combined with 40% more engine oil capacity, improved filtration and cooler running temperatures which help extend oil life, it is no longer necessary to remove and dispose of all the oil in your engine during service.

What makes the Easy Change system unique from other filters?

It is not just a filter. It is a newly developed technology system that allows a new “filter” to come already charged with oil and allows you to remove an existing filter and the contaminants inside without tools and without making a mess. Beyond the filter, technology within the canister and on your engine makes this possible.

Models with the Easy Change oil system use a fully synthetic filter that has more capacity to trap and hold contaminants. The larger surface area of the Easy Change canister acts like a radiator helping the oil to stay cool.

Does the Easy Change system somehow decrease the life of the engine?

The John Deere 100 Series lawn tractor models, with and without Easy Change, are specified for the same lifetime and are rigorously tested to the same standards to ensure the life of the tractor meets expectations.

Can I add the Easy change system to an existing tractor?

Because this system also requires unique features within the engine, the Easy Change system cannot be added to an engine that was not equipped with it at the factory.

Can I change all the oil if I choose to?

You could if you wanted to. There is an oil drain plug. It is not required for maintenance.

How often do I need to change the Easy Change canister?

Every 50 hours or once a year. The 100 Series Lawn Tractors with and without the Easy Change system have the same maintenance schedule.

What type of oil is recommended?

We recommend only John Deere Turf-Gard™ 10W30 Oil. The Easy Change canister comes pre-filled with John Deere Turf-Gard™ 10W30 oil.

How do I recycle the old oil?

Many local government recycling programs, authorized retailers, auto repair stations, and auto parts stores will puncture and recycle used oil filters and oil.

Do I ever need to add oil?

Yes. Consistent with our service recommendations for this product, you should check oil level daily and add oil if required.

Lawn Tractor Won’t Start No Click – Fix it now!

Before we assume there’s a problem, let’s take a minute to check that we’re following the correct starting procedure. All mowers will have safety sensors fitted, and if the sensors are open, they won’t start.

So why won’t your lawn tractor start, not even a click? The most common reason for a no start, not even a click sound, is a totally flat battery, but other likely causes include:

A tractor mower won’t start if the blade lever/button is on, manual mowers need to be in Neutral gear, and some mowers won’t allow starting if the oil level is low or the hood is open.

If you are in any doubt about the correct starting procedure for a lawn tractor, check out – “How to Start Husqvarna Ride-on Mower.”

If you do hear a click sound when you turn the key, check out – “Mower Wont Start Just Clicks.”

Check Battery Connections

To test a battery, you need a voltmeter, but if you don’t have one, try this basic check. If your mower has hood lights or dash lights, go ahead and turn them on. If they light up and are bright, your battery is most likely not the problem.

Dash Lights are Dim

Check – Check the battery cables; they should be clean and tight. When connections are loose or corroded, it prevents available power from flowing to the starter.

Charge Battery – If your battery is completely flat, it will take a couple of hours and will require a battery charging hack, or check out this Smart battery charger the NOCO Genius1 on Amazon.com.

Jumpstart Mower – This is the fastest solution, but it may not be the long-term fix. (see Jump starting below)

Battery Check Hack

• Turn on the lights to check for power supply
• If they work – the battery is likely OK
• If lights are dim – check battery cables
• If cables clean and tight – charge battery
• If you have no lights – check battery with a volt meter

Volt Check – Need a voltmeter for this test. Check b attery voltage – 12.65v is 100%, 12.30v is 70%, and 12.05v is 50% charged. This battery needs a charge.

Very low volts indicate the battery is likely faulty, and it may not recharge. To test a battery, it must be charged, so a battery charger may be required. However, it is possible to jump-start the mower (see below), and given time, the mower’s alternator will charge the battery, assuming it isn’t faulty.

Once the battery is sufficiently charged (about 70%), try the crank test.

Battery Crank Test – Attach the Voltmeter and crank over the engine; if the volts read less than nine, replace the battery. (The battery must be over 70% charged for running this test)

Check out the Amazon link below for quality mower batteries delivered to your door.

Voltmeter – If the lights don’t work at all, you’ll need to use a voltmeter to check the battery’s state of charge. You may have blown a fuse (see below).

If you have very low volts, the battery is likely faulty. The average life of a battery is four years, more if well cared for.

Jumper Cables

If you don’t have a charger, you can still get it running, but you’ll need a set of jumper wires, and a car or any 12-volt battery will do the job. Follow this link for a more detailed guide to Jump Starting.

Jumpers – Use good quality jumpers.

If you are unfamiliar with jump-starting, you’ll find a complete guide here, “Jump starting riding mower.”

Add the cables in sequence 1, 2, 3, and 4 to start the mower, and while idling, remove jumper cables in reverse order 4, 3, 2, and 1.

Dash Lights Don’t Work

Main Fuse – If the battery is fully charged and still no go – check the main mower fuse. Some mowers will have the blade-type fuse; others will have the old-style bottle type.

When the fuse blows, all power is lost; changing it is simple. It is important to replace the fuse with the correct amp rating. If the fuse keeps blowing, the rating is too low, or there’s a short-to-ground wiring fault.

Fuse Location – Places they like to hide include under-seat, under the hood, behind the fuel tank, and control module incorporated. Modules are usually under the dash panel.

Replacing the fuse is simple, just pull out the old one and push the new one into place. It’s important to replace it with the correct amp rating. Otherwise, you can damage the wiring circuit and components.

Check Safety Sensors

Riding mowers are designed with safety features built in to protect us from operator error or accident. Safety features on mowers are controlled by sensors/switches, and most modern mowers will wire those sensors into a control module.

The sensors are a very simple on/off switch type and rarely give trouble; it’s more common for the striking plate that pushes on the sensor to be misaligned; when this happens, the sensor is open, and the engine won’t start or stops depending on where the sensors fitted.

Over-riding – Sensors can be overridden for test purposes, remove and join the wires, and some sensors are wired in reverse – meaning, just disconnecting them will override the sensor. You can check sensors for continuity using a voltmeter.

Starting Procedure

As you know, there’s a starting procedure that must be followed before your mower will start. You can check out the starting procedure here – “How to Start a Husqvarna Ride-on Mower.”

There are several sensors that must be engaged; the location and number of sensors are dependent on the make of the mower and differs between manual and hydro-static (type of transmission).

The main sensors are the brake pedal; seat; gear lever; blade engage control switch or lever, and some models, such as John Deere, will have one fitted to the hood (Hood open – no start).

Safety – For our safety, sensors are fitted to the seat, blade engages lever or button, transmission selector, brake pedal, and on some models, the hood. Any of these sensors will prevent your mower from starting.

On older manual transmission mowers, the gear selector wears, and although the selector points to the Neutral position, it’s often still in gear – confirm it’s in Neutral by pushing it forward or back; it should be easy to push.

Sensors – This older style Craftsman / Jonsered / Husqvarna blade lever causes lots of no-start problems.

The lever spring gets weak and leaves the sensor in the open position which prevents starting.

Sensors – The quick fix, hold down the lever to start the mower. The complete assembly is available and not too difficult to fit. Check that all sensors are working, and look to see if the striker plates are closing the sensors fully.

Check wiring to sensors for chafing and that the connectors are secure and corrosion-free.

Check Control Module

Most modern mowers will have a Control module; they are a printed circuit with relays and resistors – they do give trouble. Because the specs vary, I can’t be more detailed.

The function of the control module is to receive a start/stop command from the ignition switch and only output a start command to the starter (via the solenoid) if all the correct sensors have been engaged.

Replacement modules can be on the spendy side, so it may be time to access your old mower; if she needs a ton of love in the blades bearing and belts department, it may be time to look at a new set of wheels.

Module – Wires come loose, have a helper attempt to start the engine while you wiggle the wiring connectors.

Check also for damage, water, or scorch marks on the panel itself.

Check Ignition Switch

Ignition switches are an important part of the ignition system; bad connections here can cause lots of problems. Ignition switches – send commands to the control module if fitted.

If your mower doesn’t have a control module, then the safety sensors are wired inline to the ignition switch – meaning any sensor that is in the open position will leave the ignition switch with an open circuit (No start). These systems are basic and tend to be the most reliable.

Common Problems

Issues with ignition switches: loose wiring at the switch; corroded terminals; broken terminals; spinning ignition switches.

Wiring specs for ignition systems vary, so I can’t be more detailed. Check the ignition wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose wires. Have a helper sit on the mower and attempt a start while you wiggle the ignition wires and connectors.

• Check ignition inputs – ground and 12-volt supply.
• Check ignition outputs – 12v to the starter solenoid (or to the control module, if fitted) when the ignition is in the start position.

Switch – Spinning ignition switches cause damage to the wiring and pins.

Corrosion is another common failure. This usually causes unreliable starting and shutdowns.

Wiggle – Try wiggling the wires at the back of the ignition switch while attempting to start the engine; you may need a helper. Often wires simply come loose but do check them for corrosion.

Related Questions

Lawnmower ignition switch problems? Common Ignition switch problems include:

Hey, I’m John, and I’m a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience.

I’ve worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how.

And the best part. it’s free!

Starter for Ignition Switch for AYP Husqvarna LT, LTS, YT Lawn Mower 430-465

Finely engineered ignition switches Enjoy quick and crisp starts with a new ignition switch from DB Electrical. The ignition switch is the electrical component that initiates the process of getting the vehicle started. Once activated, the ignition switch completes the connection from battery to the starter, allowing voltage to travel to the starter to power the electrical system and start the engine. The ignition switch performs the process in reverse to cut voltage and shut down the engine when turning the vehicle off. DB Electrical offers precision-engineered ignition switches exhibiting the finest craftsmanship and premium materials for flawless performance.

Delivering fast starts every time

• Premium conductors deliver precision electrical conductivity
• Engineered with industry-leading quality standards
• Proven performance for mechanical and electrical switching functionality

Designed to match OEM direct-fit specifications Installation is easy because these ignition switches are made with exact OEM specifications for fitment. Simply remove the old ignition switch and replace with the new one.

The DB Electrical Advantage – 1-Year Warranty DB Electrical proudly stands behind the quality of our products with our total-confidence 1-year warranty. Yes, you have a full year to make sure your ignition switch meets your expectations.

Item Number:

100% Brand New Aftermarket Part From DB Electrical

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I be certain I am ordering the right starter? A: The best way is to find the OEM part number that may be stamped on the starter being replaced or in the owner’s manual for the vehicle or machinery you’re working on. If you’re replacing an aftermarket starter, it may have its own part number identifying it. Look to see if you can find the part number in the “Replaces These Part Numbers” table found on the DB Electrical website page for each part. This table lists both OEM and aftermarket part numbers.

Q: What if I can’t find the OEM number because it doesn’t show on the part and I don’t have the owner’s manual? A: Your next best search method is to use the part finder on the DB Electrical website. It takes you step by step to find the starter you need. Begin by selecting the make (example: Ford, Toyota, John Deere, Arctic Cat, etc.) of the vehicle or machine you’re working on. Then select the type of vehicle (ATV, auto, truck, boat, tractor, etc.), Finally, select the model and year. Click the Find My Part button and it will zero in on the part you need.

Q: What happens if I order the starter and it’s the wrong one? A: To give you confidence in ordering, DB Electrical offers a 30-Day Return Policy. If you find out you have the wrong starter after it arrives, you may return it within 30 days. Be sure to return it in like-new condition and we’ll refund the purchase price.

Q: Does DB Electrical stand behind its products? A: Absolutely! Every DB Electrical product is backed by a 1-year warranty. If it ever falls to perform to your expectations, we’ll replace it within one year of the purchase date. Our 1-year warranty exceeds the 3-month warranties offered by some sellers.

Keeping customers satisfied for over 35 years.

Customers keep returning because we keep delivering total satisfaction. Our key to success is selling parts that fit and perform like the originals. It’s why so many mechanics make us their top choice.