Mower won't start
#1
06-12-16, 08:04 PM
Mower won't start
I went to start my mower and it just started making a really loud buzzing sound. I couldn't turn the mower on and couldn't get rid of the noise. Had to just let the noise happen until it died down. I'm assuming the battery ran out. Still won't start.
Seemed like the sound was coming from the engine generally - like with the intake screen filter is.
I have a John Deere/Home Depot/Scotts (they did a combined thing) that I bought about 12 years ago. Its the L17.542
Seemed like the sound was coming from the engine generally - like with the intake screen filter is.
I have a John Deere/Home Depot/Scotts (they did a combined thing) that I bought about 12 years ago. Its the L17.542
#2
06-13-16, 03:39 AM
Just turning the key to "On/Run" gets you the loud buzz or does that start when you turn the key to "Start" and it stops when you release the key or does it continue even with the key in the "Off" position?
If it's the latter it sounds like the starter may have gone bad and the solenoid burned up and stuck on trying to spin it over.
If it's the latter it sounds like the starter may have gone bad and the solenoid burned up and stuck on trying to spin it over.
#3
06-13-16, 05:22 AM
Currently, the mower is completely dead. When I turn the key to start, absolutely nothing happens.
When this first happened, I turned the key to start, the very loud buzz occurred and never stopped for about 20 minutes. During that time I tried to start it several times but no response at all. The loud sound slowly got quieter until it eventually stopped.
I think that was because the battery eventually died out but I can't be sure.
What do you think?
When this first happened, I turned the key to start, the very loud buzz occurred and never stopped for about 20 minutes. During that time I tried to start it several times but no response at all. The loud sound slowly got quieter until it eventually stopped.
I think that was because the battery eventually died out but I can't be sure.
What do you think?
#4
06-13-16, 06:29 AM
That makes sense Jane. About the only thing that does all that is the starter not spinning = electrical buzz. Then the only thing that keeps it buzzing is the starter relay/solenoid sticking closed since the starter draw is too much and melts the contacts in the solenoid together. Then everything just drains the battery and it all dies.
You'll have to start the fix at the starter and probably the solenoid will have to be replaced as well. You can check the solenoid with a continuity test going from post to post to see if it's stuck, but it would be a risk to keep it.
You'll have to start the fix at the starter and probably the solenoid will have to be replaced as well. You can check the solenoid with a continuity test going from post to post to see if it's stuck, but it would be a risk to keep it.
#5
06-13-16, 06:32 AM
Member
Sounds like the battery is dead now,recharge or buy a new to start with,the buzzing sounds like the starter solinoid,with the spark plug wire removed can you turn the the motor by hand freely?one other thing check the oil level to be sure the crankcase isn't full of gas,(happened to me)
#6
06-13-16, 08:26 AM
Sounds like the Pinion Gear on your Starter wasn't moving freely . . . . as if grass clippings were impeding its ability to engage the Flywheel.
These gears rely on centrifugal force and must not be greased . . . . but they do have to be clean; especially the spiral tracks leading from the gear's position at rest to its position when engaged.
Removing the plastic cover over the top of the Starter will allow you to evaluate that as possibly being the original cause of your problem.
These gears rely on centrifugal force and must not be greased . . . . but they do have to be clean; especially the spiral tracks leading from the gear's position at rest to its position when engaged.
Removing the plastic cover over the top of the Starter will allow you to evaluate that as possibly being the original cause of your problem.
#7
06-13-16, 10:33 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
The rapid buzzing was a low voltage problem but not being able to stop it sounds like a stuck solenoid. Sounds like you need a battery and a solenoid.
