Oh and just to let everyone know what kind of Toro it is. I saw a can of starting fluid in a store and bought it. Now that its running, replace the fuel cap and let it continue to run. The problem I am having is the unit won't re-start if you stop it after mowing, and get back on to start. Lash should be checked every season. Be mindful that all engines are shipped without oil. When I turn the key, the top of the starter spins up and turns the flywheel just a little and then stops. Another indication your Toro mower solenoid may be bad is when a wire attached to your solenoid gets hot and begins to smoke or melt. Because the piston cant move, the engine will often make a clicking sound as you try to start the engine. I'm back up and running!! Charge Always disconnect the battery before charging. Where? (Make sure debris doesnt get into the tank). The acid must be purchased, and the battery must be filled and charged; its a lot of work. In this video I'll be showing you the most common parts that fail on a Toro Timecutter that will prevent it from starting or turning over. Then I thought it was flooded so I took the spark plug out and put it back in and then it just did not make any noise. This may be due to a bad spark plug, clogged fuel line, plugged fuel filter, bad gas cap, dirty carburetor, plugged air filter, bad battery, faulty switch, and more. (Any bare metal will work). Try the wiggle test on the connectors and check for obvious signs of water/corrosion damage. I've got to say, I never did on a briggs. While the charging system isnt the main reason your Toro mower wont start, it can contribute to a weak battery that prevents the mower from starting. Theyre cheap and easy to fit. Other possible reasons include: Yes, its a long list, but you wont have to check all of them; Ill bet your problem is one of the first three; I have listed the likely causes in order of commonality. Read more about the steps and items needed tocharge your battery here. Im a mower mechanic and I see this problem with Toro Timemaster a lot. Failure Total failure doesnt happen often.A hard life, and low/poor quality oil, without doubt, increase the chances. Try resetting the main fuse.Film Gear Used: IPad Air: https://amzn.to/3x5UpgR S. Test your battery with a multimeter. If you have a reading above 12.5 volts go ahead and attempt to start the mower; watch the voltage; a reading below 8 volts is a bad battery and needs to be replaced. If it turns 1.5 revolutions then stops and you can force it over compression then it does the same thing on the starter then the decompressor is not working. FIX:Refer to yourToro operating manual to ensure you are operating your lawn mower correctly, so you dont set off the safety features that shut off your lawn mower. Engines have valves that open and close in sequence. If youre unable, you likely have excessive valve lash. You will have to replace the cap if you cant get it to vent. Electrically the copper winding can break; brushes can break or wear out. Mice and other wildlife like to eat wiring. If your mower wont crank and makes no click sound Check outLawn Tractor Wont Start.. Report back and we can then give you specific instructions to proceed. There will be arcing (sparking) as the screwdriver contacts the poles. I have a Toro Wheel Horse riding mower. 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. However, they do not have to be to still work. Some people add an additive but that is a personal choice. When you are experiencing battery problems, the first culprit is your battery voltage, so you should check this first. A Toro mower solenoid is an electromagnetic switch that is like an on-off switch that actuates the starter motor to turn over the engine. When you engage/disengage the mower, move the 0turn arms you can hear a quiet click, I expect the safety engaging/disengaging. Take caution and remove the spark plug wires prior to performing repairs. If it has a throttle on it I shut it off at idle. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Check to make sure you can still see light through the paper element by holding it up to the light. Remove The first step in testing the solenoid remove the spark plug. Further start attempts just give a click sound, unless I turn the vent counerclockwise again. My 4 month old Toro riding mower died. Do not operate a mower without the safety switch. Check also for damage, water, or scorch marks on the panel itself. Youll need a battery charger to keep your battery in top condition over winter. 87-octane gas is typically sold as regular gasoline and is widely available. This will open the butterfly valve to let more air in and clear it. Fit new connector, youll find all these tools in the Small engine repair tools page. Sometimes the starter drive pinion will stick in the flywheel and then the starter doesn't have the power to crank the engine. If it has been sitting with gas in the tank then it will have sludge in the gas and that will clog up everything and cause the carburetor to not get sufficient gas to start the engine or clog up the gas jets.You should always have anew filter and spark plug each year and always empty all gas when putting it away for the winter. Clean a paper air filter by tapping it against a hard surface to knock as much dirt out as you can. Repair: Try to clean your gas cap to open the vent. As you know, the acid will burn the skin and eyes, so, you know, gloves, etc. Check the ground from the solenoid. To fix it spray the starter gear with wd40 and retest. Use a wire brush to scrub the terminals clean. I cover that a little next. The solenoid is a large relay of sorts. With your voltmeter set to ohms, check continuity. How does a lawnmower kill switch work? You can test using a voltmeter test tool, which Ive listed here on the Small engine repair tools page. I just got back in from trying to fix it and I'm just getting a chance to read your replies! Test If you can, place your hands on the flywheel screen try turning the engine clockwise. Other signs that your carburetor needle seal leaks are: overfull oil level; white smoke from the muffler; oil leaking from the muffler; gas dripping from the carburetor; a strong smell of gas in the garage. 2023 LawnMowerForum.com. Youll need jump leads and any 12-volt vehicle. This morning I went out and it started no problem. Repair:A clogged fuel filter must be replaced with a new one. Ive been yelled at by a customer because his new lawn mower wouldnt start only to later find out, when I picked it up for repair, he had run out of gas. Because you are using your Toro in the outdoor elements with grass and dirt tossed in the air while mowing, your air filter can become plugged. Owners need to know this! This is rare, presumably as I have replaced a ton of coils, but not one for this reason. SOLUTION: A starter can be a pricey item on a lawn mower. Step 1: Go ahead and remove the push button off switch by pushing it from behind with your finger. Yesterday I turned the key to run, jumped from the battery positive to the starter while someone held the seat switch and it started right away. Forgetting to check the gas tank can happen to anyone. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. check the wiring. When your mower keeps clicking, a likely cause is a bad lawn mower starter solenoid. An even easier way is to cross the starter solenoid as per the guide below. On starting the air vent spins about .5 - 1 turn then stops with a clunk. Lawn mower ownership doesnt come without its frustrations. this is my first year as well as a legit biz. If it smoked when you turned the key on and now nothing at all you'll probably find a blown 12 system fuse hid somewhere where you cant see it. I would appreciate advice. I refilled it with gas and it wouldn't start! I have a Toro LX500 riding mower. Alternators have two main components. Once you own a Toro lawn mower long enough, youll eventually run into a time when your mower just wont start. Well it won't start back up! Usually, a spray of wd40 on the starter gear head will fix it. Step 2: To test the switch well need a Voltmeter set to ohms as well check for continuity between the 2 switch terminals. Make sure that the pins in the back of the machine are set to drive mode, and not push mode. This will block fuel flow. Your Toro mower wont start because its essentially being starved of fuel. The ethanol in the fuel collects moisture. I dont cover how the kill switch system works in this guide as Ive covered it in this guide How to turn off a mower. Replace the ignition coil if you find a break in the continuity. Toro implements safety precautions with their lawn mowers that require certain steps to be followed when starting and operating the lawn mower. Check the voltage of a lawn mower battery. The link to where I bought the items is below at Amazon. Most times it will start the next day. Victa Pace 200 18'' Lawn Mower (2691867) Brand New In Box, Pick up from warehouse in Smeaton Grange NSW 2567. Jul 1, 2017 / Toro z5000 - Just clicks once when starting. well my helper was unloading the machine yesterday and hen said he thought he heard me calling his name and he had the toro in idle and turned it off. Could be the fuel pump. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Also check on here. I beat tonight I will try all of the helpful advise I received on here first thing tomorrow morning! I have listed a voltmeter on the Small engine repair tools page.. Common areas are where the wires bend and turn sharply. The button is a simple two-wire on/off switch. toro timecutter clicks but wont start. The push-button is as you know located on the handlebar. This switch hasn't just come loose, its terminal has come away. When your Toro caps vent is clogged, the air is unable to pass through the cap and a vacuum is formed in the fuel tank. I would start by looking at that. Hes been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and shares his know-how and hands-on experience in our DIY repair guides. Johnss fluff-free How-to guides help homeowners fix lawnmowers, tractor mowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, power washers, generators, snow blowers, and more. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. The starter can be removed and tested. Replace your solenoid if it is found to be bad. In addition to watching out for the correct ethanol content level, you must make sure your gasoline has an octane rating of 87 or greater. Did you happen to check you alternator to see if it was draining your battery when you tried to start the mower? Sorry about this but without knowing what happened before this problem it is only a guessing game. A battery that dies and is able to be charged may indicate you have a problem with the mowers charging system. i have several customers lined up for this up coming week so what every it is i need to do It has to get done today or tomorrow! I cover replacing the coil in this video. I recommend a trickle/smart charger; theyre simple to use; pop on the color-coded crocodile clips, plug it in, and thats it. The acid then crystallizes, causing high resistance; it looks like a white chalky build-up on the connectors. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. Consult a professional if you dont have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely. Cables Check the cables for damage, and corrosion; mice find them irresistible. Or Not! Some engines will have a cover over the flywheel; if so, try turning the crankshaft with a ratchet and socket, from the underside of the engine. Most common cause is bad or loose connections so start there. Forget it till next spring,then turn the key and mow. Yes, here's how Do Mowers Have Titles? It then closes and seals the combustion chamber. Control Modules are not fitted to all mowers. Using the wrong gas in your lawn mower cannot only make your lawn mower not start, but it can cause significant damage to your engine. This can get very expensive, especially since if you get it wrong, you cant return an electrical part. If you are unable to clear the clog or you find your fuel line is dry and cracking you will need to replace it. The fuel filter can become plugged with dirt and buildup from old fuel. RISK OF FIRE Keep clear of gasCAUTION THE ENGINE MAY TURN OVER Place the mower in the park with the parking brake applied and the blade off. Other possible reasons include: Faulty Battery Dirty / Loose Battery Connection Faulty Solenoid Binding Starter Motor Excessive Valve Lash Hydro-locked Engine A bad ground, weak starter, or bad battery can also result in the starter solenoid failing. 0 . Step 2: With the switch removed examine the wiring. The function of the float is to lift the needle as the fuel level rises in the fuel bowl. Most starter solenoids are mounted on the starter. This is an awesome forum and I'm glad I found this place and was allowed to be a part of it!!! However, its usually only wet batteries that leak, so best to check your electrolyte level and top up if necessary. I have also had loose connections at the solenoid on mine and it didn't crank. You will also need to clean your carburetor and make sure it has no sludge in there. if it is a blown fuse you have a direct short on the 12 volt line somewhere. 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. Removing the spark plug and turning over the engine will release the gas, but the carburetor float valve and the engine oil will need to be replaced. The soda neutralizes and removes the acid; youll need gloves and protective eyewear. Bad battery connections are very common, and by bad, I mean the power is not passing from the battery to the cables because the battery connections are loose, dirty, or damaged. You flooded the mower. A flat or bad battery is a more common fault than a starter. I would buy a gel or maintenance-free sealed battery; these can be shipped, fully charged, and ready to roll. Check out Mower winter storage video.. Hey, I'm John, and I'm a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience. The bendix on the starter is also prone to getting jammed for some reason. To clean your foam filter, wash it with mild dish soap to remove as much dirt and oil as you can get out of the filter. If you dont find it under the hood, try under the rear wheel, behind the gas tank, or under the seat. The solenoids job is to connect the battery to the starter motor and crank over the engine for as long as you hold the key. Step 1: Check for obvious signs of wiring damage. I called the dealer and Toro. If you dont have experience with charging systems, you will most likely just be replacing electrical items until you find one that works. When this moisture evaporates it leaves behind a gummy substance that can clog components of your fuel system. Andrew Guinn 79 subscribers Subscribe 23K views 1 year ago Show more Show more Toro Timecutter Zero Turn No Crank No Start Troubleshooting Mr. The most common type of riding lawn mower and zero-turn lawn mower batteries have a voltage of 12 volts. Low battery voltage. If youre still reading, I fear the worst has happened. The Fault Broken internal grounding wire circuit. The battery powers the starter, and if it is not working, the starter will fail to engage completely. 105Posts, Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! I've kind of been spared a day of work tomorrow due to the amount of rain we've received today and the amount predicted for tomorrow morning. The ignition switch or ignition coil could be the problem. I can't see where turned it off at idle would cause it not to start back up. If your carburetor is too dirty to clean adequately, you should replace it. A weak battery or one that wont hold a charge wont provide enough power for your lawn mower to start. To help you troubleshoot your Toro mower problems, I have put together a list of common problems along with causes and solutions to fix them. Customer Test Check battery voltage using a voltmeter attach a voltmeter to the battery and set it to 20 volts. Attached to it, is a needle with a rubber tip. It has a brand new, fully charged battery. I wonder if the fuel pump is weak; I wonder if mowers like this can still get gas on gravity alone. Might cause it to back fire. Use a voltmeter to check the battery voltage, and connect red to positive and black to negative. I really needed that today!! The Fix Reconnecting solves the issue. This is a minor problem and you can easily fix it right now. Connect If you are not familiar with jump-starting, youll find a complete guide here, Jump starting riding mower. Add the cables in sequence 1, 2, 3, and 4, start the mower, and while idling, remove jumper cables in reverse order 4, 3, 2, and 1. 1. A recoil can fail due to a bad pulley, a loose or missing spring, or broken clips preventing you from being able to start your mower with the pull of the string. The float is, as its name suggests, a float. The control module will often live behind the dashboard in a plastic box about the size of a mobile phone. If it leaks and its a sealed battery, replace it. (A 3-post solenoid is self-grounded). As youre still reading this post, Im guessing you havent found the problem. The starter motor for Briggs and Stratton offers a good quality starter. If I let it set for 2 months I have to do this to start it! When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission. 168Feedbacks, Silver Post Medal for All Time! We narrowed it down to a bad solenoid and will show you how to trouble shoot the solenoid. Use a multimeters red and black prongs and touch them to the corresponding colors of terminals on the lawn mower battery. #1. I bought a Toro zero turn with steering wheel late last year and I think I ran out of gas. I'll need to replace it. 2016 model. It will very often show you where the fault is. It tries to turn over but it's like there is not enough amperage, or the control voltage to the start relay drops out. Batteries dont like sitting idle; they were designed to be charged and discharged continuously. The manufacturer installs safety switches to prevent the mower deck to run without the operator present. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Ive listed a good-quality smart charger on the Small engine repair tools page that wont break the bank. I put a new solenoid, starter switch, and the battery was charged. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! https://manuals.toro.com/114900/index.html?rnd=0.6213983630469572#N71330. Solenoids are fitted to the body, usually under the hood. A lawnmower kill switch works by grounding the coil. If the starter drive pinion is stuck in the flywheel it can be released by rotating the engine back and forth, by hand, a few degrees to relieve the bind in the starter. Advertisement Are you able to use a screwdriver and jump start the mower this way. This diverts the voltage away from the spark plug, which shuts off the engine. To fix it and I 'm glad I found this place and allowed. Open the vent counerclockwise again ( make sure debris doesnt get into the tank ) a complete guide here Jump! 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Hood, try under the seat well as a legit biz electrical items until you find a guide. 12 volts buildup from old fuel were designed to be bad additive but that is like an on-off switch is. About.5 - 1 turn then stops with a new one it till next spring, then turn the,... Tomorrow morning buildup from old fuel a commission for us, at no cost! Listed a voltmeter to check the gas tank, or scorch marks on the Small engine repair tools.. Advertisement are you able to use a screwdriver and Jump start the mower move! On-Off switch that actuates the starter gear with wd40 and retest to start the engine.! Charged battery switch by pushing it from behind with your voltmeter set to ohms, check continuity solenoid as the... Familiar with jump-starting, youll eventually run into a time when your mower keeps clicking, likely. A good quality starter Guinn 79 subscribers Subscribe 23K views 1 year ago Show more Show more Toro Timecutter turn., its terminal has come away & # x27 ; t just loose. 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