A solenoid is an electromechanical device that helps activate or control switches. If your lawn mower’s solenoid isn’t working, you might think it’s time to head to the shops for a new one.
But before you do that, check to see if there’s something else wrong with it. In this post, we’ll show you how to jump solenoid on lawn mower so you can get back to mowing in no time.
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What Does a Solenoid Do?
Solenoids are usually activated by a coiled wire that becomes electromagnetic when current flows through it, pushing out or pulling in other components within the solenoid. This movement, or force, is then used to activate another electrical component or switch.
A lawn mower’s solenoid is usually located just above the starter cord, which you pull to begin the engine. It controls a plunger that pulls or pushes against a plate attached to the engine’s flywheel.
This makes it possible for you to turn the engine over to start. If this plunger malfunctions, the lawn mower most likely won’t start.
How to Jump Solenoid on Lawn Mower
Instructions to jump solenoid on lawn mower:
Step 1 – Get your multimeter and set it to test for any electrical current. If you don’t have a multimeter, you can always borrow your neighbor’s.
Ensure that the battery is charged and working properly before doing any tests on the solenoid – this is to avoid having too low or too high voltage – if there’s not enough current, you won’t be able to test the solenoid.
If it has too much current, you won’t take voltage readings as the excess current will interfere with your tests.
Step 2 – With everything set and ready to go, position yourself between the ignition switch and where the solenoid is at – turn your lawn mower’s ignition on but leave it in the “Off” mode (the throttle should not be engaged).
If you’re unsure where the solenoid is located, check for an array of wires and cables – follow it until you find the solenoid.
Step 3 – Position your multimeter’s probes according to which part or parts of your lawn mower’s solenoid that you want to test.
You can take voltage readings on the solenoid’s case or any other metal parts. If you want to test for continuity, make sure that the probes are connected by pushing them inside steel pins located beside each other.
Step 4 – Start your lawn mower while testing for current. You should see a voltage reading in your multimeter (standard household outlets generate 110 volts). If you find that there’s no voltage reading, try reversing your probes.
If your lawn mower runs but the solenoid doesn’t activate, it means that you need to replace it. However, if everything else seems fine and yet your solenoid still doesn’t activate (e.g., you’re still not getting any voltage reading), this means that it’s defective and you need to replace it.
Step 5 – Once you find out which part of your lawn mower’s solenoid is defective, replace it if possible or simply buy a new one.
However, before you purchase any parts for your lawn mower, make sure you have the right tools and enough expertise in making repairs yourself. This can help save money on repair costs.
Also read: Riding lawn mower jack
NOTE:
Make sure that you have tested the solenoid with a fully charged battery before attempting to jump-start it. A low battery will not activate the solenoid, while a high voltage can damage the solenoid.
How to check solenoid on lawn mower
Cautions When Jumping Solenoid on Lawn Mower
- Always wear safety goggles and gloves before touching any wires in a lawn mower.
- Never touch any wires or cables when the ignition is turned on.
- Make sure you know where your lawn mower’s solenoid is located.
- Always place a cloth or a towel under the lawn mower’s solenoid before attempting to jump-start it – this will absorb the oil that will potentially leak out.
- Always make sure that your lawn mower’s ignition is turned off before attaching the jumper cables.
- If you don’t know how to jump-start your lawn mower’s solenoid, you can always ask for help from someone who has the expertise or do some research about it.
Also read: Miniature toy lawn mower
Can You Start a Lawn Mower with a Bad Solenoid?
Yes, you’re able to jump-start a lawn mower’s solenoid as long as everything else is working properly. However, if the solenoid is defective, this may also affect other parts of your lawn mower.
Can You Replace a Lawn Mower’s Solenoid?
Yes, a lawn mower’s solenoid can be replaced. The solenoid is the part of the lawn mower that switches the electricity on and off. It is located in the starter switch, and it is responsible for transmitting the electrical current to the starter.
How Do You Test a Lawn Mower Solenoid?
To test the parts of your lawn mower that may be causing the solenoid not to activate, you should first move the multimeter’s probes to where you want to test.
You can take a voltage reading on a solenoid or any metal part of the lawn mower.
If you’re testing for continuity, make sure that your probes are pushed together with steel pins beside them – this will ensure continuous contact with one another.
If everything else is working perfectly and yet, there’s still no voltage reading from your multimeter for some reason. It means that there’s something wrong with your lawn mower, and its solenoid needs replacement.
So, if you are looking for an easy way on how to jump solenoid on lawn mower , all you need is a set of jumper cables and a willing helper.
Make sure that the battery in your car is fully charged before attempting to start the mower; this will give you the best chance for success. If someone is available to help you, it shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to get your mower up and running again.
Jumping solenoids on lawn mowers can be tricky business, but you should be able to do it like a pro with these simple steps. Have you ever had to jump-start your lawn mower? What was the process like for you? Let us know in the comments.
