Solenoid installation riding mower

Look along the mower's frame or back of the engine compartment to locate the solenoid. On most models, the solenoid is a cylindrical or square palm-sized black device bolted to the mower frame near the engine or bolted on at the back of the engine compartment near the battery. Remove the starter solenoid mounting bolt from the mower frame.

Rotate the starter solenoid forward and pull it out of the mower. Transfer the mounting clip from the old starter solenoid to the new one. Position the new starter solenoid on the frame and install the mounting bolt. How do you check a solenoid on a riding lawn mower? Look for the large terminal posts on the solenoid where the thick red wires connect to the solenoid.

Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. What wires go to the starter solenoid? A typical starter solenoid has one small connector for the starter control wire the white connector in the photo and two large terminals: one for the positive battery cable and the other for the thick wire that powers the starter motor itself see the diagram below.

Why does my riding mower clicks when I try to start it? If the riding mower makes a heavy clicking or a rapid clattering sound when the key is turned to the start position, there is a problem with the battery or a part of the starting circuit. The clicking noise comes from a part called the starter solenoid. Low battery voltage - Battery needs charging or replacement. How do you bypass a solenoid? How to Bypass the Starter Solenoid Locate the starter motor under the vehicle.

Locate the two metal contacts on the back of the starter solenoid. Place the metal blade of an insulated screwdriver across both metal contacts. Get a friend to help you by turning on the ignition with the key. Listen to the starter motor. Where is solenoid located? The starter and solenoid are located on the engine of your vehicle. In order to gain access to it, pull on the hood release located near the door on the driver's side of the vehicle.

How do I know if my lawnmower starter is bad? A bad starter can manifest itself in a cranking noise without engine turnover, a clicking when the ignition button is pressed, or a mower that simply does not respond to attempts to start.

Make a note of where each of the large cables and small wires go on the old solenoid, or draw a diagram of the wire connections. Remove all the wires from the solenoid. Unbolt the large red cables from the solenoid and pull them away. Then undo the small wires by loosening the bolts, clips or screws holding them in place and pull the small wires away. Scrape any rust or corrosion off the terminal ends of the wires with a sharp knife.

Remove the old solenoid from the mower by undoing the bolts holding it in place. Pull it off the mower. Note the model number and serial number of your riding mower. You will need this information to obtain a replacement solenoid that fits.

Buy the replacement from Sears, a local lawn and garden center, a yard equipment dealer or an Internet-based vendor. Bolt on the new solenoid where the old one was located. Reconnect the small thin wires and thick red cables to the solenoid.