This troubleshooting guide lists the most common problems,
their causes and remedies.
Refer to
Regular Maintenance
for instructions on how to perform
most of these minor adjustments and service repairs yourself.
If you prefer, all of these procedures can be performed for you
by your local authorized dealer.
WARNING
Remove ignition key prior to performing maintenance on
the unit.
To avoid serious injury, perform maintenance on the unit or
mower deck only when the engine is stopped and the parking
brake is engaged.
Always remove the ignition key, disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and fasten it away from the plug(s) before beginning
the maintenance, to prevent accidental starting of the engine.
Troubleshooting Charts
Troubleshooting the Unit
Problem: Engine will not turnover or start.
RemedyCause
Depress the neutral return pedals fully
to return the unit to neutral.
Forward speed control lever is not in
the neutral position.
If engine is hot, allow it to cool, then
refill the fuel tank.
Out of fuel.
Carbureted Models: Move choke
control to the closed position. Fuel
Injected Models: See authorized
service dealer.
Engine flooded.
Replace fuse.Fuse blown.
Visually check wiring & replace broken
or frayed wires. Tighten loose
connections.
Wiring loose or broken.
Replace as needed. See authorized
service dealer.
Safety interlock switch faulty.
Clean and gap or replace. See engine
manual.
Spark plug(s) faulty, fouled or
incorrectly gapped.
Drain fuel and replace with fresh fuel.Water in fuel.
Drain fuel and replace with fresh fuel.Gas is old or stale.
See authorized service dealer.Fuel Injected Models Only:
Malfunction in fuel injection system.
Problem: Engine starts hard or runs poorly.
RemedyCause
1.) Clean air filter. 2.) Carbureted
Models: Check choke adjustment.
Fuel Injected Models: See authorized
service dealer.
Fuel mixture is too rich.
Clean and gap or replace. See engine
manual.
Spark plug faulty, fouled, or incorrectly
gapped.
Problem: Engine knocks.
RemedyCause
Check / Add oil as required.Low oil level.
See engine manual.Using wrong grade oil.
Problem: Excessive oil consumption.
RemedyCause
Clean engine fins, blower screen, and
air cleaner.
Engine running too hot.
See engine manual.Using wrong weight oil.
Drain excess oil.Too much oil in crankcase.
Problem: Engine exhaust is black.
RemedyCause
Replace air filter. See engine manual.Dirty air filter.
Open choke control.Engine choke control is in closed
position.
Problem: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (M.I.L.) is flashing
(Fuel Injected Models Only).
RemedyCause
See authorized service dealer.Problem with the fuel injection system.
Problem: Engine runs but mower will not engage.
RemedyCause
Move transmission release lever(s) to
the "engaged" position.
Transmission release lever(s) in
"disengaged" position.
See "Transmission Drive Belt
Replacement".
Mower drive belt is broken.
See problem and cause below.Mower drive belt is slipping.
See authorized service dealer.Brake is not fully released.
Problem: Mower drive belt slips.
RemedyCause
Clean as required.Pulleys or belt is greasy or oily.
Adjust spring tension. See
"Transmission Drive Belt
Replacement".
Tension is too loose.
Replace belt.Belt stretched or worn.
Problem: Parking brake will not hold.
RemedyCause
See "Parking Brake Adjustment".Brake is incorrectly adjusted.
Problem: Mower steers or handles poorly.
RemedyCause
Check and tighten any loose
connections.
Steering linkage is loose.
See "Specifications" for proper tire
inflation and adjust tire pressures
accordingly.
Improper tire inflation.
See "Neutral and Tracking
Adjustment".
Tracking needs adjustment.
Troubleshooting the Mower Deck
Problem: Mower deck will not raise.
RemedyCause
See authorized service dealer for
repair.
Lift Linkage not properly attached or
damaged.
Problem: Engine stalls easily with mower deck engaged.
RemedyCause
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