Poulan Pro PO16542A - User Manual

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MODEL NO. PO16542A

16.5 HP 42 Inch

Lawn Tractor

For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297

For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886

180103 Rev. 1 10.26.01 JH

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Questions and Answers

M
Mallory WilsonAug 16, 2025
How to fix Poulan Pro Lawn Mower that is hard to start?
- T
  Tina DavisAug 16, 2025
  If your Poulan Pro Lawn Mower is hard to start, several factors could be the cause. A dirty air filter could be restricting airflow, so try cleaning or replacing it. A bad spark plug can prevent ignition, so replace it. A weak or dead battery won't provide enough power, so recharge or replace it. A dirty fuel filter can block fuel flow, so replace it. Stale or dirty fuel can cause combustion issues, so drain the tank and refill with fresh gasoline. Loose or damaged wiring can interrupt the electrical system, so inspect all wiring. If these steps don't resolve the issue, the carburetor or engine valves may need adjustment, requiring professional service.
N
Nicole Morgan MDAug 22, 2025
What to do if Poulan Pro PO16542A Lawn Mower engine clicks but will not start?
- S
  Stephen AlexanderAug 22, 2025
  If the engine of your Poulan Pro Lawn Mower clicks but won't start, the issue might stem from a weak or dead battery, so try recharging or replacing it. Corroded battery terminals can also prevent a good connection, so clean them thoroughly. Check for loose or damaged wiring that could be interrupting the electrical flow. A faulty solenoid or starter could also be the culprit, so check and replace them if necessary.
A
Anne AlexanderAug 26, 2025
Why Poulan Pro PO16542A Lawn Mower engine will not turn over?
- A
  amanda84Aug 26, 2025
  If the engine of your Poulan Pro Lawn Mower will not turn over, make sure the clutch/brake pedal is depressed and that the attachment clutch is disengaged. Check the battery; recharge or replace it if it's weak or dead. Replace the fuse if it's blown. Clean the battery terminals if they are corroded. Inspect all wiring for any loose or damaged connections. Check and replace the ignition switch if it's faulty. Also, check and replace the solenoid or starter if they are faulty. If the problem persists, the operator presence switch(es) may be faulty, requiring professional service.
A
amy62Aug 28, 2025
What to do if Poulan Pro PO16542A Lawn Mower blades will not rotate?
- W
  William NguyenAug 29, 2025
  If the mower blades of your Poulan Pro Lawn Mower will not rotate, there might be an obstruction in the clutch mechanism, so remove it. A worn or damaged mower drive belt could also be the cause, so replace it. Check for a frozen idler pulley and replace it if necessary. Also, a frozen blade mandrel can prevent rotation, so replace it if it's frozen.
S
Seth FreemanAug 31, 2025
How to stop Poulan Pro PO16542A excessive vibration?
- C
  Catherine DorseyAug 31, 2025
  If your Poulan Pro Lawn Mower has excessive vibration, it could be due to a worn, bent, or loose blade. Replace the blade and tighten the blade bolt. A bent blade mandrel can also cause vibration, so replace it if necessary. Additionally, check for any loose or damaged parts and tighten or replace them as needed.
C
caliSep 3, 2025
Why Poulan Pro Lawn Mower has poor cut and is uneven?
- D
  Daniel HinesSep 3, 2025
  If your Poulan Pro Lawn Mower provides a poor and uneven cut, the issue might be a worn, bent, or loose blade, so replace the blade and tighten the blade bolt. Ensure the mower deck is level. Clean the underside of the mower housing to remove any buildup of grass, leaves, and trash. A bent blade mandrel can also cause an uneven cut, so replace it if necessary. Clear any clogged mower deck vent holes caused by buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around the mandrels.
B
Brianna RitterSep 6, 2025
How to improve Poulan Pro Lawn Mower grass discharge?
- J
  Jessica SweeneySep 6, 2025
  If your Poulan Pro Lawn Mower has poor grass discharge, ensure the engine speed isn't too slow by placing the throttle control in the 'FAST' position. Avoid traveling too fast by shifting to a slower speed. Allow the grass to dry before mowing, if it is wet. Make sure the mower deck is level and check the tires for proper air pressure. Replace or sharpen the blade and tighten the blade bolt if the blade is worn, bent, or loose. Clean the underside of the mower housing to remove any buildup. Replace the mower drive belt if it is worn. Reinstall the blades with the sharp edge down if they are improperly installed. Replace with the correct blades, as listed in the manual, if improper blades are used. Clear any clogged mower deck vent holes around the mandrels.
L
Lisa BurtonSep 9, 2025
Why Poulan Pro PO16542A Lawn Mower headlight(s) not working?
- E
  Elizabeth RogersSep 9, 2025
  If the headlight(s) on your Poulan Pro Lawn Mower are not working, first ensure the switch is turned 'ON'. If not, turn it on. If the bulb(s) or lamp(s) are burned out, replace them. A faulty light switch can also be the problem, so check and replace it if necessary. Inspect the wiring and connections for any loose or damaged wires. Finally, check and replace the fuse if it's blown.
T
Tiffany PhillipsSep 12, 2025
What causes Poulan Pro PO16542A Lawn Mower battery will not charge?
- L
  Lisa MartinezSep 12, 2025
  If the battery of your Poulan Pro Lawn Mower will not charge, it could be due to bad battery cells, so replace the battery. Check and clean all cable connections to ensure they are not causing poor connections. If your mower is equipped with a regulator, a faulty one could be the issue, so replace it. Also, a faulty alternator can prevent charging, so replace it if necessary.
O
ostrongNov 18, 2025
Why Poulan Pro PO16542A Lawn Mower losing power?
- M
  Michael ReedNov 18, 2025
  If your Poulan Pro Lawn Mower engine loses power, try the following: ensure you are not cutting too much grass or going too fast by setting a higher cut position and reducing speed. Adjust the throttle control if it's in the 'CHOKE' position. Clean the underside of the mower housing to remove any buildup of grass, leaves, or trash. Clean or replace the air filter. Check and, if needed, change the oil. Clean and regap or change the spark plug. Replace the fuel filter and drain the fuel tank, then refill it with fresh gasoline. Also, check that the spark plug wire is connected and tightened. Clean the engine air screen and fins, and clean or replace the muffler. Check all wiring for any loose or damaged connections. If the problem persists, the carburetor or engine valves may need adjustment...

Summary

SAFETY RULES

General Operation

Follow all instructions and safety precautions for safe operation of the mower.

Slope Operation

Guidelines for safe operation on slopes to prevent tip-overs and loss of control.

Child Safety

Precautions to prevent accidents involving children and the mower.

Important Safety Warnings

Explains safety symbols and provides critical warnings for operation and fuel handling.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintenance and Pre-Operation Checks

Covers maintenance schedule, general recommendations, and checks before each use.

ASSEMBLY

Seat Installation and Skid Removal

Procedure for installing the seat and safely removing the tractor from its skid.

Pre-Operation Checklist

Final checks to ensure safe operation before starting the engine.

OPERATION

Tractor Symbols and Controls

Operating Procedures

Driving and Mowing

Slope Operation and Transport

Safety guidelines for slopes and procedures for transporting the tractor.

Starting the Engine

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

Mower Housing and Drive Belt Service

Adjusting mower deck level and replacing the blade drive belt.

Brake, Steering, and Wheel Service

TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS

Engine Starting Issues

Common causes and corrections for engine not starting or being hard to start.

Power, Vibration, and Cut Quality

Blade Rotation and Grass Discharge

LIMITED WARRANTY

Warranty Coverage and Claims

Details product warranty, exclusions, claim procedures, and contact information.

Poulan Pro PO16542A Specifications

General

Engine Type	4-Cycle
Engine Displacement	163 cc
Cutting Width	21 in
Cutting Height	1.25-3.75 in
Drive Type	Self-Propelled
Weight	77 lb
Engine Brand	Briggs & Stratton
Fuel Tank Capacity	1 qt
Mulch Capable	Yes
Side Discharge	Yes
Rear Bag	Yes
Number of Cutting Positions	6
Start Type	Recoil
Wheel Size (Front)	8 inches
Wheel Size (Rear)	11 inches

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