0478 193 9905 C - EN
114
21.2 REACH
REACH is an EC Directive for the 
registration, evaluation, authorisation and 
restriction of chemicals.
Information on compliance with the 
REACH Directive (EC) No. 1907/2006 is 
available from www.stihl.com/reach.
Fault:
Starter turns, engine does not start.
Possible cause:
– Throttle lever set to the MIN position.
– Choke position (throttle lever) not 
selected.
– No fuel in tank.
– Fuel cock closed.
– Insufficient flow of fuel.
– Spark plug dirty or damaged.
– Incorrect electrode gap.
– Spark plug socket detached from spark 
plug.
– Engine flooded due to several starting 
attempts.
– Clogged air filter.
– Battery almost discharged.
Remedy:
– Set throttle lever to the choke or MAX 
position. (Ö 8.2)
– Set throttle lever to the choke position. 
(Ö 8.2) 
– Refill fuel tank.
– Open fuel cock. (Ö 14.15)
– Check fuel filter. (@)
– Clean or replace spark plug. (@)
– Adjust electrode gap. (#)
– Connect spark plug socket; check 
connection between ignition lead and 
socket. (#)
– Remove spark plug and dry; set throttle 
lever to MIN position and start several 
times with spark plug removed; screw in 
spark plug and connect spark plug 
socket. (@)
– Clean air filter. (@)
– Check charge state of battery and 
charge battery if necessary.
Fault:
Starter not functioning.
Possible cause:
– The safety devices are blocking the 
starter.
– Battery not or incorrectly connected.
– Battery completely discharged or not 
sufficiently charged.
– Main fuse (150 A) defective.
– Faulty earth connection to engine or 
chassis.
– Starter defective.
Remedy:
– Check all the safety devices. (Ö 11.)
– Check battery connections. (Ö 14.19)
– Charge the battery. (Ö 14.21)
– Replace the main fuse. (#)
– Check the connection cables at the 
battery and at the chassis. (#)
– Repair the starter. (#)
Fault:
Starting problems or deteriorating engine 
power.
Possible cause:
– Water in fuel tank and carburettor; 
carburettor is blocked.
– Contaminated fuel tank.
– The air filter is dirty.
– Dirty spark plug.
22. Troubleshooting
# If necessary, contact a specialist 
dealer; STIHL recommends STIHL 
specialist dealers.
@ See engine instruction manual.