How to Fix a Riding Lawn Mower that Doesn’t Crank or Click

This #diy video shows how to #diagnose and #repair a riding mower or lawn tractor that doesn't crank or click when you turn the key to start the engine.

This video shows what to do if your riding lawn mower doesn't do anything when you turn the key to start the engine—not even click. We show you how to pinpoint the cause by checking the riding mower’s battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch. We also walk you through how the starting system works, so you can better understand how to track down the problem. Order parts to fix the problem once you find the cause of the failure.

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Or call 1-800-437-1673 to speak with a parts specialist.

The video includes these parts and tools. Look up your model to make sure you get the right parts for your mower.
Starter solenoid
Fuse
Ignition switch
Brake switch
Blade Switch

Find riding mower parts at

Or click here to schedule an appointment with a repair technician.

[brandonkelling]

This is by far the best video I have ever seen in my 20 years of using YouTube. Holy moly.

[ericaviator]

THIS is exactly how SUPERB electrical troubleshooting is done - a seasoned pro helping clueless folk like me ! Thanks

[tommywalters]

This is the absolutely best self-help video I have ever seen! And ate 77 years old and living on ten acres, I've had to watch a dfew!

[jbintrepid]

I know it's a 5 year old video but it really helped me troubleshoot my electrical problem. Had my mower running again after 2 hrs of diagnostics and repair. Thank you!!!

[DavidBugea]

Thank you for posting this. My mower did nothing when I took it out of winter storage - no click, no headlamps, no instrument panel lights - so I replaced the 11-year-old battery. No luck. This video saved me the hassle of pushing the mower onto a trailer and to the shop for an hour pensive repair bill. You saved me something more precious than money; you saved me TIME.

[mikeweckman]

This guy knows what he is talking about! I am a mechanic and this guy saved me a lot of time. My fuse holder was corroded so bad I lost continuity

[DuckTracy]

By far this is the best troubleshooting how-to of any kind that I have ever seen. Thanks and keep up the good works!

[badfrogofblackdesert]

Awesome! Fixed my mower in exactly 22 seconds! 0:22 😅😅😅😅🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

[kiltedwolf]

I never knew who made Craftsman riding mowers but I own a Husqvarna model that is a virtual DEAD RINGER to this one. Even the internal parts. This makes this video doubly pleasing to watch as it's so close to home. This man does a great job being concise without wandering off course. Much appreciated.

[joshuagiuffre]

Mid 2024 and you literally saved me big time with a video from 7 years ago, thank you so much!! Goes so in depth and so well explained, I had been trouble shooting for days but thanks to you it only took an extra 30 mins after watching the video.

[andyjprice]

Excellent tutorial! I get the feeling this guy knows everything there is to know about small engine repair. I'm guessing he uses a different approach at the shop when delivering the information informally! Very nicely done.

[DrBruno]

Outstanding. Every word was important and not a single useless word. This video should be used as the penultimate example on how to make an instructional video. I am forwarding all his videos to my kids and grandkids. After that I will feel better about looking at brown side of the grass. My kids will be in good hands and not at the mercy of some miscreant nincompoop.

[myrontruex]

This is absolutely the most concise video I have seen. Best demonstration seen in over 40 years.

[KMEthridge]

Thanks for the screwdriver tip. Worked like a charm!

[richarduber]

Props are Due when Props are Due, Dwayne Best Tutorial I have ever seen. Thanks again, Mower is back and running.

[elijah]

Thank you. I was able to get my mower running again because of this video.

I also appreciate the way in which the video was done. Straight to the point and very informative.

[dhimrich]

This video was tremendously helpful. It is much more thorough than the others I watched. I worked through almost all the steps before finding the white wire that a local rodent had chewed through. Thanks, Sears! I would be going through many hassles and my lawn would look terrible if not for your video.

[kellybyrne]

This was awesome!! Husband and I fixed our zero turn! Saved so much money and time! Thanks!!

[smokeandmirrorsinc]

After buying a new starter and a new solenoid I finally see this video and never had checked the fuse. Sure enough that was the culprit. thank you.

[TwiliteNites]

Forget all those dweebs with their fancy (eck...music?)and ponytail boys. THIS GUY IS THE REAL DEAL! Many thanks!