Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B
Run a small engine shop in Humboldt County Ca, home of the Redwoods and Bigfoot. The Chickanic is required viewing for my staff, and I encourage them to put their watch time down on their timecards. Great info, great personality. Thanks for being you and for the excellent content.
I was raised around Boogers back in the 50's in the Arkansas Cache River Bottoms, the Farmers declared War on Forest back in late 50's- early 60's and Bigfoot had to Move On...
Lady , you are clear, precise with your presentations . Not a lot of static talking around things . Have learned a lot an I didn’t like working working on this stuff . Thank you for making work so much easier .
I expect this mower will last several seasons with decent care. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx1VWTrayKBdCKAjzAcZ_Eg4dhHTae3LkN also recommend Also, I ran across the problem with it not starting the 2nd time I used it. There is a safety switch which is pushed in by the chute or mulching piece being attached to the deck. I took the cover off and it wouldn't start. Put it back on, no problem. It takes only a minute with 2 easily accessible wingnuts and no tools. This mower starts up first crank each time and it is a joy to use. It also mows in reverse by putting the key to the reverse area after starting and pushing in the triangular button. It will stay in reverse mode until you turn it off. All in all, for my homeowner needs, I really like this mower-and at 70 bucks a cut here in Miami, it's already more than 1/3 paid for itself in a month.
Let me tell you - never have I viewed a UA-cam mower repair video that was so precise. I ran through everything you showed and found the safety switch that was causing the issue and took care of it. Thank you for doing such a great job. Subscribed.
I am the service manager for 2 very busy parts and service repair shops in up state NY. I tell my customers to bring in their battery to be load tested. I have found too many battery's that show 12 volts, but have no load!
Electrical woes can be really simple. I hope many find this helpful. 3 years of electronic in HS saved me so much $$$ along with auto shop, woodshop and metal shop.
As a farmer’s wife, I love you. I *love* mowing, and making bread (and butter, and cake, and doing anything with cows), so I’m all in to your channel. Thank you for the great content!
Had the ol fuse blow back when I was 16 starting out with mowers. I try to fix things myself through the help of your videos. Plus my local shop don't fix fresh bread either. Lol! I appreciate your help. Great video.
Wow. Simply a fuse. Great videos and love the information that you are kind enough to share. BTW, love the scenery where you are it's serene and breathtaking.... ;)
Nice video. Theres 2 sides to testing a battery. Multimeter for voltage and load tester for testing the load. I have batteries test 12 volts but fail the load test. I have both multimeter and load tester in my toolbox.
@@alexandercopeland2849 Okay. I see what you mean. That will also give you a more stable voltage reading than cranking it. A few more things to mention while we're on this subject. 1) Measure the voltage directly on the battery terminals for an accurate reading. 2) If you haven't already tried putting it on a charger, try that. Then remove from charger and test again before buying a new battery. 3) Test that the charging system is working.
YES! Follow the steps. Here's one additional step, battery connections. Had a Troy-Bilt Pony in last week. Intermittent starting problems. Did the usual checks, finally found loose battery connections. Customer had replaced battery and didn't completely tighten cables. Tightened and start problem went away. Good catch on the fuse too.
OOOOWEEE! Thank you thank you thank you! Followed you step by step replacing my cam in a 18.5 HP Briggs Stratton on my lawnmower. You saved me $2200 (comparable price for my mower today. I actually bought this thing from Sears 19 years ago for $1050 Thanx to you it's clucking again!) Also forgive me but FWIW your husband is a lucky man! Long blonde hair, Daisy Dukes, and boots....and can fix ANYTHING!!
You noticed too, YEP, her husband has a fine package & I'm willing to bet she can cook good also ! BUT, my wife could burn some meals if she could fix my mower & I wouldn't say a thing 😂
Great video and explanations. I might add a few things: A meter with audible continuity setting beeps when a circuit has continuity. Very handy. A test light is also handy for checking voltage presence or absence. If you get one it will Come with a filament bulb which is fragile. Replace that with an LED for dependability. Don’t cram test leads into female spade connectors because they will spread the connector And make a loose connection. Make leads with male spade to alligator clips. I learned all this the hard way.
Thank you so much. My mechanic friends all died during Covid and the other bushoggers are off in Hurricaneville so I have to try to get new batteries for my little Ryobi and clean my old little Craftsman. At least I can get the Craftsman into a shop 25 miles away if necessary.
I found your video most informative as compared to to others and I like the way you explained everything. In my case, my John Deere E120, did absolutely nothing when I turned the key - this was after using it for about a half hour that day and turning it off for a short period. After checking that the battery voltage was ok, I did all the other checks you describe. I even replaced the starter solenoid, but still the lawn tractor would not start. Finally, I bought battery load test meter and sure enough the battery was bad, so you cannot rely on only measuring the battery voltage with a meter. After a new battery, I was good to go. Thanks for your help!
I have a Dixie Chopper Xcaliber 3366 and my ignition switch literally broke, so I bought a new one… then found out I also have a blown fuse! Thank you so much! This video has helped me so much
Hi Chickanic ..well where do i start lol..Ive been in the property services industry for over 30 years now and landscaping and garderning is the biggest part in the summer for my business..im msging you to say i think your one amazing woman so knowledgeable in your field of work and have taught me a lot though your videos ..i use to spend a fortune on repaires to all my petrol equipment but now thanks to you i repaire 90 percent of my tools myself so Many Thanks for a super job your doing Regard..Colin from Kings Lawn Care...
Just subscribed but have been following you for about a month. I only tinker with neighbors equipment for self gratification to help out and have learned a bit on my own. You explain everything very well and keep it mostly simple. I’m a retired Fire Captain so we needed to know a little about anything “just in case”! Thank you for your videos, you are very informative and good, PLUS you’re nice to look at!
Just a shade tree mower mechanic, but I have a tip for testing the solenoid that I learned from experience. In addition to testing the continuity, you should also check the voltage drop. Set meter to DC volts, connect positive lead to starter side of the solenoid and negative to the battery, then turn the key to start. If I remember correctly, the voltage should stay above 9.5 volts with the starter turning, if the voltage drops very low and the started never spins you have a bad solenoid. The internal contacts are "good enough" to show continuity on the meter, but under a load they won't pass enough current to spin the starter. After checking EVERYTHING else I finally gave up and tried the "redneck solenoid test" I jumped the posts with a screwdriver and it cranked great, THEN I thought to check for voltage drop and there it was.
also just connect test leads across the battery and crank the mower to be sure you have a good battery. some battery conditions, it will look good until you put a load on it, and then drop out.
Great video! Just the concise information I needed. What a woman!!! She cooks, she's a businesswoman, she's attractive, and she's a mechanic!!!! You fair lady are a lawn mower goddess.
“People don’t know they have fuses, but they do.” Thankfully, the circuit is fused. Fried wires are an expensive side dish. Bread looks great. I have those same plates. Walmart sold millions of them.
You're a star! My Lawnflite MTD 603 tractor mower was dead, changed the battery... No difference... And I stumbled across your video. I struggled to find the fuse which sits on the side of the engine on that model. Changed it and the mower came to life on the first turn of the key! Thank you very much, you saved me a bundle!!!
Learned a lot with all your GOOD explanations. My wife is a good cook and makes the best home-made bread in the world. Your loaf made me hungry! Sometimes we just have hot, freshly-baked bread, fruit, cheese, and a bottle of wine! Absolutely wonderful! Keep up the good work. Thanks.
Most content producers omit a lot of material that helps to explain thoroughly. You ... Ma'am explain with great detail. Thank you for being thorough thus making our searches much easier.
I like your video, and wanted to share something, we need to know there's no power on a test before using the meter for continuity on Ohms. If Harry homeowner has a meter and runs tests, he needs to think it out. When the reading is "at one" you could rather say it's "I , for infinite" Or alot. Higher than it's scale. I hate trying to read the tiny directions they might include with a magnifying glass. Or in every language but my own. But, years ago, that's how I found out.
Another good video. In car repair business we use a headlight with leads to “load “ the wiring and switches. Don’t forget to mention the ground side is a commonly overlooked car problem. Multi meter good because it draws small amps. Hard to damage electronic parts. I hope you used real butter with that bread while it was hot ‼️
Good video as always. However, I don't recommend a meter for measuring voltages at coils and switches. Those connections get a bit dirty and they can bleed a small current that will measure fine with a meter OR switches get a high resistance and can't pass enough current to actually turn on the solenoid. I always use a test light. If you don't have one, take one of those headlight sockets out of an old mower. They have two spade lugs for connections and just connect two jumper leads to it. It will find crappy connections and you soon get used to how bright they should be.
I love these videos ! Thank you , Bre. You and your hubby have a great business. I landscaped for 15 years with my son. This wisdom is priceless. Thanks again. Dean ( in Syracuse )
Our E170 runs but won’t start with the key, new key switch, new solenoid x2, new mower switch, good fuse. Does everything correctly when it’s running, just won’t start with the key. Ugh……Update: Clutch safety switch came out of its slot in the frame. FIXED!!!!!!!!!WOOOOOOO!
Thanks for your SUPER advice and very useful wisdom. I thought I knew a lot about fixing these things, but you have definitely made me MUCH better - thanks again 👍
I am a new subscriber. I just did a start-up maintenance for my push lawnmower for this year by watching UA-cam videos - changed the spark plug, cleaned the air filter, sharpened the blade, and put new gas in (ran itb dry before putting the mower away for the winter.) The first cut was fine but the mower wouldn't start a second time. Went back to UA-cam but really couldn't get an answer. One suggested replacing the fuel filter and another taking the carburetor apart. Wish there's a good video on how to winterize a mower.
I am a handy person but there is always more to learn. I appreciate your way of presenting the fixes. No extra yacking. Just the facts ma'am. Clear instructions make it easy to follow with my own tools. Thank you!
I want to thank you! I followed your video to a T and got my mower started for the first time in almost 2 years! Thanks so much from Murfreesboro Tennessee!
12.5 not always mean a good battery . Might not have any cranking amps either bad new battery or corroded cables and or dirty grounds. Bumps under the battery cable sheathing is a good indication it’s the cables . Great videos enjoying and learning a few things .👍👌
Might I suggest setting your meter to the desired position prior to connecting the leads. Easy to blow a fuse on that sucker as you twirl the knob through the different options.
@@danpatch4751 Ok Dan, if you are trying to be specific then it's actually called a multimeter. An 'ammeter' is an instrument for measuring electric current in amperes, which the instrument in question does in addition to the other functions thus being more accurately described as a 'multimeter'.
Only if you try to measure volts on the amps setting. But there's a separate socket for the red lead on amps, so you'll just blow an expensive fuse if you get both wrong.
Thanks for the video enjoyed. Being a gear head myself I can’t believe how many folks commented to some sorts that you almost did it correct. I totally followed and understood. Great looking bread. You husband has bragging rights over most that his wife can hold her own in a stereotypical males role as a small engine tech. 👍👍
Thanks for the help! Our D160 john deere rider had an intermittent clutch switch. The unit would die randomly or just not start. Fuel delivery checked ok. No spark though! Started checking those 4 safety switches. Unit started when I wiggled the clutch switch where its mounted against the clutch linkage rod. Aha! Took the switch out and confirmed with my DMM.
I come here to find information on troubleshooting small engines. However, you need to make a video on baking bread in a cast iron pan. It looked GOOD! Now I'm drooling. Thanks for the mechanic stuff.
I followed your instructions up to the solenoid checks. When I did an ohmmeter check from the Battery side post and the starter side post, it went from 1 to Blank screen. When I looked at what I was doing I remembered my old 62 Ford Fairlane's solenoid, so I shorted the post with a screwdriver and it started turning over, problem solved bad solenoid.
Thank you! Working on an old JD & thanks to your video, I got it to crank. Seems I still have a fuel problem but 1 step at a time. LOL OMG, that bread looked amazing!
Glad I found this channel. I've watched others but for some reason you make some things easier to understand. I'm not an expert small engine mechanic but I like to tinker and work on my own stuff
Wow, thank you for this.. I had an old zeroturn in a barn on the property we just bought and I was just about ready to scrap it until I changed the fuse, lol. Runs like a top now 😏
Hi Bre , want to share a problem I had with a neighbors Craftsman rider . Wouldn't engage the starter and found a bad ignition switch. Bought a new one , installed it and the first time we tried to start it , all we got was a wiff of smoke from the engine cover . After checking the switch we figured out that in start , it put 12 volts on the ignition coil instead of ground when turned off to shut down the engine . After some arguing Sears finally gave us a new switch and ign coil . Then it all worked fine . Good video .
Got a yard machine 42in 17.5hp and was cuttin grass yesterday and hit fence wire layin in the yard it stoped the blades got that out an started cutting again then nabor came down an shut it off and then now it wont start it turns over just won't start put new E3 plug in it new gas and battery good checked it dont know much about tractors an dont wanna take it to a shop dont have a way to get it there wat can i check an i start it in neutral with the cluch fully down also. thank you for ur time and help learn alot from ur videos
I dislike electrical problems! Due to a battery that needed replacing on my John Deere X300, I just used a jump box for nearly 1 season. Well I believe that the module box under the hr meter died because I was going pos to pos and neg to neg from the jump box to the battery rather than using a metal gnd for my neg connection on the jump box. So from now on I connect the neg to a metal gnd if I need a boost. Another thing to check is to keep an eye on the battery water level. Top up with distilled water just so the water covers the cells. Do not fill to the top! One day my X300 wouldn’t start so I boosted it. Just for kicks I decided to check the water level in the battery. A few cells needed a top up. After that the battery didn’t need a boost and it’s from Jul 2016. In the winter I have my battery in the house on a Battery Tender.
Probing connectors from the front can spread the female spades and loosen the connection to the male spades. If possible back probe your connectors from the side the wires go in to. No chance of damage and same readings.
at the 10 minute mark you should have noted to use continuity or ohms scale on the meter with the wiring off. also most seat switch connectors have a shorting bar in them which will give a false reading. but oh that bread looks good ! just need some fresh whipped ceam butter.
love your vids, to the point, plain english, and no sketches(lol). I think my pto switch just dumped on me. When in ON one of the centers floats between 10.00 and 3.08 but doesnt zero. It just stopped engaging while mowing. 😟😟
Thank you so much, I'm still stuck. There is a switch somewhere that I can't find/test. Seat switch is good. Reverse switch good, Brake Switch also good.... the search continues. I guess the pto switch is yet to figure out. John Deere X728 I may have to call the dealer and that will cost a small fortune and take weeks.
I’m a happily married old man , and I hope don’t take this the wrong way, but I love you, you have made my life a little easier when I got issues, lol,and saved me a bunch of$$. Thank you, and you purdy easy on the eyes also. Blessup
I was hoping you were going to diagnose a bad high voltage coil. I'm sure you have another video. Two years ago I had three different coils go bad on me (tractor, generator, mower) while previously, I never, ever had a coil go bad (66 years)!!! Thanks to Amazon for cheap parts! I was thinkin the Russians must have sent a EMF Pulse and killed my stuff!!!! Thanks for your great videos!
Very appreciative for your information; If you can make other similar videos on diagnosing lawn tractors. I can assume that many of us can learn to fix our lawn tractors. Thanks You and God Bless.
Starter Solenoid is closed - 100% continuity between the power poles whether I'm turning the starter key or not. I'll check all the other stuff - but I think this starter solenoid is bad. [Thanks for all you do!!]. -John.
My JD 140 only has 8 hours on it but it's had a ton of starting issues. I got tired of trying to narrow down the problem and just ran a jumper wire from the start terminal on the ignition switch down to the solenoid. First time I've had to hotwire anything in my life.
Thank you so much for all your videos! I've got a Husqvarna v548 stand on mower and the issue I'm recently having is that usually when I start the mower the hand parking brake has to be engaged in order for it to start. Now, the only way I can start the mower is to leave the parking hand brake disengaged and the left safety hand lever engaged ( pulled in). I would greatly appreciate any help you may have to offer. Thank you
Thank you so much with you making this video I fixed my grandpa's snapper 42 inch lawn tractor but unfortunately I think it needs a camshaft but yesterday I found a video you posted on replacement on a camshaft so I'm going to change that soon and again thank you
When my mower wouldn't start recently I got just a click from the starter solenoid. Thought it was bad but it tested OK. Battery tested good. Direct wire battery to starter, it turned. The problem was a bit of corrosion where the cable to the solenoid was connected to the battery. It didn't look bad at all but once cleaned and reinstalled, the mower starts again. Also, regarding bad new batteries. They can test good with a multimeter. My mother in law's car needed a new battery so I got the right one at Advance Auto. Put it on the charger and tested with the multimeter when done. Looked good. Put it in the car, same issues as with the old dead battery. She had it towed to the dealer where they did some other battery test (load test maybe?) Battery bad from the factory. Got another new battery, car is fine.
First things first... I want a slice of that bread while it's still warm with some butter and honey!! 😋 Good explanation! Dang safety switches can be a real pain in the keester. I never knew which way is which with those. Thanks!!!
I bought my battery brand new from big blue store in Kinston North Carolina love that store one of my favorite stores to buy my stuff from love the Big blue store
Great video, Bre. Lots of detailed information for problem solving. This video saved me a lot of money on tractor repairs that I was able to do myself. I am now subscribed and a fan for life. I really appreciate your expertise. Brilliant!
Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B
Hooked up battery motor caught fire the Sears craftsman ready mower on the right hand side close to the bottom
vbb
Great video. For me, mice and rust disconnected the red wire to the ignition. Disassembled, stripped, twisted together, started mower, put clothes on.
Run a small engine shop in Humboldt County Ca, home of the Redwoods and Bigfoot. The Chickanic is required viewing for my staff, and I encourage them to put their watch time down on their timecards. Great info, great personality. Thanks for being you and for the excellent content.
I was raised around Boogers back in the 50's in the Arkansas Cache River Bottoms, the Farmers declared War on Forest back in late 50's- early 60's and Bigfoot had to Move On...
This chick knows her stuff,and very articulate with teaching what she knows. I subscribed
I could watch you work all day. Small engine angel.
You are the only Mechanic with very clean hands ✋️ 🙌
Lady , you are clear, precise with your presentations . Not a lot of static talking around things . Have learned a lot an I didn’t like working working on this stuff . Thank you for making work so much easier .
I expect this mower will last several seasons with decent care. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx1VWTrayKBdCKAjzAcZ_Eg4dhHTae3LkN also recommend Also, I ran across the problem with it not starting the 2nd time I used it. There is a safety switch which is pushed in by the chute or mulching piece being attached to the deck. I took the cover off and it wouldn't start. Put it back on, no problem. It takes only a minute with 2 easily accessible wingnuts and no tools. This mower starts up first crank each time and it is a joy to use. It also mows in reverse by putting the key to the reverse area after starting and pushing in the triangular button. It will stay in reverse mode until you turn it off. All in all, for my homeowner needs, I really like this mower-and at 70 bucks a cut here in Miami, it's already more than 1/3 paid for itself in a month.
Let me tell you - never have I viewed a UA-cam mower repair video that was so precise. I ran through everything you showed and found the safety switch that was causing the issue and took care of it. Thank you for doing such a great job. Subscribed.
I am the service manager for 2 very busy parts and service repair shops in up state NY. I tell my customers to bring in their battery to be load tested. I have found too many battery's that show 12 volts, but have no load!
Electrical woes can be really simple. I hope many find this helpful. 3 years of electronic in HS saved me so much $$$ along with auto shop, woodshop and metal shop.
I've been an electrician for more than 55yrs---you did a good job---Jim
As a farmer’s wife, I love you. I *love* mowing, and making bread (and butter, and cake, and doing anything with cows), so I’m all in to your channel. Thank you for the great content!
Had the ol fuse blow back when I was 16 starting out with mowers. I try to fix things myself through the help of your videos. Plus my local shop don't fix fresh bread either. Lol! I appreciate your help. Great video.
Wow! You can wrench AND bake! Your husband is a lucky man! Bread looked fantastic.
So there’s two things you can do that I can’t…fix my lawn stuff and get sourdough to live..you are my hero.
Wow. Simply a fuse. Great videos and love the information that you are kind enough to share. BTW, love the scenery where you are it's serene and breathtaking.... ;)
Nice video. Theres 2 sides to testing a battery. Multimeter for voltage and load tester for testing the load. I have batteries test 12 volts but fail the load test. I have both multimeter and load tester in my toolbox.
You can test load with multimeter by unhooking starter wire and watch how far volts drops for 15 sec. Goes bellow 10 volts bad battery
@@alexandercopeland2849 I think you meant disconnect the plug wire. You want the starter motor to be able to run when you measure the voltage.
@@jctoad nope starter running with coils unhooked will take longer for battery will get some charge back.
The starter solenoid will act like the load on the load tester.
@@alexandercopeland2849 Okay. I see what you mean. That will also give you a more stable voltage reading than cranking it.
A few more things to mention while we're on this subject. 1) Measure the voltage directly on the battery terminals for an accurate reading. 2) If you haven't already tried putting it on a charger, try that. Then remove from charger and test again before buying a new battery. 3) Test that the charging system is working.
You have once again saved me time, money and gaining knowledge. My safety switch that may or may not have been bypassed was not depressed. Thank you!!
YES! Follow the steps. Here's one additional step, battery connections. Had a Troy-Bilt Pony in last week. Intermittent starting problems. Did the usual checks, finally found loose battery connections. Customer had replaced battery and didn't completely tighten cables. Tightened and start problem went away. Good catch on the fuse too.
OOOOWEEE! Thank you thank you thank you! Followed you step by step replacing my cam in a 18.5 HP Briggs Stratton on my lawnmower. You saved me $2200 (comparable price for my mower today. I actually bought this thing from Sears 19 years ago for $1050 Thanx to you it's clucking again!) Also forgive me but FWIW your husband is a lucky man! Long blonde hair, Daisy Dukes, and boots....and can fix ANYTHING!!
You noticed too, YEP, her husband has a fine package & I'm willing to bet she can cook good also ! BUT, my wife could burn some meals if she could fix my mower & I wouldn't say a thing 😂
You all left out she can shoot a mean game of pool ! And grows an awesome garden….she is truly multi talented. She has saved me $$ and frustration 🎉
Nice job explaining the electric interlocks! Please post that great looking bread recipe. Many thanks.
Great video and explanations. I might add a few things:
A meter with audible continuity setting beeps when a circuit has continuity. Very handy.
A test light is also handy for checking voltage presence or absence. If you get one it will
Come with a filament bulb which is fragile. Replace that with an LED for dependability.
Don’t cram test leads into female spade connectors because they will spread the connector
And make a loose connection. Make leads with male spade to alligator clips.
I learned all this the hard way.
Thank you so much. My mechanic friends all died during Covid and the other bushoggers are off in Hurricaneville so I have to try to get new batteries for my little Ryobi and clean my old little Craftsman. At least I can get the Craftsman into a shop 25 miles away if necessary.
I found your video most informative as compared to to others and I like the way you explained everything. In my case, my John Deere E120, did absolutely nothing when I turned the key - this was after using it for about a half hour that day and turning it off for a short period. After checking that the battery voltage was ok, I did all the other checks you describe. I even replaced the starter solenoid, but still the lawn tractor would not start. Finally, I bought battery load test meter and sure enough the battery was bad, so you cannot rely on only measuring the battery voltage with a meter. After a new battery, I was good to go. Thanks for your help!
I have a Dixie Chopper Xcaliber 3366 and my ignition switch literally broke, so I bought a new one… then found out I also have a blown fuse! Thank you so much! This video has helped me so much
Hi Chickanic ..well where do i start lol..Ive been in the property services industry for over 30 years now and landscaping and garderning is the biggest part in the summer for my business..im msging you to say i think your one amazing woman so knowledgeable in your field of work and have taught me a lot though your videos ..i use to spend a fortune on repaires to all my petrol equipment but now thanks to you i repaire 90 percent of my tools myself so Many Thanks for a super job your doing Regard..Colin from Kings Lawn Care...
Just subscribed but have been following you for about a month.
I only tinker with neighbors equipment for self gratification to help out and have learned a bit on my own.
You explain everything very well and keep it mostly simple. I’m a retired Fire Captain so we needed to know a little about anything “just in case”!
Thank you for your videos, you are very informative and good, PLUS you’re nice to look at!
Just a shade tree mower mechanic, but I have a tip for testing the solenoid that I learned from experience. In addition to testing the continuity, you should also check the voltage drop. Set meter to DC volts, connect positive lead to starter side of the solenoid and negative to the battery, then turn the key to start. If I remember correctly, the voltage should stay above 9.5 volts with the starter turning, if the voltage drops very low and the started never spins you have a bad solenoid. The internal contacts are "good enough" to show continuity on the meter, but under a load they won't pass enough current to spin the starter. After checking EVERYTHING else I finally gave up and tried the "redneck solenoid test" I jumped the posts with a screwdriver and it cranked great, THEN I thought to check for voltage drop and there it was.
also just connect test leads across the battery and crank the mower to be sure you have a good battery. some battery conditions, it will look good until you put a load on it, and then drop out.
If you put an old screwdriver across the pole on the solenoid If it spins the starter it is ok. If it doesn't the chances are your solenoid is faulty.
@@THEJR-of5tf it may still be having trouble if the screwdriver will kick it and the key won't.
Great tip on how to troubleshoot the safety switches. I have one out on mine. I will have a go at what you have just done. Thanx Chickanic. 👍🇬🇧🔧
Thanks for watching!
Fresh bread, I could almost smell it! I'm Hungry now. Oh, and thanks for the tips on the switches.
You referenced an odometer! I believe it is an hour meter!(?)
Great video! Just the concise information I needed. What a woman!!! She cooks, she's a businesswoman, she's attractive, and she's a mechanic!!!! You fair lady are a lawn mower goddess.
“People don’t know they have fuses, but they do.” Thankfully, the circuit is fused. Fried wires are an expensive side dish.
Bread looks great. I have those same plates. Walmart sold millions of them.
You're a star! My Lawnflite MTD 603 tractor mower was dead, changed the battery... No difference... And I stumbled across your video. I struggled to find the fuse which sits on the side of the engine on that model. Changed it and the mower came to life on the first turn of the key! Thank you very much, you saved me a bundle!!!
Learned a lot with all your GOOD explanations. My wife is a good cook and makes the best home-made bread in the world. Your loaf made me hungry! Sometimes we just have hot, freshly-baked bread, fruit, cheese, and a bottle of wine! Absolutely wonderful! Keep up the good work. Thanks.
Most content producers omit a lot of material that helps to explain thoroughly. You ... Ma'am explain with great detail. Thank you for being thorough thus making our searches much easier.
I like your video, and wanted to share something, we need to know there's no power on a test before using the meter for continuity on Ohms.
If Harry homeowner has a meter and runs tests, he needs to think it out.
When the reading is "at one" you could rather say it's "I , for infinite"
Or alot. Higher than it's scale.
I hate trying to read the tiny directions they might include with a magnifying glass. Or in every language but my own.
But, years ago, that's how I found out.
Another good video. In car repair business we use a headlight with leads to “load “ the wiring and switches. Don’t forget to mention the ground side is a commonly overlooked car problem. Multi meter good because it draws small amps. Hard to damage electronic parts. I hope you used real butter with that bread while it was hot ‼️
Glad to see its warming up in your area.
Finally! love it! Gotta work on my tan.
Yes we too her husband is one lucky SOB and frankly I hate him. I would have to take her everywhere to show off, those shorts are astounding.
Dem Daisy Dukes is WHY that thing started up for sure ! GREAT clip as usual
Good video as always. However, I don't recommend a meter for measuring voltages at coils and switches. Those connections get a bit dirty and they can bleed a small current that will measure fine with a meter OR switches get a high resistance and can't pass enough current to actually turn on the solenoid.
I always use a test light. If you don't have one, take one of those headlight sockets out of an old mower. They have two spade lugs for connections and just connect two jumper leads to it. It will find crappy connections and you soon get used to how bright they should be.
You are 100% right on this, Scott.
Scott,
Thank you for sharing, that's useful information .
I love these videos ! Thank you , Bre. You and your hubby have a great business.
I landscaped for 15 years with my son. This wisdom is priceless. Thanks again.
Dean ( in Syracuse )
Our E170 runs but won’t start with the key, new key switch, new solenoid x2, new mower switch, good fuse. Does everything correctly when it’s running, just won’t start with the key. Ugh……Update: Clutch safety switch came out of its slot in the frame. FIXED!!!!!!!!!WOOOOOOO!
Thanks for your SUPER advice and very useful wisdom. I thought I knew a lot about fixing these things, but you have definitely made me MUCH better - thanks again 👍
You are the reason I went through my mower to fix it. I usually leave it to my husband but not tah-dayyy. Thank you for this!
I am a new subscriber. I just did a start-up maintenance for my push lawnmower for this year by watching UA-cam videos - changed the spark plug, cleaned the air filter, sharpened the blade, and put new gas in (ran itb dry before putting the mower away for the winter.) The first cut was fine but the mower wouldn't start a second time. Went back to UA-cam but really couldn't get an answer. One suggested replacing the fuel filter and another taking the carburetor apart. Wish there's a good video on how to winterize a mower.
I am a handy person but there is always more to learn. I appreciate your way of presenting the fixes. No extra yacking. Just the facts ma'am. Clear instructions make it easy to follow with my own tools. Thank you!
Great video. Needed that info on the switches & relays. The only thing missing was the recipe for the bread in cast iron...
Nice video we hate safety switches but love safety
The gear is very reasonable for my money and the pars are good to depends on what you're buying it's a great store love big blue
I want to thank you! I followed your video to a T and got my mower started for the first time in almost 2 years! Thanks so much from Murfreesboro Tennessee!
12.5 not always mean a good battery . Might not have any cranking amps either bad new battery or corroded cables and or dirty grounds. Bumps under the battery cable sheathing is a good indication it’s the cables . Great videos enjoying and learning a few things .👍👌
Always very helpful although I was hoping you would get to what device charges the battery as it is running.....
Might I suggest setting your meter to the desired position prior to connecting the leads. Easy to blow a fuse on that sucker as you twirl the knob through the different options.
Ammeter setting
@@danpatch4751 Ok Dan, if you are trying to be specific then it's actually called a multimeter. An 'ammeter' is an instrument for measuring electric current in amperes, which the instrument in question does in addition to the other functions thus being more accurately described as a 'multimeter'.
You are absolutely correct. Her meter must have some awesome built in safety features.
Only if you try to measure volts on the amps setting. But there's a separate socket for the red lead on amps, so you'll just blow an expensive fuse if you get both wrong.
Just watch yo!
Thanks for the video enjoyed. Being a gear head myself I can’t believe how many folks commented to some sorts that you almost did it correct. I totally followed and understood. Great looking bread. You husband has bragging rights over most that his wife can hold her own in a stereotypical males role as a small engine tech. 👍👍
Thanks for the help! Our D160 john deere rider had an intermittent clutch switch. The unit would die randomly or just not start. Fuel delivery checked ok. No spark though! Started checking those 4 safety switches. Unit started when I wiggled the clutch switch where its mounted against the clutch linkage rod. Aha! Took the switch out and confirmed with my DMM.
I come here to find information on troubleshooting small engines. However, you need to make a video on baking bread in a cast iron pan. It looked GOOD! Now I'm drooling. Thanks for the mechanic stuff.
I followed your instructions up to the solenoid checks. When I did an ohmmeter check from the Battery side post and the starter side post, it went from 1 to Blank screen. When I looked at what I was doing I remembered my old 62 Ford Fairlane's solenoid, so I shorted the post with a screwdriver and it started turning over, problem solved bad solenoid.
Thank you!
Working on an old JD & thanks to your video, I got it to crank.
Seems I still have a fuel problem but 1 step at a time. LOL
OMG, that bread looked amazing!
It just gets better your a great repair person but you bake homemade bread to I’m a great fan now. Keep up the great work. God Bless
Glad I found this channel. I've watched others but for some reason you make some things easier to understand. I'm not an expert small engine mechanic but I like to tinker and work on my own stuff
Thank you, thank you, thank you! My mower is running! Girl power!
Wow, thank you for this.. I had an old zeroturn in a barn on the property we just bought and I was just about ready to scrap it until I changed the fuse, lol. Runs like a top now 😏
Great video and love to see women with knowledge of mechanical stuff for sure! 👍
Hi Bre , want to share a problem I had with a neighbors Craftsman rider . Wouldn't engage the starter and found a bad ignition switch. Bought a new one , installed it and the first time we tried to start it , all we got was a wiff of smoke from the engine cover . After checking the switch we figured out that in start , it put 12 volts on the ignition coil instead of ground when turned off to shut down the engine . After some arguing Sears finally gave us a new switch and ign coil . Then it all worked fine . Good video .
I’m adding this video to my saved! Great tutorial! Thanks Chickanic
Awesome! Thank you!
@@Chickanic r try the yet Reese saw rrreèt tr to pop utŷt tryy r red r top y y the easer r the r
Got a yard machine 42in 17.5hp and was cuttin grass yesterday and hit fence wire layin in the yard it stoped the blades got that out an started cutting again then nabor came down an shut it off and then now it wont start it turns over just won't start put new E3 plug in it new gas and battery good checked it dont know much about tractors an dont wanna take it to a shop dont have a way to get it there wat can i check an i start it in neutral with the cluch fully down also. thank you for ur time and help learn alot from ur videos
Yess im gonna be that guy i definitely clicked on this vid because of chickanics gorgeous thumb nail!!! 🙂😍😅
I dislike electrical problems! Due to a battery that needed replacing on my John Deere X300, I just used a jump box for nearly 1 season. Well I believe that the module box under the hr meter died because I was going pos to pos and neg to neg from the jump box to the battery rather than using a metal gnd for my neg connection on the jump box. So from now on I connect the neg to a metal gnd if I need a boost. Another thing to check is to keep an eye on the battery water level. Top up with distilled water just so the water covers the cells. Do not fill to the top! One day my X300 wouldn’t start so I boosted it. Just for kicks I decided to check the water level in the battery. A few cells needed a top up. After that the battery didn’t need a boost and it’s from Jul 2016. In the winter I have my battery in the house on a Battery Tender.
Probing connectors from the front can spread the female spades and loosen the connection to the male spades. If possible back probe your connectors from the side the wires go in to. No chance of damage and same readings.
Yep....I'd hit it.
Subscribed!
Plus, she knows her stuff, and she explains it in simple terms. Thanks for that.
Thanks for the info video. I Was able to fix my Troy Bilt Rider mower by simply replacing blown fuse. Never knew that there was one. Thanks
at the 10 minute mark you should have noted to use continuity or ohms scale on the meter with the wiring off. also most seat switch connectors have a shorting bar in them which will give a false reading. but oh that bread looks good ! just need some fresh whipped ceam butter.
Thanks for getting to the point on all of your videos without a lot of Mumbo Jumbo.
All of your videos are helpful and you show me that I can fix my mowers
Thanks Bree best looking small engine Mechanic that knows her stuff
love your vids, to the point, plain english, and no sketches(lol). I think my pto switch just dumped on me. When in ON one of the centers floats between 10.00 and 3.08 but doesnt zero. It just stopped engaging while mowing. 😟😟
Another Beautiful Video. Very insightful in many ways. Also Great info on how to troubleshoot the electrical system. So Pretty !😊
Thank you so much, I'm still stuck. There is a switch somewhere that I can't find/test. Seat switch is good. Reverse switch good, Brake Switch also good.... the search continues. I guess the pto switch is yet to figure out. John Deere X728 I may have to call the dealer and that will cost a small fortune and take weeks.
I’m a happily married old man , and I hope don’t take this the wrong way, but I love you, you have made my life a little easier when I got issues, lol,and saved me a bunch of$$. Thank you, and you purdy easy on the eyes also. Blessup
Thanks for your your instructions. You make things simple to understand and help us out in a lot of pinches
This has been so useful the ride on stopped today and wouldn't start. It was the fuse thanks for your help
Always a no nonsense instructional. Thx
I was hoping you were going to diagnose a bad high voltage coil. I'm sure you have another video. Two years ago I had three different coils go bad on me (tractor, generator, mower) while previously, I never, ever had a coil go bad (66 years)!!! Thanks to Amazon for cheap parts! I was thinkin the Russians must have sent a EMF Pulse and killed my stuff!!!! Thanks for your great videos!
Very appreciative for your information; If you can make other similar videos on diagnosing lawn tractors. I can assume that many of us can learn to fix our lawn tractors. Thanks You and God Bless.
Thank you for this help. My john deere d170 had a bad 20 amp fuse and wouldn’t start. New fuse and works great now!
Starter Solenoid is closed - 100% continuity between the power poles whether I'm turning the starter key or not. I'll check all the other stuff - but I think this starter solenoid is bad. [Thanks for all you do!!]. -John.
Your channel by far is the best one I've found on here 😊
I am awe struck by your clear and to the point instructional videos. This one is a must for sure on the electronics. Thank you so much.
Wow, thanks!
My JD 140 only has 8 hours on it but it's had a ton of starting issues. I got tired of trying to narrow down the problem and just ran a jumper wire from the start terminal on the ignition switch down to the solenoid. First time I've had to hotwire anything in my life.
I follow several mower mechanic pages. You are legit. Well Done Young Lady.
Thank you so much for all your videos! I've got a Husqvarna v548 stand on mower and the issue I'm recently having is that usually when I start the mower the hand parking brake has to be engaged in order for it to start. Now, the only way I can start the mower is to leave the parking hand brake disengaged and the left safety hand lever engaged ( pulled in). I would greatly appreciate any help you may have to offer. Thank you
Pto was on... watched this on the front lawn. Thanks 😅
Thank you so much with you making this video I fixed my grandpa's snapper 42 inch lawn tractor but unfortunately I think it needs a camshaft but yesterday I found a video you posted on replacement on a camshaft so I'm going to change that soon and again thank you
Great video, it will take the mystery out for a lot of people.
Thanks for the video chickanic.
When my mower wouldn't start recently I got just a click from the starter solenoid. Thought it was bad but it tested OK. Battery tested good. Direct wire battery to starter, it turned. The problem was a bit of corrosion where the cable to the solenoid was connected to the battery. It didn't look bad at all but once cleaned and reinstalled, the mower starts again. Also, regarding bad new batteries. They can test good with a multimeter. My mother in law's car needed a new battery so I got the right one at Advance Auto. Put it on the charger and tested with the multimeter when done. Looked good. Put it in the car, same issues as with the old dead battery. She had it towed to the dealer where they did some other battery test (load test maybe?) Battery bad from the factory. Got another new battery, car is fine.
First things first... I want a slice of that bread while it's still warm with some butter and honey!! 😋 Good explanation! Dang safety switches can be a real pain in the keester. I never knew which way is which with those. Thanks!!!
I bought my battery brand new from big blue store in Kinston North Carolina love that store one of my favorite stores to buy my stuff from love the Big blue store
And you, can cook' to boot! Your husband is a very lucky man 😊 bless you I loved the way you teach thanks
Great video, Bre. Lots of detailed information for problem solving. This video saved me a lot of money on tractor repairs that I was able to do myself. I am now subscribed and a fan for life. I really appreciate your expertise. Brilliant!
I appreciate you videos. I can understand what you say and your handson is supper. I review alot of you videos. Thanks so much