There’s nothing more frustrating than heading out to tackle your lawn, only to be met with silence when you turn the key on your Craftsman riding mower. You’re ready to go, but your machine isn’t. Before you resign yourself to a costly trip to the repair shop or a long wait for a service technician, take a deep breath. Many of the most common issues are surprisingly simple to diagnose and fix yourself, often in just a few minutes.
This guide is designed to walk you through the most frequent culprits when your Craftsman riding lawn mower is not starting. We’ll follow a logical troubleshooting sequence, starting with the easiest and most common fixes. By following this Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower Not Starting: A Quick Guide, you can systematically eliminate potential problems and hopefully get back to mowing in no time. Let’s break down the process into simple, manageable steps.
First Things to Check: The Simple Stuff
It may sound obvious, but the simplest solutions are often the most overlooked. First, ensure the mower is in neutral and the parking brake is fully engaged. Many Craftsman models have a safety switch that prevents starting if these conditions aren’t met. Next, check the blade engagement lever (PTO). Make sure it is disengaged. If it’s on, the mower will not crank as a safety precaution. Finally, take a quick glance at the battery terminals. If you see any white, crusty corrosion, a quick clean with a wire brush can sometimes restore the connection needed for a strong start.
A Systematic Approach to Troubleshooting
If the easy checks don’t solve the problem, it’s time to be a little more methodical. Think of your mower’s starting system as requiring three key things: spark, fuel, and compression. For our purposes, we’ll focus on the first two, as they are the most common points of failure.
Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower Not Starting: A Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Start by listening carefully when you turn the key. The sound it makes (or doesn’t make) is a huge clue. Is there a clicking noise, is the engine turning over slowly, or is there complete silence?
If you hear a click or nothing at all, the issue is likely electrical. A weak or dead battery is the prime suspect. Try jump-starting the mower with a car (with the car engine off) or using a battery charger. If it starts, you’ve found your problem. The battery may just need a recharge, or it might be time for a replacement. If the battery is fine, check the fuse, usually located near the starter solenoid, and replace it if it’s blown.
If the engine cranks strongly but won’t fire up, the problem is probably related to fuel or spark. Start with the fuel system. Is there fresh gas in the tank? Old gas, especially gas left in the tank over the winter, can degrade and prevent starting. If the gas is more than a month old, drain it and add fresh fuel. While you’re there, check that the fuel shut-off valve, if your model has one, is in the on position.
When to Check the Spark Plug and Air Filter
If fresh fuel doesn’t help, move on to the spark plug. Remove the spark plug wire and use a socket to take the plug out. If the plug is covered in black soot or the electrode is damaged, it needs to be replaced. Before putting in a new one, briefly ground the plug’s metal body against the engine block and have someone turn the key. If you see a strong blue spark, your ignition system is likely fine. If there’s no spark, the issue could be a faulty ignition coil. Also, a dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause starting issues, so give it a tap to clean it or replace it if it’s very dirty.
By methodically checking these common areas—safety switches, battery, fuel, and spark—you can often pinpoint the reason your Craftsman won’t start without any special tools. Remember, always prioritize safety by disconnecting the spark plug wire before performing any inspections or repairs. With a little patience, you can often solve the problem yourself and save both time and money.