Why Your Husqvarna Riding Mower Won’t Start + Troubleshooting Tips

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Mowing lawns can be quite the labor-intensive task, demanding both time and physical effort. Dealing with an inefficient or temperamental lawn mower can be frustrating enough to tempt anyone into seeking professional help.

If your Husqvarna riding mower isn’t cooperating, I’ve gathered a set of recommendations to help you kickstart your mower with ease. 

Reasons Why Your Husqvarna Riding Mower Can't Start

Issue #1: Wrong Starting Procedure

Beginner users may have a dilemma in setting up or starting a riding mower. There could be Husqvarna riding mower technical gaps that you may not have addressed during assembly, causing the mower from operating.

Husqvarna TS 348XD

It’s highly recommended to follow the correct starting procedure for your Husqvarna riding mower as outlined in the manual.

Issue #2: Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

A neglected or clogged air filter can impede the flow of clean air into the engine, potentially leading to overheating or even damage. 

So, it’s advisable to inspect your mower’s air filter approximately every 25 hours of operation, and replace it when necessary to maintain optimal engine performance.

Issue #3: Damaged Spark Plug

A damaged spark plug will prevent the engine from starting. You’ll also likely deal with a mower that will start then die soon after. The most common cause of a damaged spark plug is the gasoline that has gone bad and collected moisture. 

husqvarna spark plug replacement

You can check the spark plug by removing it and inspecting it for signs of damage. Replace it as necessary. 

Issue #4: Clogged Fuel Filter

A clogged fuel filter prevents fuel from reaching the engine, causing it to starve for gas and eventually shut down.

Clean the clogged fuel filters by soaking them in gasoline for a few minutes and then blowing it out with compressed air. It would be best if you replace damaged or old fuel filters.

Issue #5: Clogged Carburetor

A clogged carburetor prevents fuel and air from reaching the engine, causing it to run lean and eventually shut down. With a damaged carburetor, your riding mower will fail to forward or reverse smoothly making it more difficult to use. 

husqvarna carburetor

Like fuel filters, clean the carburetor by soaking it in gasoline for a few minutes. Use compressed air to blow out any dirt or debris.

Issue #6: Bad or Contaminated Gas

Gasoline that has gone bad is one of the reasons why your Husqvarna riding mower won’t start. Contaminated gasoline can prevent your engine from running efficiently or even starting [1]

So, check the gas for any unusual substances, such as water or debris, before proceeding. Once you’ve ensured that the fuel is clean, it’s time to start the mower. But if the problem persists, drain the gas from your mower tank and fill it with fresh gasoline. 

Issue #7: Defective Start Switch

A defective start switch prevents the engine from starting when you turn the key. The most common symptom of a faulty start switch is the engine not cranking when turning the key. 

control panel of Husqvarna MZ61

To test the start switch, remove the wire from the terminal and check for continuity with a multimeter. It should show a reading of continuity. If not, replace the switch. 

Issue #8: Faulty Fuel Pump

A faulty fuel pump also prevents fuel from reaching the riding mower’s engine even when you put too much fuel in your mower. This eventually results in the engine shutting down. As a professional landscaper, I recommend taking the following steps: 

First, disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor, and then turn the key to the ON position. If you notice that there’s no gasoline flowing through the fuel line, it’s worth considering a replacement.

Issue #9: Defective Ignition Coil

A defective ignition coil can prevent the engine of your Husqvarna Z242F mower from starting by not providing enough spark to the spark plug. The most common symptom of a bad ignition coil is the engine not cranking when you turn the key. 

husqvarna coil replacement

To test the ignition coil, remove the wire from the terminal and check for continuity with a multimeter. 

Issue #10: Defective Safety Switch

A defective safety switch prevents the engine from starting. A common sign of a bad safety switch is the engine not cranking when the key is turned.

Test the safety switch by removing the wire from the terminal and checking for continuity with a multimeter. If it doesn’t show any reading, consider replacing this part.

Issue #11: Broken Recoil Spring

A broken recoil spring can prevent the engine from starting by not allowing the mower rope to be pulled. Like the faulty safety switch, the telltale sign of a broken recoil spring is the engine not cranking when you turn the key. Thus, the lawn mower will fail to pull and starts the engine. 

Pull the rope and see if it’s able to retract. A good recoil spring recoils the cord immediately. 

FAQ

How do you clean a carburetor on a Husqvarna lawn mower?

You can clean a carburetor on a Husqvarna lawn mower by soaking it in gasoline for a few minutes and then blowing it out with compressed air. Replace damaged or old fuel filters to keep your mower running smoothly. 

Conclusion

As a seasoned landscaper, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to address common starting issues with Husqvarna riding mowers. These valuable troubleshooting tips will assist you in resolving mower glitches effectively. Or, you can also check the Husqvarna drive belt diagram , and make it your guide when fixing more engine-related issues.

By understanding how your mower works, you would be able to troubleshoot it immediately when something goes wrong.

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Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.

Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.

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