If your riding lawn mower just clicks and doesn’t turn over, the good news is that it’s a very simple fix.
Most of the time people encounter a riding lawn mower that just clicks in the spring. That’s when they take it out of storage and go to use it for the first time. Unfortunately, the machine just clicks and won’t turn over or start.
This is a super common problem, and the clicking is a telltale sign.
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Riding Lawn Mower Just Clicks – Diagnosis
Diagnosis is incredibly simple for this symptom. You go to turn the ignition key and a very audible clicking noise occurs. The engine won’t turn over or even try to start.
Cause
The problem is the electrical system. Most often, the battery is dead. This happens frequently when the machine sits for a long time, as in the case of being stored over the winter.
Most riding lawn mower batteries can last up to 3-4 years. Take a look at the manufacture date on your battery. If the date is near or past that timeframe, you might want to consider purchasing a new battery.
You can always try to charge the battery before purchasing a new one. However, if the battery is already several years old then there’s a good chance it won’t take a charge.
If you don’t have a battery charger, you can use a jumper pack to provide additional power. This should be enough to get the engine started. From there, the charging system on the riding mower will charge the battery (if it’s any good.)
This isn’t a long term fix, but it can work in a pinch if you need to use the machine right away.
If you’ve got a newish battery and it’s fully charged, but the machine still makes the clicking noise, clean the terminals. Dirty connections between the battery posts and cables can also cause the clicking noise.
A solid connection is required to start the machine, so if those cables are loose or corroded, give them a good cleaning and make sure everything is tight.
While you’re at it, inspect the cables for any signs of cuts or fraying. This can also cause battery draws and result in a clicking noise.
Recap
So if your riding lawn mower just clicks, start with the battery. Clean the terminals and charge it up. Use a jumper pack to get you going for the meantime, but also consider purchasing a new battery.
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