John Deere Lawnmower Starting Problems. Troubleshoot & Fixes

John Deere is renowned for producing lawnmowers of all types that can function long if properly cared for. You may occasionally need to troubleshoot your John Deere lawnmower if it is taking a while to start or is not starting at all.

John Deere lawnmower starting problems. How to troubleshoot?

Troubleshooting a gas-powered John Deere lawnmower involves checking the few essential components that often malfunction. The fuel level and quality should be of utmost priority to check first, followed by the fuel lines, fuel filter, and carburetor that degraded fuel deposits might block. The air filter needs to be clean and unclogged for the lawnmower to start, and the brake lever must be pressed down for the lawnmower to start. The electrical connections at the battery and safety switches must be properly working and secure for battery-powered ones.

Certain other lawnmower components, such as the pliers and gas lines, could cause the lawnmower to malfunction; however, these items are secondary to troubleshooting a lawnmower.

For a detailed step-by-step procedure for troubleshooting a John-Deere lawnmower of any type (riding, self-propelled, or battery), please continue reading the entire article.

Contents

0.1 Causes of John Deere Lawn Mower Starting Problems:
0.2 John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers:
0.3 John Deere Self-Propelled Lawnmowers:
- 0.3.1 1. John Deere Lawn Mower Engine Doesn’t Start?
- 0.3.2 2. John Deere Lawnmower Pull Cord Doesn’t Work?
0.4 John Deere Battery Powered Lawnmowers:
- 0.4.1 1. John Deere Lawnmower Doesn’t Start?
  - 0.4.1.1 – Battery Issues:
  - 0.4.1.2 – Damaged Ignition Switch:
- 0.4.2 2. John Deere Lawnmower Shuts Down?

1 Lawnmower Starting Problems

Causes of John Deere Lawn Mower Starting Problems:

John Deere has been producing high-quality lawnmowers. However, not taking adequate care of any equipment can expose it to problems.

The most common problem with using any gas-powered lawnmower is the mower being unable to start. There could be various causes for it not to start. Let’s discuss them in detail.

1. Fuel Issues:

One of the primary reasons why the lawnmower won’t start is because either the fuel has run out or the fuel has caused the system to clog. In both scenarios, fresh fuel must be filled in the tank. Fuel stabilizers such as sea foam must be added for anti-clogging effects to ensure the system does not block.

2. Clogged Air Filter:

Excessive and long-term use can cause debris or grass to clog the air filter, which prevents airflow. It is necessary to clean the air filter occasionally, and if it still would not improve, you might need to replace it altogether.

3. Fuel Cap Blockage:

The cap comes with a vent to promote normal combustion. If the vent is clogged by dirt, dust, or debris, a vacuum inside the tank restricts the fuel flow. A thin piece of metallic wire inserted into the vent is often used to clear the vent of any blockage materials.

4. Fuel Pump Leakage:

If the lawnmower’s fuel pump leaks, it hinders the pressure to pump the fuel. Such pumps need to be replaced instantly.

5. Carburetor:

Carburetors are the second most commonly clogged component after the air filter. Dissipating the fumes and vapors may often result in deposits of ethanol that prevent normal fuel flow. Properly cleaning the carburetor with anti-alcohol cleaning agents is essential in such a scenario.

6. Damaged Recoil:

Lawnmowers that have a pull-start ignition mode may be broken. Thus, the coil would not properly unfold to start the engine. This problem arises from a broken pulley or a loosened string that can be restrung, and the pulley can be replaced. However, if the entire recoil assembly needs replacement, you should get it done for the lawnmower to start.

John Deere Riding Lawn Mowers:

John Deere Riding Lawn Mower may need help troubleshooting certain technical issues that can be quickly resolved without calling a professional or taking it to a repair shop.

1. John Deere Lawn Mower Does Not Start?

Is your John Deere lawn mower unable to start at all? Following components needs to be checked stepwise to ensure it starts again.

– Checking the Fuel

Fill the tank with good quality fuel that enriches the engine to ignite and run. Poo quality fuel may cause deposition in the lines, hence drain out the old fuel and replace it with a fresh addition.

– Checking the Lever

Check for the lever that must be in the neutral lock and move it to a Lock position. Firmly press down on the control lever and pull the starter cord. These two steps are essential safety measures that must be met for the John Deere Lawn Mower to start.

– Replacing Rubber Boot

Reinsert the rubber boot of the spark plug and start the mower again. If the mower still doesn’t start, replace the rubber boot with a new one.

– Cleaning the Air Filter

You can locate an air filter on the side of the mower. Remove this filter, wash it under water, and remove all the clogged material. Dry the air filter entirely before putting it back.

2. John Deere Lawnmower Starts but Then Dies?

Most of the time, the same reasons that can cause a lawn mower not to start at all could also be responsible for a lawnmower to start but then slowly die out. These issues are often linked to the tank’s proper ventilation and fresh fuel’s addition.

– Fuel Issues

When your lawn mower fails to obtain the right amount of fuel and air for combustion and functioning, it can power down and trip over time. Check out the quality and quantity of your fuel and the air ventilation system to troubleshoot this problem.

– Overheating

Another problem that you might be occurring with your lawn mower is overheating. Overheating causes engines to fail. Overheating occurs due to damage to the cooling fins that dissipate the extra heat. Lack of lubrication also causes this problem. Check the engine oil, oil levels, and cooling fins while troubleshooting your lawnmower.

– Clogged Carburetor

Another reason the lawn mower runs sluggishly and then dies is that the lawn mower carburetor is clogged by dirt or debris. It is often advised to clean these components with a carb-cleaning liquid.

A choke valve in the carburetor also shuts your engine down by restricting airflow even after the engine has warmed up. If your machine still doesn’t start, check for the choke to be in the correct position. Reset the choke valve and start the engine again.

3. John Deere Lawnmower Is Smoking?

Suppose your John Deere lawn mower is emitting smoke. In that case, it is possibly due to the engine running on a higher fuel-to-air ratio or the engine oil consumption having drastically increased due to a plugged air filter, a faulty piston ring, or a damaged engine gasket.

To solve this issue, it is advised to clean the filters correctly and keep the oil crankcase filled to 3/4th the capacity. If the problem persists, the engine will need a professional inspection.

4. John Deere Lawnmower Runs Rough/Misfire?

A rough-running lawn mower has a potentially clogged carburetor or a damaged flywheel key that disrupts the engine’s ignition. However, a misfiring lawn mower can also be caused by inadequate old fuel and low cylinder compression.

To solve this issue, it is suggested to clear the carburetor, replace the spark plug and fill the tank with fresh gasoline. You can adjust the valve lash on the engine for low-cylinder compression. These solutions will eliminate misfiring and keep the engine running smoothly.

5. Does the John Deere Lawnmower Has A Dead Battery?

If your lawnmower often has a dead battery, the wiring or the charging system could be the issue. Both of these components need to be diagnosed separately.

The first step in diagnosing a dead battery is to remove and charge the battery separately. You will need a new battery if it doesn’t charge. If it works fine, the problem could be due to some error in the wiring that is drawing additional current and causing it to discharge.

A battery should, under ideal conditions, last at least five years. Some mowers can go without an issue for ten years.

John Deere Self-Propelled Lawnmowers:

The John Deere Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is an ideal solution for most homeowners owing to its portability and low cost.

1. John Deere Lawn Mower Engine Doesn’t Start?

If your lawnmower engine fails to start or the ignition dies in a few seconds, it is probably due to a plugged carburetor filter, a faulty spark plug, a clogged fuel cap vent, or a damaged flywheel brake.

Troubleshooting all these components individually by clearing the carburetor and the fuel cap of dirt and debris, repairing the spark plug, and checking and replacing a sheared flywheel will get your lawn mower up and running in no time.

2. John Deere Lawnmower Pull Cord Doesn’t Work?

The main reason why the pull cord of your lawn mower isn’t working is that the flywheel starter assembly has been sheared due to repeated usage. The broken pawls and the damaged pulley can cause the pull cord to malfunction.

To solve this issue, it is recommended to check for the warranty and get it repaired by a professional, as the assembly and disassembly are tricky. The rope which engages the starting mechanism to pull the engine fast enough to start the ignition module takes skill to assemble.

John Deere Battery Powered Lawnmowers:

1. John Deere Lawnmower Doesn’t Start?

– Battery Issues:

Long-term usage can result in the battery being discharged completely. The electric terminals could also be corroded. Hence these problems require fully charging the battery to check its performance again. If the performance has diminished, then the battery needs immediate replacement. The terminals must be cleaned from corrosion, and the wire connections must be kept tight and secure.

– Damaged Ignition Switch:

Ignition switches can wear over time, or the coil may go bad over long-term usage. Hence these ignition switches must be maintained and replaced regularly.

2. John Deere Lawnmower Shuts Down?

Your battery-powered John Deere lawnmower probably cuts out because of a depleted battery or a faulty start switch. It can also be due to faulty power cables that must be checked before every use. If your start switch doesn’t respond, you must replace the switch to fix the lawn mower.

You should check for loose electrical connections at the battery in case the mower stops working midway. Also, check the battery level and charge the mower if it’s down. Additionally, ensure no trash or foliage is stuck in the blade assembly. Even though you should routinely check this before every use, do it nonetheless.

You’ll need to change the start switch if none of these troubleshooting techniques have yielded any results. It can also be due to faulty power cables that must be checked before every use. Unlike switching out a wire, installing a start switch can be done by you or an electrician. It will cost a lot less than fixing a motor.

It’s time to call a specialist or a service center if you decide to replace the start switch and there is still no power because the motor will likely be fixed or replaced.

Lawnmower Starting Problems

1. Gas-Powered Lawnmower Starting Problems

S#	Problem	Causes	Fixes
1	Lawnmower doesn’t start	a. Empty fuel tank b. Clogged carburetor c. Air filter blocked with dirt. d. Spark plug with worn-out electrodes	a. Before adding fresh, drain old fuel residues from the tank. b. Inspect and clean the air and fuel filters from debris. Replace if necessary. c. Disassemble and clean the carburetor using a carb. cleaner liquid. d. Replace the spark plug if electrodes are worn out.
2	Lawnmower starts but then dies	a. Blocked air filter b. Clogged carburetor jets c. Vapor lock in the fuel tank	a. Clean the air filter using soap and water. Replace if needed. b. Clean the carburetor jets from residues using a carb cleaner spray. c. Clean the fuel tank vents to prevent a vapor lock.
3	Lawnmower is smoking	a. Oil leaking into the combustion chamber b. Blocked air filter	a. Avoid overfilling the oil tank. b. Always tilt the mower with the air filter pointing upwards. c. Check and replace worn-out gaskets. d. Clean the air filter.
4	The lawnmower runs rough/misfires	a. Stale fuel deposits in the fuel system. b. Broken flywheel key	a. Perform a complete tune-up involving cleaning the filters, carburetor, and fuel lines. b. Replace the flywheel key.

2. Corded Electric Lawnmower Starting Problems

S#	Problem	Causes	Fixes
1	Lawnmower doesn’t start	a. Loose connection b. Defective extension cord c. Faulty start switch d. Tripped circuit breaker	a. Ensure the connections aren’t loose and the socket is working. b. Try plugging in directly without an extension cord. c. Test the start switch using a multimeter and replace it if needed. d. Reset the tripped circuit breaker.
2	The lawnmower shuts down during operation.	a. Loose plug at the socket b. Tripped circuit breaker c. Motor winding damage	a. Ensure the connection isn’t loose and the socket works. b. Reset the circuit breaker or replace the blown switches. c. Contact customer support to seek a replacement in case of motor damage.

3. Cordless Battery Powered Lawnmower Starting Problems

S#	Problem	Causes	Fixes
1	Lawnmower doesn’t start	a. Low battery b. Faulty start switch	a. Ensure the battery is fully charged. b. Test the start switch for continuity using a multimeter.
2	The lawnmower shuts down during operation.	a. Low battery b. Overheating c. Debris obstructing the blades	a. Ensure the battery is fully charged. b. Let the lawnmower cool down for 10-15 minutes and restart. c. Clean the mower’s underside and remove any debris/grass clippings.

4. Robotic Lawnmower Starting Problems

S#	Problem	Causes	Fixes
1	Lawnmower doesn’t start	a. Disconnected boundary wire b. Faulty power supply c. Software update d. Debris stuck in blades	a. Ensure the boundary wire is connected to the charging station. b. The battery connections should be correct and the charging should be sufficient. c. Keep the software up to date. d. Remove any debris stuck between blades.
2	The lawnmower keeps shutting down mid-operation	a. Ensure the boundary wire is connected to the charging station. b. The battery connections should be correct, and the charging should be sufficient. c. Keep the software up to date. d. Remove any debris stuck between blades.	a. Avoid mowing when the conditions are damp. b. Resolve error messages on the display.