Why lawnmower died while mowing and won’t start? It is harsh to hear, but faithful nonetheless, that your lawnmower died or shut down due to the failure of the safety switch.
The safety switch is a switch that is responsible for heavy-duty all the time.
However, it is noteworthy that there are some other reasons also. And to have a clearer understanding of the problems, we must know the operational steps that occur in a mowing machine.
Lawn Mower Died While Mowing and Won’t Start – Find The Fundamental Problems
Let’s know the problems below, which an amateur can detect easily and fix at home by purchasing kits from an online or physical store. However, to have a brief knowledge, look at the table below. It assembles the problems and causes behind those. Don’t forget to read the fixing method below.
| Reasons | Solutions |
| Breakdown of the safety switch. | Repair and replacement of hardware |
| Unexpected cable unplugging. | Rechecking the cable and tightening |
| Spark plug expired | Check the expiry date in the manual |
| Broken circuit board | Check the cable joints |
Learn the Comprehensive Mechanism
Before we learn the problems elaborately and fix them at our place, we must know how to start and run a mower. And somehow, an answer of “why does my lawnmower start and then die” is lying under here.
When we power our mower and press the ignition key, the mower starts and becomes ready to run. In the case of a riding mower, it only begins when we are sitting on it. And all the credit for this safety feature goes to the safety switch.
It turns the safety switch on while sitting on the seat, establishing a connection between the electrical wires. Therefore, our mower machine can receive the power from the battery. It is a continuous process, and when we leave the seat, the safety breaks the connection. As a result, the engine loses the link to the power source and shuts off.
In addition, when the battery serves the power to the whole mower, it also directs the burner to burn fuel so that it can visit through the cylinder. The passing of vaporized energy in the cylinder is not the whole.
When it is in a vaporized form, it creates a mini and robust explosion in the cylinder. And the explosion happens because of the spark plug. It creates sparks continuously, which fire the vaporized fuel, and the explosion takes place.
After the explosion, the cylinder travels downward with a massive force and prompts a circular gadget to roll. That rolling gadget is responsible for turning the fuel energy into electric power by recharging the battery with the magnetic charger.
So, this is how an engine runs. When facing such difficulties, you have to assume the problems raised due to any malfunctioning in this mechanism.
Flaws In Safety Switch
We disclosed how a safety switch works and how much we often deploy that. The safety switch is the only way the engine and fuel burner gets the electrical energy to run smoothly. So, if your mower’s engine gets off out of nowhere, there is a high possibility that your safety switch is not working.
You will need a voltage measurer or voltmeter to determine the fitness status. There are two points of this switch, one has the connection with the battery and another one with the circuit board. Now, connect the voltmeter with the point of the button which holds the circuit board connection. After that, press the ignition key and check the voltage. If your meter shows figure 12 V, your switch is okay. If not, then you must replace the switch.
Cause And Solution
There are no such causes that intentionally break the safety switch. Yet, faulty switches can raise the difficulty sooner than the average one. Generally, an unauthorized switch has less tolerance for continuous electrical flow and heavy use.
Therefore, whenever you shop for a safety switch, you must go for a brand that serves at least one year of guarantee.
The replacement method of the safety switch is similar to other controls. All you need to do is unplug the broken safety switch and tighten the new one.
There is no fear of electric shock because the battery can serve only 12 V. Yet, it will be wise if you wear safety gloves while replacing.
Flaws In Sparking System
Another major issue that can create an unusual situation, like riding lawn mower stopped running while mowing is the bad spark plug. You can learn the significance of a spark plug from above and its duty.
The battery will not receive any charge from the cylinder with a spark. So, check the spark plug if it is adequately plugged or not. Sometimes the plug fell off the place.
Also Read: Bad Ignition Coil Symptoms Lawn Mower- 5 Common Ones
To determine the fitness status of the spark, remove the plug from the cylinder and press the ignition key. If the spark plug is okay, there will be a spark on the top of the wire. The spark is meager and only visible in low light. It would be best to check this in your garage with deemed light.
Cause And Solution
There is no such precise cause behind this breakdown. In most cases, it occurs due to expiration and bad quality plug. You need to purchase a new pin and install it accordingly to fix this problem.
Check The Wires And Circuit Board
The eventual things that can cause such difficulties are the wires and circuit board. It is difficult to find an error in these items and requires an expert to determine. But, if you have general ideas about electric elements and can operate the meters, you can check the cables and circuit board.
This Video Will Help You Too!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does it mean when your lawn mower won’t start?
The sudden off of a lawnmower indicates several things. The breakdown of the safety switch or spark plug and malfunctioning cables among the vitals. A shock circuit is another prime reason that can cause the malfunctioning of the mower.
Why would a lawnmower suddenly stopped working?
The first probable reason is the bad spark plug. The second reason is the bad safety switch. And the third reason is cable malfunctioning.
How do you start a lawnmower that won’t start?
First, check the safety switch and then the spark plug. If any of them fails to work, replace it. If there is no problem with these, you must ask for the assistance of customer care service.
How do you fix a flooded lawn mower?
Firstly, unplug the spark plug and ignite the engine two to three times. It will push the air out of it through the carburetor. Now, plug in the spark plug and ignite the engine.
How do I know if my lawn mower spark plug is bad?
Unplug the spark plug and turn off the lights of your garage. Now, ignite the mower engine, and see a spark on the top of the spark plug. There will be no spark if the plug is bad.
Bottom Line
There are several reasons why the lawn mower died while mowing and won’t start. We have only discussed the prime reasons behind this. But, to determine and have the proper solution, experts are always beneficial. And hopefully, by reading our explanation, you will be able to find the problems and fix them on your own.
You Can Also Read:
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- 5 Reasons for Why Is My Lawn Mower Spitting Out Grass?
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Enamored with the world of golf Jack pursued a degree in Golf Course Management at THE Ohio State University. This career path allowed him to work on some of the highest profile golf courses in the country! Due to the pandemic, Jack began Inside The Yard as a side hustle that quickly became his main hustle. Since starting the company, Jack has relocated to a homestead in Central Arkansas where he and his wife raise cattle and two little girls.