Is the Starter Solenoid in Your Craftsman Broken? (Troubleshoot)
You go to crank over the engine of your mower, but nothing happens. A humming or clicking noise is all you can make out.
When the starter motor turns over the engine without the solenoid, you know the solenoid in your Craftsman is broken. Battery chargers can be used to check the functionality of starter solenoids that are attached to the starter.
Work carefully around the starter solenoid. Please observe all of the security measures outlined in your Craftsman’s user guide.
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Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid: What Are They?
The solenoid of a Craftsman lawn mower functions similarly to a power toggle. The starter motor is activated by pressing a button on an electromagnet switch.
Although the starter solenoid is typically attached to the motor that turns it on and off, this is not necessary for proper operation. The solenoids on certain lawn mowers are located not far from the battery instead of the starter.
Solenoids, Post-3 and Post-4
Three- and four-post solenoids typically use this type of wiring diagram. Keep in mind that not every lawnmower has the same wiring diagram.
Some Craftsman mower wiring diagrams will have details for auxiliary features like lights and 12-volt ports. The schematic wiring diagrams here just show the most fundamental details.
Craftsman Lawn Mower: How to Recognize the Solenoid?
The physical characteristics of solenoids might vary. It’s possible that some could be round while others will be square. There could be as many as three or four posts protruding from it. The starter will have a few solenoids attached to the top.
An end of the solenoid is connected to the positive (+) wire coming from the Craftsman battery. Locating the solenoid is as simple as following the positive connection from the battery.
Every Craftsman mower that uses an electric starter has a solenoid.
Reasons for a Faulty Craftsman Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid?
You can think of a Craftsman solenoid as a type of electrical switch. Any moment is too soon for an electrical appliance to break.
A spring and copper plate are housed inside the solenoid.
The spring or copper plate of a Craftsman solenoid starter might break down over time.
A weak starter, faulty battery, or poor ground might potentially cause the solenoid to fail.
When attempting to diagnose a solenoid, it helps to have some idea of what signs to look for.
Lawnmower Craftsman Starter Solenoid Warning Signs
- A clicking or buzzing noise when you turn the key in the ignition but the mower won’t start.
- The wire heats up, producing smoke or melting.
How to Recognize a Faulty Solenoid on a Craftsman Lawn Mower
Tools Required Checklist
- Volt-Ohms Meter
- Screwdriver
- Continuity Light
- Test wrenches for slack wiring
- Plier-Needle Nose (If screwdriver does not work)
- Portable Power Source for Recharging Batteries (Optional)
Your lawnmower’s solenoid can be diagnosed in a few different ways.
Fully charge your Craftsman tool’s battery
Verify that your battery has a voltage of at least 12.3 using a voltmeter.
Our post 5 Reasons Your Craftsman Mower Battery Keeps Dying has more information on how to test your battery.
Prepare to Turn on Your Craftsman Lawnmower
- The brakes should be set for parking.
- Put your lawn mower in park and give it a rest.
- Insert the key and turn it on.
Use a screwdriver to deactivate the Craftsman starter solenoid
A long screwdriver can be used to reach above the solenoid and touch the two cables, thus turning off the starter. You need to find the cable leading from the battery to the starter.
When the screwdriver comes into touch with the wires, a spark may be produced. Don’t freak out; this is rather usual.
Solenoid failure is more likely if the engine starts while bypassing the solenoid.
Needlestick pliers can also be used to bypass the solenoid if the screwdriver fails to accomplish the trick.
Inspect the wiring for corrosion and slack before you replace the starter solenoid. These obstructions may prevent the solenoid from receiving the power it needs to function.
Attempt a Start with the Craftsman Solenoid
The starter can be checked along with the solenoids that are attached to it. It is recommended to remove the starting from the engine and test the solenoid using a battery charger. You can use this to check how well the starting is communicating with the solenoid.
After taking the starter out of your lawnmower, you should connect the negative (-) clamp to the starter’s housing and the positive (+) clamp to the solenoid’s large post and exciter wire. When the starting player is out, we only do a brief bench test.
Can the Starter Solenoid on a Craftsman Lawn Mower Be Disconnected?
Place a long screwdriver across the solenoid to prevent it from making contact with the battery cable or the starter cable, and the starter on a Craftsman will turn over.
Take caution. It is natural for the connection to generate a spark. Put on protective gear at all times.
Similar Topics
The Lawnmower Won’t Start After Leaving in the Rain
Water in the electrical system can also prevent your mower from starting.
Craftsman Mower Clicks but Doesn’t Start
It’s usually the starter solenoid that’s at fault when your Craftsman won’t start and you hear a clicking or humming noise. However, this can also be brought on by a number of other factors.
Is Your Craftsman Lawnmower Still Giving You Trouble?
Owning a mower that never breaks down would be fantastic. Unfortunately, such things do not exist. If you keep a lawn mower for a long enough period of time, eventually something will break.
Troubles with starting, smoking, dying, vibrating, and slicing are the most typical.
I made a reference sheet with common problems and their solutions for your Craftsman. Common Craftsman Lawn Mower Issues & Fixes is where you’ll find this manual.
It’s best to have a technician fix your Craftsman lawn mower if you aren’t confident in your ability to diagnose and repair it safely.
You’ll save yourself from harm and the mower from further destruction by doing this. Fixing your lawnmower is a job for your neighborhood Craftsman dealer or a specialized repair facility.
