Is the Starting Solenoid on Your SCAG Mower Defective?
There will be a sequence of clicks that may be heard when you turn the key in the ignition to start your mower. This might be an indicator that the starting solenoid on your car is faulty, but there are a number of other causes that could also cause this issue. The problem could even be caused by something else entirely.
When the starting motor can turn over the engine without the solenoid being present, it is a sign that the SCAG starter solenoid has failed. To establish whether or not a starting solenoid that is installed on the starter is defective, a battery charger may be used to do an inspection on the solenoid.
While you are dealing with the starting solenoid, use extreme care. Be sure to take all of the safety measures that are outlined in the operator’s handbook for your SCAG.
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What exactly is meant by the term “SCAG Lawn Mower Solenoid”?
The SCAG lawn mower solenoid functions in a manner similar to that of an on/off switch. It is a switch that is activated by an electromagnet, and its purpose is to engage the starting motor so that the engine may be turned over.
It is common practice to install the starting solenoid to the starter motor; however, this is not required for the solenoid’s proper operation. Certain lawn mower solenoids may be found situated closer to the battery than the starter.
Solenoids with Three and Four Posts
This is a typical example of a wiring diagram for solenoids that have three or four posts in their construction. It is important to keep in mind that the electrical wiring diagrams for various types of lawn mowers will not all look the same.
Some of the schematics for SCAG mowers will include the wiring for extra features and options like lights and 12-volt ports. These schematics may be found in some of the manuals. In these images, just the most important parts of the wiring architecture are illustrated.
What Are the Characteristics of a SCAG Lawn Mower Solenoid?
Solenoids may have a wide range of distinctly different outward manifestations. There is a possibility that some are round, while others have a square shape. It’s conceivable that it has three or four posts sticking out of it altogether. [Possible] A couple of solenoids are going to be linked to the very top of the starter.
An attachment may be found on one side of the solenoid, and it is connected to the positive (+) wire that originates from the SCAG battery. If you follow the positive connection that flows from the battery, it will be quite easy for you to locate the solenoid in your car.
You can locate solenoids on every SCAG engine that has an electronic starter since they are standard equipment.
What Are the Root Causes of a Defective SCAG Lawn Mower Solenoid?
An electrical switch is referred to as a SCAG solenoid. Everything electrical has the potential to malfunction at any moment.
You will discover a spring and a copper plate on the inside of the solenoid.
If the spring in a SCAG starting solenoid becomes too weak or if the copper plate begins to corrode, the solenoid might fail.
It’s also possible for the solenoid to malfunction if the starting is weak, the battery is dead, or the ground is faulty.
While trying to diagnose a solenoid, it is helpful to have some idea of what signs to look for.
Lawnmower SCAG Solenoid Problems: Telltale Signs and Symptoms
If you hear a click or a hum when you turn the ignition key but your mower does not start, it is possible that the starting solenoid on your SCAG zero-turn mower is broken.
If a wire starts to smoke or melt as it becomes hot, this is another sign that your solenoid could not be working properly.
How to Recognize and Treat a Defective SCAG Lawn Mower Solenoid
Checklist of Required Equipment:
- Volt-Ohms Meter
- Screwdriver
- The Light of Continuity
- Wrenches for examining the wiring for any slack
- Needle Nose Pliers (If screwdriver does not work)
- Charger for the Battery (Optional)
There are a few different approaches you may use in order to determine whether or not the problem lies with the solenoid on your lawn mower.
1. Verify that your SCAG battery has received a complete charge.
Make sure your battery has at least 12.3 volts by checking it using the voltmeter that came with it. In our post titled “5 Factors That Are Draining the Life of Your Lawn Mower Batteries,” you can find additional information about checking your battery.
2. Ensure that your SCAG Mower is set up and ready to go.
- Adjust the brakes for parking
- Check that the setting on your lawn mower is set to neutral.
- To activate, move the key to the “on” position.
3. With the use of a screwdriver, get around the SCAG starter solenoid.
If you wish to avoid utilizing the starting, you may do it by putting a long screwdriver over the solenoid and contacting the two wires. This will allow the engine to start without using the starter. You will need to locate two cables in order to get the vehicle started: one wire will link the battery to the starter, and the other cable will connect the starter to the battery.
A spark may be created if the screwdriver comes into contact with the wires. This may happen when the screwdriver is used. Because of how often this occurs, there is absolutely no need to get anxious about it.
If the engine starts when you have the solenoid bypassed, there is a strong possibility that the solenoid is defective.
You may try jumping the solenoid with a screwdriver, but if it doesn’t work very well, you can also use needle-nose pliers.
Check to see if any of the wires are frayed or corroded, as well as the ground, before you replace the starting solenoid. These components have the potential to prevent the solenoid from receiving the electricity that is necessary for it to function.
4. Conduct a test on the starter solenoid for the SCAG.
There is the possibility of conducting tests on the solenoids that have been fitted on the starter. Checking the solenoid will need you to first remove the starter from the engine and then make use of a battery charger. This is an effective way to find out whether or not the starting is able to communicate with the solenoid.
After removing the starting from your lawn mower, you will need to fasten the negative (-) clamp to the starter’s casing and attach the positive (+) clamp to the big post on the solenoid as well as the exciter wire. Finally, you will need to reinstall the starter in your mower. This is merely a short test on the bench, since the starter may not be available in this situation.
Is There a Way to Get Around the SCAG Lawn Mower Starting Solenoid?
By inserting a long screwdriver over the solenoid and preventing it from making contact with the cable leading from the battery to the cable leading to the starting, a SCAG starter solenoid may be circumvented.
Be cautious. A spark may be produced as a natural side effect of the interaction. Always wear safety gear.
Even if the starter solenoid is functioning properly, the SCAG won’t turn over or crank.
Check the battery, connections, starting switch, and safety switches if the issue persists after replacing the starter solenoid and assuming that the problem is not caused by a faulty beginning solenoid.
You may learn more about what to check when your SCAG zero-turn won’t turn over or crank by reading the related section of my post.
About These Subjects
One other thing that might be preventing your mower from starting is water getting into the electrical system. For additional details, have a look at the article titled Why Your Mower Won’t Start After Leaving It in the Rain.
Is Your SCAG Lawn Mower Continuing to Give You Trouble?
If you own a lawn mower for a sufficient amount of time, you will eventually have issues with it, such as it failing to start, not continuing to run, smoking, leaking gas, producing an uneven cut, vibrating, or another problem.
In an effort to save you both time and money, I have compiled a guide that will assist you in diagnosing and resolving any issues that may arise with the SCAG mower you own.
This tutorial may be seen at the Common SCAG Lawn Mower Issues & Solutions website.
If you are unclear how to properly do diagnostics and repairs on your SCAG lawn mower, it is better to have a professional make the repairs instead of attempting to do them yourself.
By doing this, you will reduce the risk of injuring yourself or causing more damage to the mower. Your neighborhood SCAG lawn mower dealership or lawn mower repair business will be able to assist you in finding a solution to the issue that you are having.
