Troubleshooting - Ariens Contractor 996126 Operator's Manual

Symptoms
Battery is dead
Battery will not charge
Brakes are sticking (won't release)
Brakes don't function
Electrical System does not work
Engine backfires
Engine knocks
Engine overheats
Engine loses power

TROUBLESHOOTING

Probable Causes
Key switch was not left in the off position.
Battery is worn out or defective.
Starter solenoid defective.
Battery connections are loose or corroded.
Battery is worn out or defective.
Master cylinder linkage is out of adjustment.
Master cylinder return spring is broken.
Ground debris in brake linkage.
Master cylinder oil level is low.
Brake line is broken.
Brake line has air in it.
Master cylinder is defective.
Electrical fuse is blown or missing.
Battery connections are loose or corroded.
Battery is worn out or defective.
Ignition switch is defective.
Spark plug is fouled.
Fuel solenoid is stuck.
Air intake restrictor upstream of air cleaner is
missing or incorrectly installed.
Throttle cable is defective or out of adjustment. Clean and oil throttle cable. Replace worn or
Engine speed is set too low.
Fuel is stale or dirty.
Engine cooling fins are plugged.
Engine oil level is low.
Carburetor air intake tube is plugged.
Air cleaning element is plugged or missing.
Throttle cable is faulty, sticking or out of
adjustment.
Choke cable is sticking.
Spark plugs are defective.
Spark plugs are fouled.
Fuel supply is restricted.
Fuel line is plugged, pinched, or kinked.
Fuel leaks into the crankcase.
Engine oil level is high.
Fuel octane is incorrect.
Air cleaning element is plugged.
Engine is overheating.
GB - 31
Suggested Remedies
Switch key to off position.
Disconnect and recharge battery.
Replace battery.
Replace starter solenoid.
Clean and tighten battery connections.
Replace battery as soon as possible.
Adjust master cylinder linkage.
Replace master cylinder return spring.
Clean debris from brake linkage.
Add brake fluid to the master cylinder.
Replace brake line and bleed brake system.
Bleed brake system and add brake fluid.
Replace master cylinder.
Replace electrical fuse.
Clean and tighten battery connections.
Replace battery.
Replace ignition switch.
Replace or clean spark plug.
See Engine Manual.
Replace or correctly install air intake
restrictor.
damaged cable.
Ariens
See your dealer.
Replace fuel with new fuel.
Allow engine to cool. Clean cooling fins with
high pressure air.
Add specified engine oil.
Clean air intake tube.
Replace or clean air cleaner with air.
Clean, adjust and oil throttle cable. Replace
worn or damaged cable.
Clean and oil choke cable. Replace worn or
damaged cable.
Replace spark plugs.
Clean spark plugs or replace.
Check for dirt in fuel filter and tank.
Clean or replace fuel line.
Clean or replace fouled spark plugs.
Verify that choke is not stuck on.
Drain excess oil, check for gas in the oil.
Change if gas is present.
See engine owners manual
Replace or clean air cleaner with air.
See Symptoms for engine overheating.