Craftsman 917.270741 Owner's Manual page 30

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBLEM
Mower blades will
not rotate
Poor grass
discharge
Headlight(s) not •
working
(if so equipped) •
Battery will not •
charge •
Loss of drive •
Engine "backfires" •
when turning
engine
"OFF"
CAUSE
• Obstruction in clutch
mechanism.
• Worn/damaged mower
drive belt.
• Frozen idler pulley.
• Frozen blade mandrel.
• .Engine speed too slow.
• Travel speed too fast.
• Wet grass.
• Mower deck not level.
• Low/uneven tire air pressure
• Worn, bent or loose blade.
• Buildup of grass, leaves and
trash under mower.
• Mower drive belt worn.
• Blades improperly installed.
• Improper blades used.
Clogged mower deck vent
holes from buildup of
grass, leaves, and trash
around mandrels.
Switch is "OFF".
Bulb(s) burned out.
Faulty light switch.
Loose or damaged wiring.
Blown fuse.
Bad battery cell(s).
Poor cable connections.
Faulty regulator
(if so equipped).
Faulty alternator.
Freewheel control in
"disengaged" position.
Motion drive belt worn,
damaged, or broken.
Air trapped in transmission
during shipment or
servicing.
Engine throttle control not
set at "SLOW"
position for 30 seconds
stopping engine.
CORRECTION
• Remove obstruction.
• Replace mower drive belt.
• Replace idler pulley.
• Replace blade mandrel.
• Place throttle control in
"FAST" position.
• Shift to slower speed.
• Allow grass to dry before
mowing.
• Level mower deck.
• Check tires for proper air
pressure.
• Replace/sharpen blade.
Tighten blade bolt.
• Clean underside of mower
housing.
• Replace mower drive belt.
• Reinstall blades sharp edge
down.
• Replace with blades listed in
this manual.
• Clean around mandrels to
open vent holes.
• Turn switch"ON".
• Replace bulb(s).
• Check/replace light switch.
• Check wiring and connec
tions.
• Replace fuse.
• Replace battery.
• Check/clean all connections.
• Replace regulator.
• Replace alternator.
• Place freewheel control in
"engaged" position.
• Replace motion drive belt.
• Purge transmission.
Move throttle control to
"SLOW" position and allow
to idle for 30 seconds before
stopping engine.
30