Troubleshooting Guide - MTD TMO-3410002 Operating Manual

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) CORRECTIVE ACTION
Engine will not Safety switch button There are tw( switches in the starting circuit of your unit: the clutch pedal switch and the deck lift lever
crank, not depressed switch. Make ;ertain the actuator is fully depressing the buttons on each switch.
Battery installed The battery rt Jst be installed with negative terminal attached to black ground wire. Negative terminal is
incorrectly identified at tt post by "NEG", "N" or "-". The positive terminal, identified by "POS", "P" or "+", must be
attached to th big red wire which goes to the solenoid.
Battery is dead or weak Check fluid le tel in battery. If fluid is low, fill to just below the split rings with water. Charge with 6 amp
charger until f dly charged.
Blown fuse or circuit
breaker
Replace fuse with automotive type fuse. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. The problem must be
corrected. Ch ._ck for loose connections in the fuse holder. Replace fuse holder if necessary. A dead
short may be in the cranking or charging circuit where the insulation may have rubbed through and
exposed the _are wire. Replace the wire or repair with electrician's tape if the wire strands have not
been damage
Note: Look fc" a wire pinched between body panels, burned by the exhaust pipe or muffler or rubbed
against a mo_ ing part.
Engine ground wire loose Engine shoulc have a black ground wire running from engine to frame or mounting bolt.
Engine cranks Throttle or choke not in Check owner _ guide for correct position for throttle control and choke for starting.
but will not start starting position
No spark to spark plug Spark plug le td disconnected. Connect lead. Hold spark plug lead away from engine block about 1/8".
Crank engim. There should be a spark. If not, have engine repaired at authorized engine service
dealer.
Faulty spark _lug. To test, remove spark plug. Attach spark plug lead to spark plug. Ground the spark
plug body a( ainst the engine block. Crank the engine. The spark plug should fire at the electrodr
Replace if it ( 3es not.
No fuel to the carburetor Gasoline tanl empty. Fill.
Fuel line or ir -line fuel filter plugged. Remove and clean fuel line. Replace filter if necessary.
Air filter dirty if the air cle_ is dirty, the engine may not start. Clean or replace as recommended by the engine
manufacture|
Engine smokes Engine loses crankcase Dipstick not., eated or broken. Replace defective part.
vacuum Engine breat =erdefective. Replace.
Excessive Bent or damaged blade Stop engin_ immediately. Check all pulleys, blade adapters, keys and bolts for tightness and
vibration spindle damage. Tigl ten or replace any damaged parts.
Bent blade Stop engine immediately. Replace damaged blade. Only use original equipment blades.
Mower will not Engine speed low Throttle musl be set at full throttle.
discharge Speed selection Use lower gr _und speed. The slower your ground speed, the better the quality of cut.
grass or leaves Blades short or dull Sharpen or r, _lace blades (uncut strip problem only).
uncut strips
If the above steps fail to correct the problem, take the unit to y )ur local authorized service dealer for repair.
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