Troubleshooting Guide - Yard Machines 400 SERIES Owner's Manual

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM
Engine will not
crank
POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
Safety switch button
not depressed
Battery installed
incorrectly
CORRECTIVE ACTION
There are two switches in the starting circuit of your unit: the clutch pedal switch and the deck lift lever
switch. Make certain the actuator is fully depressing the buttons on each switch.
The battery must be installed with negative terminal attached to black ground wire. Negative terminal is
identified at the post by "NEG", "N" or "-". The positive terminal, identified by "POS", "P" or "+", must be
attached to the big red wire which goes to the solenoid.
Battery is dead or weak Check fluid level in battery. If fluid is low, fill to just below split rings with water. Charge with 6 AMP
charger until fully charged.
Blown fuse or circuit
breaker
Replace fuse with 7-1/2 amp. automotive type fuse. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. The problem
must be corrected. Check 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 bare wire. Replace the wire or repair with electrician's tape if the wire strands have
not been damaged.
Note: Look for a wire pinched between body panels, burned by the exhaust pipe or muffler or rubbed
against a moving part.
Engine ground wire Ioos_ Engine should have a black ground wire running from _thgine to frame or mounting bolt.
Engine cranks Throttle or choke not in Check owner's guide for correct position for throttle control and choke for starting.
but will not start starting position
No spark to spark plug
Spark plug lead disconnected. Connect lead. Hold spark plug lead away from engine block about 1/8".
Crank engine. There should be a spark. If not, have engine repaired at authorized engine service
dealer.
Faulty spark plug. To test, remove spark plug. Attach spark plug lead to spark plug. Ground the spark
plug body against the engine block. Crank the engine. The spark plug should fire at the electrode.
Replace if it does not.
No fuel to the carburetor Gasoline tank empty. Fill.
Fuel line or in-line fuel filter plugged. Remove and clean fuel line. Replace filter if necessary.
Air filter dirty If the air cleaner is dirty, the engine may not start. Clean or replace as recommended by the engine
manufacturer.
Engine smokes Engine loses crankcase Dipstick not seated or broken. Replace defective part.
vacuum Engine breather defective. Replace.
Excessive Bent or damaged blade Stop engine immediately. Check all pulleys, blade adapters, keys and bolts for tightness and
vibration spindle damage. Tighten 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 must be set at full throttle.
discharge Speed selection Use lower ground speed. The slower your ground speed, the better the quality of cut.
grass or leaves Blades short or dull Sharpen or replace blades (uncut strip problem only).
uncut strips
f the above steps fail to correct the problem, take the unit to your local authorized service dealer for repair.
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