My Craftwman riding mower just "clicks" when I turn the key to start it. with new battery?

Question

Craftsman 1000, 17.5 lc

Answer 1

Before you take apart the starter, or the solenoid, do the following couple of checks.

1.) Check the ground cable to the engine. Follow the black cable through the mower to where it is attached to the engine. Make sure this is secure and tight. I had a mower with the same problem and the bolt with the ground was broke.

2.) Make sure all safety switches are working properly. Sounds like they are or you would not get the clicking.

2.) Check the solenoid and make sure it is making the proper connection. 9 times out of 10 the solenoid is good. Any auto parts or lawnmower shop will test it for you.

3.) Make sure the key switch is working. From the sound of your description this is not the problem.

4.) Have the starter tested, again an auto parts store can test it for you.

These are the steps we go through when customers come in with starter problems.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

it's my thought that you can use a car battery and cables to try to try to jump start the mower (just like car car) if it starts it's the battery. if the same thing happens(just clicks) it probably is the solenoid
or the starter. when you put the headlights on what happens?
if they don't light up it's probably the battery.
one last thought-clean both battery terminals before you try to do anything else. a bad connection acts just like a bad battery.

Answer 3

We replaced the starter in our old Craftsman when it did that. Call your local Sears and get the replacement & service number for parts. Good luck!

Answer 4

It most likely is the starter or starter celonoid. Don't replace the starter until you have it checked to see if it is good. The celonoid is a lot cheaper to replace than the starter.

Answer 5

It's possible the starter celluloid is bad.

Answer 6

Something is wrong with your starter fluid.