How do I check a solenoid on my riding mower?
My riding mower only clicks when I try to start it, even after putting in a new battery. The owners manual says to check the solenoid, but not how. How do I check a solenoid?
Hvac ...
Expert
Your Manage My Home profile was not completed so I am not certain what model you have but some basics apply to most models.
There will be a thick wire from your battery to the solenoid and another thick wire from the solenoid to the starter motor. A solenoid is designed to complete the circuit between these two wires and send power directly from your battery to your starter, so the wire on the battery side should always have power.
Now, turn the key to the "start" position and the other thick wire should have power as well. If not, there is a problem with the solenoid or somewhere else.
Often it is something as simple as a poor connection so be sure the wire connections are all clean and tight. Other problem areas could be the new battery itself, battery wires, the circuit that engages the solenoid, or the starter motor.
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