604220 5-1 REV U
TROUBLESHOOTING
The majority of operating problems that occur with a system can be traced to improper adjustments or delayed service. A
consistently applied preventative maintenance program, as outlined in the Maintenance section of this manual, will prevent many
problems. The following chart is designed to help you locate a problem by suggesting probable causes and the recommended
solutions.
SYMPTOMS PROBABLE CAUSES
SUGGESTED
REMEDIES
Starting motor does not
crank
Steering control levers not
in park brake position or
switch not adjusted
Place steering control
levers in park brake posi-
tion or re-adjust switch
Deck clutch switch
engaged
Disengage clutch switch
Weak or dead battery Recharge or replace
Electrical connections are
corroded or loose
Check the electrical con-
nections
15 amp fuse is blown Replace the 15 amp fuse
For additional causes See engine manual
The engine will not start,
starts hard or fails to
keep running
No fuel or line plugged Fill tank or replace line
(See Fuel System section
for more details)
There is incorrect fuel in
the fuel system
Drain the tank and replace
the fuel with the proper
type
There is dirt in the fuel filter Replace the fuel filter
Dirt, water or stale fuel in
the fuel system
Contact your Dealer
The choke is not on
(if equipped)
Move the choke lever to ON
Numerous See engine manual
Engine:
Runs with continuous
misfiring or engine runs
unevenly or erratically
Numerous See engine manual
Loss of power or system
will not operate in either
direction
Restrictions in air cleaner Service air cleaner
Poor compression Contact your Dealer
Steering linkage needs
adjustment
Adjust linkage
Tow valve open Close tow valve
The traction drive belt is
worn, loose or broken
Install a new traction drive
belt
For additional causes See engine manual
Air cooled engine over-
heating
Air intake screen or cooling
fins clogged
Clean screen and fins
For additional causes See engine manual
Low engine oil pressure Low oil level Add oil
Oil diluted or too light Change oil and check for
source of contamination
Failed oil pump Contact your Dealer
High oil consumption Numerous Contact your Dealer
Mower jerky when start-
ing or operates in one
direction only
Steering control linkage
needs adjustment
Adjust linkage
Loose steering linkage Tighten linkage
Transaxle component
faulty
Contact your Dealer
Mower creeps when
steering control levers are
in neutral
Steering linkage needs
adjustment
Adjust linkage
Mower circles or veers in
one direction
Steering linkage needs
adjustment
Adjust linkage
Loose steering linkage Tighten linkage
Tires improperly inflated Adjust air pressure to 8–12
psi (55–83 KPa)
Transaxle component
faulty
Contact your Dealer
Mower creeps when park-
ing brake engaged
Steering linkage out of
adjustment
Adjust steering linkage
Brakes need adjustment Adjust parking brakes
There is abnormal vibra-
tion
The engine mounting bolts
are loose
Tighten the engine mount-
ing bolts
The engine pulley, idler pul-
ley or blade pulley is loose
Tighten the appropriate
pulley
The engine pulley is dam-
aged
Contact your Dealer
The cutting blade(s) is/are
bent or unbalanced
Install new cutting blade(s)
A blade mounting bolt is
loose
Tighten the blade mount-
ing bolt
Spindle bearing is worn or
loose
Replace or tighten spindle
bearing
A blade spindle is bent Contact your Dealer
Blades do not rotate The deck drive belt is worn,
loose or broken
Install a new deck drive
belt
The deck drive belt is off
the pulley
Install the deck drive belt
and check for a reason
Electric clutch is not
engaging
Check and/or replace 15
amp fuse.
Contact your Dealer
Uneven cutting height The blade(s) are not sharp Sharpen the blades
A cutting blade(s) is/are
bent
Install new cutting blade(s)
The deck is not level Level the deck per the Deck
leveling section of the Gen-
eral Service Manual
An anti-scalp wheel is not
set correctly
Adjust the height of the
anti-scalp wheel
The underside of the deck
is dirty
Clean the underside of the
deck
Tires improperly inflated Adjust air pressure to 8–12
psi (55–83 KPa)
A blade spindle is bent Contact your Dealer
Flex Forks
®
are installed
After initial break-in period,
level the deck per the Deck
Leveling section of the Gen-
eral Service Manual.
SYMPTOMS PROBABLE CAUSES
SUGGESTED
REMEDIES