How to Test a Starter Solenoid on a Lawn Tractor? [3 Methods Explained]

Automotive By Charlie / July, 06, 2025
How to Test a Starter Solenoid on a Lawn Tractor

It’s efficient- when the parts and accessories of your Lawn Tractor are not working perfectly, you may end up having a bad day.

But hey! No need to worry so much about this. Having problem in the solenoid or start jumpers are too common for Lawn Tractors.

Almost every lawnmower may face this issue after a few years of service. Lack of maintenance could be an ideal reason why you are facing this.

However, if your solenoid is not working, you definitely need to know the steps of how to test a starter solenoid on a sawn tractor

What is a Starter Solenoid?

Solenoids are electrically worked switches comprising of a coil of wire around a metal plunger. When power moves through the coil, it turns into a magnet and allows the metal plunger into itself.

This pulling activity has a wide range of purposes on a motor: it can. For example, be utilized to close off the fuel supply.

This permits the motor to be halted from the dashboard or work the substantial switch that permits current to stream between the battery and starter motor.

How to Test a Starter Solenoid on a Lawn Tractor

Step 1:

The first thing that you need to do is to turn on the ignition key of your lawnmower. If it does not work well, you might have to open up your mower base and find out the solenoid.

Step 2:

To find out the exact location, you need to go around the battery. It should be located just around the battery and also indicated by a red wire.

Step 3:

Look for more options like two large posts that are present. You may find this on the solenoid. There is a red wire attached to this one, while a black wire indicates the neutrals line.

Step 4:

You can now have a look over there and try to figure out the working conditions. If you cannot find any issues with this, try to go for a quick test on the solenoid to proceed further.

How to Test a Solenoid?

Step 1:

If you want to test a starter solenoid on a lawn tractor, the first thing that you need to do is to figure out where the problem lies. To do this, you need to take out the engine and then place it on a stable surface.

Step 2:

Check the wires connected with this engine and have a close look. Figure out the red and the black wires and then remove them with a spark plug. Could you not touch them with your bare hands?

Step 3:

The next thing you need to do is keep that negative lead of the voltammeter to connect with the solenoid negative plug. Turn on this device and check for any power response. If you do not find any power response, move further.

Step 4:

To get the testing done properly, you can always take the help of an insulated screwdriver. Any alternative piece of metal could be easily used for this. All that you need to do is to bridge the gap between these two posts. You can find an instant reaction on the motor. If you do not find any reaction, it is time to replace your started solenoid.

Is my solenoid Broken?

If you hear clicking, but the starter isn’t turning the motor over yonder is a decent chance that the issue is with the solenoid switch not interfacing the force from the battery to the starter motor as it kicks in.

Again ensure that the battery and the links are not the issues.

Presently you can give bouncing the two huge carries a shot of your starter solenoid with a screwdriver to check whether the starter motor will run without drawing in the solenoid.

Make certain to place the tractor in the park and set the stopping brake first. If the motor twists up and sounds great your concern is with the solenoid, and it ought to be supplanted.

How to replace your Starter Solenoid?

Replacing the solenoid for your tractor is not a big deal. Here are some easy steps that you can follow:

  1. Take out the entire engine unit, and you can follow the steps mentioned above to bring out the solenoid.
  2. Disconnect all power sources and wear gloves to touch the solenoid. You can now take it out and then replace it with a new one.
  3. Place the solenoid back to the original position, and you will be able to rerun your tractor.

Note: Before buying the solenoid, make sure that it matches the model and your tractor’s make. A simple mismatch will do no favor for you.

Fixing the Solenoid of Your Tractor

Once more, for this situation, you need to check the links and the batteries to know if they are the issue or not. You should presently give a couple of immense drags a shot at the starter solenoid utilizing a screwdriver.

This will take care of you to find if the starter motor is running without getting the solenoid drawn in. Make it a point that the tractor is in the park, and you are first setting the stopping break.

If the motor is turning up and sounding great, the solenoid is the primary driver of your issues, and it ought to be supplanted at the earliest opportunity.

Conclusion

Remember one thing: tools and accessories come out to be very handy when you need to test a starter solenoid on a lawn tractor. Never do it with a bare hand or with wet hands because there are multiple electrical circuits present.

If you wish to skip past this, you can obviously take the help of a DIY guide or call a professional for help.