The most convenient way to mow a lawn is with a riding mower. However, when the key is lost, broken, or damaged, starting the lawnmower becomes a difficult task. No need to be worried. In this article, we will cover all the reliable methods for starting the lawn mower without using a key.
Starting a Lawn Mower Without a Key
All riding mowers have a key in addition to starting the machine. A protection device provides two functions. The first is a protection feature, the second is a protective protection device. Nevertheless, in the event of a lost or broken ignition key, another method needs to be considered.
So, if you lose or break your lawn mower key, you have many options at your disposal. The options are given below:
Using A Jumper Cable To Start The Mower
The lawnmower can be easily started with a jumper cable. When you use a jumper cable, however, you must proceed with caution. Here, you must get to grips with the mower battery. You will need a few tools before you can jumpstart the mower. Here are the tools you will need to get everything done:
Required tools:
- Goggles
- hand gloves
- Batteries post cleaners
- Jumping cables
- Pliers
To fulfill the task flawlessly, follow the step-by-step guide.
Step 1. Set up the lawn mower to use a jumper cable
For the first step, you have to place your mower in an even place. It can not be on a sloppy or hilly or rocky area. It has to be flat and smooth. Then, park the lawnmower on an even surface and engage the mower parking mode.
Step 2. Disconnect the Blades
Make sure the blade is also disconnected. So that it remains stable when working, all the lawnmower’s safety mechanisms should be enabled.
Step 3. Locate the Mower Battery
In this step, you have to remove the lawn mower engine cover and get the battery out.
Step 4. Disconnect the Solenoid Cable
Disconnect the two cables on the two electrical posts of the solenoid – red and black.
Step 5. Remove the Battery Posts and Clean Them
In this step, you have to clean the posts of the mower battery with the cleaner to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated there.
Step 6. Plug in the Cables Again
In this step, you have to reconnect the Solenoid cables again after you are done cleaning them properly.
Step 7. Attach the Black Jumper Cable
The negative terminal of the mower battery should be connected to the black color jumper cable. The other end should be attached to any metal on the mower deck.
Step 8. Attach the Red Jumper Cable
Having confirmed that the red-colored jumper cable has been connected, it is time to move forward to the next step. The red jumper cable should be connected to the positive terminal of the mower battery and the other end of the cable should be attached to the metal portion of the mower starter.
Step 9. Unplug the Cables hearing the Engine Sound
The red-colored cable must be detached first when you hear the mower engine starting. You should then unplug the black-colored cable, too. After that, make sure you close the mower’s hood as well.
Start a riding lawn mower with a Screwdriver
There are two techniques of using the screwdriver to bypass the typical key start. For both methods, it is important to wear rubber gloves.
Method 1:
- Remove the Cutting Blades after engaging the mower’s brake
- Locate the battery and the ignition coil under the mower’s hood.
- Hook a small box into one of the engine chamber’s sides.
- Attach the bridge mechanism with the screwdriver.
- Use a screwdriver as a bridge between the starter and solenoid if there is a space between them.
- Connect both connectors with a two-headed screwdriver using either end.
- Ultimately, the lawn mower will start despite being touched by the screwdriver.
Method 2:
- Instead of using the key, use a flathead screwdriver.
- Make sure the screwdriver is properly inserted into the keyhole.
- You can use it as a key to start the mower by rotating it in the hole.
- The mower will be started successfully.
- Various models of Craftsman lawn riding mowers can be repaired using this technique.
Replacing the Mower Ignition Switch
A replacement mower ignition switch is the one and only solution to replace the key if you lose it and are unaware of the above-discussed methods. A spare key may not be supplied with the lawnmower by the manufacturer. So, a replacement key is the best option you have. All you need to do is bring your mower to the nearest repair shop. During the service, the technician removes the old ignition switch and installs a new one. Your lawn mower will come with an ignition switch key when you install a new ignition switch.
Final Words
So, that was all about the methods of how you can start a Craftsman lawn mower without a key. You can try any of the techniques given above if you lose the key of your Craftsman lawn mower. This will help you to start your lawn mower even you do not have the key.
