Craftsman mower just clicks

7 years ago

I have a Craftsman DTY 4000, model 917.2736403. Bought it used. Ran fine the first time I used then the 2nd time I thought it cranked over a little slower but fired up, ran it for a few minutes turned it off to do some limb work, 10 minutes later I jumped on and it cranked very slow then nothing. I checked for loose connections and did not find any. I jumped back on and it cranked slowly but started. I brought it back to the backyard and turned it off and it has not started or cranked over since. I watched a youtube video with "Wayne" from Sears. I sanded the connections on the ground, the battery cable ends but it did not make a difference. I am getting battery voltage to the solenoid and it clicks but that's it. I checked the voltage from the white and black wires at the solenoid, according to Wayne if you get battery voltage there then the solenoid is bad as the power is getting there but the coil inside the solenoid is not making the connection to complete the circuit to run the starter? I replaced the solenoid and still nothing but a click. I hate electrics because I don't understand them very well. Could I have put the wires on the solenoid incorrectly to cause the new solenoid to not function correctly....if that was the problem at all. Can someone take me by the hand please?

Featured Answer

John Heck

7 years ago

I think Steve is right on with a possible battery problem. Maybe charge the battery or jump your mower battery to a known good battery should tell you a lot.

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Comments (9)

Steve J
7 years ago
You say you're getting voltage, but how much voltage at the battery and the solenoid? Sounds like a low battery to me.
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Robert Babb
Original Author
7 years ago
Sorry I should have added that. 13.8 volts at the battery and the solenoid. I charged it for 24 hrs
Steve J
7 years ago
Have you had the battery load tested? It may give the full voltage, but if its shot inside and cant power a load, voltage doesnt matter. Or try with another battery or jump pack just to rule out the battery. Your symptoms sound like a bad battery.

If the battery is good, check the cable to the starter (should be a thicker cable), as well as the grounds from the battery and the starter to the body. If the connections are rusted out, address them.
Robert Babb thanked Steve J
Robert Babb
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks Steve and John, I took the battery to a battery dealer and had them do a load test, the voltage was fine but it was less than 100 % under load. put in a new battery and off it went. I think one of the reasons I did not think of the battery is the prior owner said the battery was fine check your connections. I appreciate your responses. Have a great day!!
toxcrusadr
7 years ago
Mower batteries are notorious for going dead after sitting unused. Including during the winter. I used to get about 1.5 seasons out of a mid-priced battery. Now I get the cheap battery tenders at Harbor Freight. Under ten bucks ($5.99 on sale). Keep it plugged in all winter, and even if you're not using the mower for more than a couple weeks in summer. They really do work to keep internal shorts from forming in the battery as it self-discharges. I have one that's on its third season and going strong.
geoffrey_b
7 years ago
When you hear the solenoid pick-up (click) and the starter motor doesn't spin - it's the battery - the battery can't supply enough current to 'spin' the starter.
ssewalk1
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
An audible click from the starter solenoid can occur due to poor connections , weak battery or starter armature bearings seized . As to battery condition a load test is the only absolute test to validate . A trickle charger is a good investment for all dc batteries to extend their service life , when equipment is not used for extended periods of time , as tox has indicated !
toxcrusadr
7 years ago
I was going to say what geoffrey_b posted, that the battery may show voltage but not be able to supply enough current. I think that was alluded to earlier in the thread but perhaps not stated explicitly. The voltage is fixed by the chemical reaction, and stays pretty constant till the battery is pert'near dead. That doesn't mean it can supply enough amps to turn the starter. Just enough to make the starter solenoid engage, which isn't much. Think of a very dim flashlight.