how to test lawn mower charging system
Check your battery cables on a regular basis for any signs of corrosion or damage, and clean them with a wire brush if necessary. Small engine charging system, battery, and alternator | Briggs & Stratton Fuse for charging system is good. We have no idea what type of system we're trying to help you with. I had the black probe grounded to - on the battery, I also tried with probe connected to the chassis ground. In the case of static tests, the engine is turned off, whereas in the case of dynamic tests, the engine is turned on. This was a great tool for testing breaker points and early solid state systems. A riding lawn mower battery should not exceed 6 volts, but a car's battery should not exceed 12 volts. A charging system keeps the battery charged when the engine is off. On the other charger, the positive and negative leads are linked to the multimeter and into the lawn tractor components. Place the red lead to the last prong, leaving the black lead to ground; once again the reading from the multi-meter should be 8 to 9m. It is also important to make sure that you do not accidentally connect the alligator clips in reverse, as this will cause an electrical shock. If it is, then check the charger itself to see if it is working properly. check the connection from the voltage regulator to the battery. And mere understanding is not enough. All Rights Reserved | experthometools.com 2023 . If the battery is not powerful enough to handle the load of the mower, it will not hold a charge. The stator is typically made up of high quality materials that are designed to provide a long lasting, reliable power source for the mower. thanks guys. Check to see if the charging system is working properly and if the voltage regulator is in good working order. However, when connecting the probes of a voltmeter to the . If its not, charge it overnight before proceeding. If you turn the button to ohms or ampere, it can damage the battery as well as your device. You know inaccurate use can be dangerous for you. Seems like continuity on this disconnected harness wire to battery ground indicates a short circuit, but when I did my initial checks, this wire to ground gives 12.4 or so battery voltage. I installed a new VR and still not charging, so I disconnected VR red output and jumpered that directly to battery and got 14 VDC at full throttle. The engine must be turned off after that. CDIs have coil-wound, AC power, which they receive from an individual source coil, known as a source coil. Absolutely brilliant, well worded for most people to understand. 0:00 / 5:05 Testing the lawn mower's charging system ESRepair 35.5K subscribers 487K views 12 years ago Dead lawn mower battery? Testing the lawn mower's charging system - YouTube My New Craftsman Lawn Tractor, Yard Tractor, or Garden Tractor Wont Run! So why no charging output when connected normally? Bought new battery to be safe. When this light comes on, it indicates that the vehicle is only running on battery power. You need to download the pages that are in post 2 and then read it! (Step-By-Step Guide). If the readings are too high, the stator may have an internal short. If it is not the stator what else could it be? Just type in 'how to check lawn mower charging system' and there will be a large amount of "gurus" out there showing their skills. Both tests resulted in the same. This electricity is used to charge the battery. Charging Problems- EXMARK | Lawn Care Forum The battery on a Craftsman riding lawn mower is charged by a 12-volt, lead-acid battery charger. Your mower wont start. The stator is responsible for providing the power to charge the battery, activate the lights and start the engine. When the lawnmower is running, the battery runs all the electrical components and the voltage rectifier sends 14-volts back to the battery to keep the lawnmower operating. Connect the black negative charging cable to the black negative battery terminal. In order to check the alternator, simply turn on the headlights of your lawn mower and then shut down the engine. If your battery has a plastic lid on the battery terminal,of course, you have to remove it. Please give us engine numbers if you want our help. Set the multi-meter to the ohms scale. A John Deere lawn tractor typically charges its battery in a few different ways. When the lawnmower is running, the battery runs all the electrical components and the voltage rectifier sends 14-volts back to the battery to keep the lawnmower operating. What can cause a battery to die on a riding lawn mower? Charging system question.Craftsman LT1000. Equipment & Engine Training Council. This is a great asset and necessary tool for all technicians today. The battery I purchased from Walmart was less than $60 in price. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The inner portion of a regulator has a gate on the PUT, a zanier diode, a cathode, a transistor, an anode and additional resistors. I remember reading a post somewhere of "a batch of defective regulators", but not certain of where I read it or if true. The stator of the motorcycle not only provides power for the engine, but it also charges the battery while it is running. While the small engine is running, the alternator generates electricity, which is then returned to the system to charge the battery. What Keeps the Battery Charged on a Riding Lawn Mower Lead-acid batteries must be regularly recharged in order to continue functioning properly. Things like that would be first class for my apprentices to learn. To test a rectifier/regulator, the old method was to have a known good 10-, 15-, 25-, 30-amp rectifier/regulator to hook up to your alternator. With solid state and CDI systems becoming increasingly reliable, it is extremely important to have a tester than can apply the proper load when testing. First thing first. Turn on the headlights of a mower or other outdoor power equipment to check for alternator malfunction. As a lawn mower user, you must have a thorough understanding of all the parts of lawn mowers. Step 2: Spin the flywheel rapidly (at least 350 RPM) and watch for spark in the tester window. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Then, turn off the engine. If it's not, charge it overnight before proceeding. I am getting about 12.5 maybe. Here, we will guide you with the most frequently used process to test a voltage regulator. An alternator, like one found in a car, should be installed on a lawn tractor. #5. This is where the fun begins. The plug on the back of the switch could be corroded that happens a lot with the older stuff. Corrosion on the terminals is a surefire sign of a bad battery and it can actually prevent the electrical current from flowing properly, making starting your mower even more difficult (or impossible). It is important to note that overcharging a lead-acid battery can damage it, so it is important to follow the instructions on your charger carefully. I pulled the flywheel and cleaned the stator contacts and am about to put it back together and try again. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Finally, connect the charging circuit to the mowers ignition system and set the regulator to the correct voltage. It can be difficult to put aside the frustration of having a dead battery when riding your lawn mower. If you have a lawn mower, you can still charge the battery by connecting the positive and negative clamps, and a charge will flow once connected. by Louisa | Jan 25, 2023 | Gardening Tools. Once the battery is disconnected, use a multimeter to test the battery voltage, and make sure it is between 12.4 and 12.7 volts. * Sensor:The goal of the sensor is to synchronize the spark with the engine rotation. If I can get one of those batteries to last more than one season, I feel lucky. Wiring is a 3 wire flat with the 2 outside wires being the AC Voltage coming from stator and middle wire is for battery voltage. So frequently testing a voltage regulator on a lawn mower is a must. Does this indicate a bad stator? i realize this is over a year old, but yes, you should read about 13 or 14 volts immediately after startingwhen the battery needs some recharge. The stator is located in the engine compartment and under the flywheel of a riding lawn mower. Finally, you can test the voltage output by the alternator by unplugging the battery and running the engine. The proper operation of a lawn mower is critical to its success. The stator, or alternator, controls the charging system. Second, check the charging system itself to see if its working correctly. If your lawn mower isnt starting as easily as it used to, it may be time to test the charging system. The engine looks like the 20 hp diesel engine. The spokes or poles of a stator are placed in a circle similar to those of a wagon wheel in a stator. The most likely cause of an issue like this is going to be a bad ground wire, bad connections on the charging system (regulator or stator), bad connections at the battery or solenoid. 3. A forum community dedicated to lawnmower owners and enthusiasts. I've had a customer have a problem with a charging system because he wasn't running the machine . The motor should be putting out between 13.8 and 14.5 volts to the battery when at normal running speed, the motor speed you use when mowing, and that would be around 3300 to 3500 rpm. Locate the stator wire under the flywheel. A rectifier/regulator does pretty much what it states it rectifies electrical current and regulates the use of that current. Use a wire brush to clean the terminals and then use two spade connectors to attach the heavy-gauge wires from the charging circuit to the battery terminals. The alternator charges the battery while the engine is running. Attach the black cable of the multimeter with the positive (+) node and red cable to the negative (-) node. I mistyped something. 42-inch Electric Zero Turn Mowers Ryobi, EGO, or Cub Cadet? All Rights Reserved. From OPE (Outdoor Power Equipment Magazine), Issue Date:May OPE 2013,Posted On:5/10/2013, Tech2Tech: Electrical Troubleshooting Where there is smoke. The engine should be accelerated to 5000 RPM. Knockout Roses: Unveiling the Truth About Their Role as Pollinator Plants, Can Sunflowers and Roses Go Together: Exploring Compatibility and Complementarity, The Best Time to Plant Bare Root Roses in Zone 7, The Fascinating World of Dwarf Roses: Perennial Beauties. Checking the voltage regulator requires knowledge of how to use a multi-meter. you also need to know how to use a meter analog or digital, volts from the stator are AC and not DC, DC comes from the rectifier the one you have is a 10 or 16 Amp one, and if a rectifier is fitted (which you do have one) there will be no diode in the wire. If you still do not understand, go through the user manual that comes with the multimeter. Basic Wiring Diagram for all Garden Tractors using a Stator and Battery Finally, check the alternator for proper operation. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. 15v + Overcharging. Your email address will not be published. When a system stops and smoke comes out, that is electricity! Taking the time to inspect and maintain these components can help to keep charging system problems at bay. That is why it is extremely important to use the appropriate tester. This procedure will take 10 minutes to complete. The stator wires emerge from beneath the blower housing. Again, the readings should be consistent. Lawn Mower Battery Not Charging - LawnFury 2. A multimeter can be used to read the voltage of the battery. On a multimeter, the voltage is marked as V or V. 3. Hi Gary, No, but a loose/corroded connection on the ground cable would. Without a battery, your mower will be unable to function. A few years back while battling charging system problems, I ended up replacing the blade clutch ($300) and often wondered if low voltage / high current draw from the clutch was a failure factor. Furthermore, corroded wires and battery connections can cause the service battery system light to illuminate. If your lawn mower is not charging its battery, there may be a few different causes. How To Check The Battery Charging On Your Riding Lawn Mower - AftonVilla Next, locate the charging circuit, which is usually found near the battery. http://www.smallenginesuppliers.com/html/engine-specs/briggs/briggswiringexplanation.pdf. Hi Paul, I have a briggs and Stratton 13 hp on a dixon zero turn and it cuts out after 10 minutes of run and will restart and run for a couple minutes and cut out and start and run for a minute, so I disconnected the two wires from the 5-9 amp regulator and it runs fine now, so do you think it is running off the battery proving that the regulator is bad when connected? Cub Cadet Hauler | There are cheap yard carts, good carts and just plain junk. If the voltage is lower, then the charging system is not working properly and you will need to have it serviced. Check that the battery clamps are properly sealed and clean. I got a reading on the AC but barely anything on the DC. So there you have it the next time your riding lawn mower wont start, make sure to check the alternator first! In the past, all they needed to do was to start the equipment, run an electric clutch, and charge the battery. The first thing to check is the voltage of your battery. How do you test a charging system on a riding lawn mower? Again, for most mowers made after 1980, the 12-vote option is the correct setting. The price range of a multimeter within 14$~100$ according to its building materials and internal functions. In order to test the charging system of a lawn mower, you will need to first check the battery and the wiring connections to make sure they are in good condition. If the voltage is not within the specified range, it is likely that the charging system is not functioning correctly. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Depending on the mower you have, you may need either 12 volt or 6 volt batteries. One of the most important parts of the lawn mower is the stator, which is responsible for generating the electricity necessary for the machine to run. In this articles headline, I mention where there is smoke. What I mean by that is we have all seen both electrical and ignition systems work great until we see smoke. The charging system on a Briggs and Stratton engine is made up of three main components: the alternator, the voltage regulator, and the battery. You should have 13.5-14.5V. Any help will be appreciated M Mad Mackie Lawn Addict Joined The most common type of battery used in lawn mowers is a lead-acid battery. There are a few possible reasons why your riding lawn mower battery wont hold a charge. In todays business, we are seeing solid state/CDI (capacitive discharge ignition) or simply electronic ignition systems. He then moved up to the manufacturer level, serving as a territory manager for McCulloch Corp., a training specialist for Kohler Co. Engine Division, and a general manager for a manufacturer-owned dealership. If you are below that you will have to look at the type of charging system you have. Is there a way to bench test a stator? 5. The truth is electrical systems have not changed a great deal; manufacturers are just adding more features, which adds more things to look for when electrical systems start causing issues. The John Deere L100 lawnmower runs a 12-volt system; the battery on any machinery needs a voltage regulator to keep the battery charged. Def check electrolyte level and see if covering the plates, if possible to do so. It is critical to inspect the batterys cables for any signs of corrosion or damage in order to prevent this from occurring. Sunflowers in Vases: Will They Open or Wilt? The stator of a lawn mower should typically be at least 30 volts energized. After all, it ruins the ability of the lawn mower and prevents it from turning on. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); It is important to also note that experthometools.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, endless.com, smallparts.com, myhabit.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. You know a voltage regulator controls the volume of the power supply and saves the vehicle from being shorted or excessive heating. Modifying the wiring is not my preference. 2022 The Best Residential Zero Turn Mowers, 2022 The Thirteen Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, 2022 The Sixteen Best 48-52 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, 2021 The Sixteen Best 54-72 Inch Residential Zero Turn Mowers. To determine if your stator is charging your battery, you should first check the voltage across the battery terminals with a multimeter. What am I missing is there a way of checking the regulator with a multi meter? Hopefully, this article has helped you to get the proper guidelines on how to test a voltage regulator on a lawn mower. If you are testing the charging system, isolate the alternator output and then test the rectifier/regulator. 1. These older, for lack of a better term, solid state systems were mechanic pieces that had several serviceable parts: laminations, coils, breaker points, condensers, flywheels and spark plugs. The battery is incapable of recharging itself once you leave the mower in storage. Open the hood of the mower and locate the voltage regulator on the left side of the engine bolted to the engine shroud. The amount of time it takes to charge the battery will be determined by its size and the chargers amperage. As an SCR, it controls the flow of current. If the problem is the wiring or connections, they should be checked and replaced if necessary. Problems with the charging system can range from corroded wires and alternator belts to a faulty alternator belt. There is a fuse up under dash. How to Test a Stator Pickup on Riding Mowers The key is to keep the smoke in the wires! The mower runs erratically. Collect the user manual from the company website of the lawn mower that you used. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! If it is lower than 12.4 volts, it needs to be recharged. 7. Paul does most of his writing out in his workshop where he feeds the wildlife and birds in the yard. You will feel comfortable when working. It is estimated that 3-5 years will pass before the battery will be fully charged, so the money you paid for it will be returned. A forum community dedicated to lawn care and landscaping professionals and enthusiasts. This process generates an electric current which is then used to charge the battery. All the readings are taken when the power of the lawn mower is on and in the parking position. I have a mower repair business in Australia and have a very big workshop which is why I have a few apprentices. That is low. As a diode, it provides 1/2-wave rectification. But of course, wear the hand gloves for safety purposes. After sitting overnight I checked battery and still at 12.6. If the specific gravity is below 1.225, its an indication that the battery is not receiving enough charge from the stator. Thats with a regulated system. For years, technicians have often struggled with electrical systems and troubleshooting them. I've been playing around with it on and off and am running out of ideas. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Disconnect the wiring harness from the bottom of the voltage regulator. You notice corrosion on the terminals. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. It will keep the lawn mower in better condition and increases its durability. If the lights dim, it is a sign that the alternator is working properly. So again, check the output readings and make sure the engine is at the correct speed. Does this indicate a bad stator? The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. I added a 15 amp inline fuse to the VR output and took that to the battery side of solenoid. Attach a Multi-meter to Your Engine If the voltage is below or exceeds the recommended range, the battery will be overcharged. Troubleshooting an ignition system today is actually very easy, provided you have the proper test equipment. She maintains a popular interior design blog where she gives advice and design tips. As stated earlier, the electrical systems may have increased in what is needed of them, but the basic theory for all the system components remains unchanged, and that is a key to troubleshooting them. A fault in either of these parts will result in your lawn mower battery not charging. #7. Pay attention to cold cranking amps and its age. How To Test A Voltage Regulator On A Lawn Mower? (Step-By-Step Guide) ?You need at least 13.00 volts under load to charge and run it.You can check the ohms on the stator by checking while not running.If you put the red lead on a terminal and ground you should get a reading of about 1.5. f it reads nothing your stator is faulty.Your AC voltage while running should show 28 Volts or more.Probably closer to 40 at high RPM.If the voltage is good its your VR. Seems like continuity on this disconnected harness wire to battery ground indicates a short circuit. Then, connect the voltmeter to the battery, start the engine, and make sure the voltmeter reads 10-12 volts. Grant has bachelor's degrees in both business and interior design from the University of Central Florida and the International Academy of Design and Technology. It may not display this or other websites correctly.