Here's Why Your Electric Lawn Mower Isn't Starting (& Troubleshooting Tips)

For many people, Saturday lawn maintenance is an enjoyable routine that helps keep your grass in picturesque condition. However, when it comes time to trim your grass and your electric mower won't start, your mind might instantly go to costly repairs and replacements. There are several reasons that your device may not be starting, but fortunately, there are also troubleshooting tips that can help you get back to dealing with that overgrown lawn.

There are two types of electric lawn mowers, corded and cordless, and both, much like gasoline-powered models, can occasionally experience hiccups that keep them from starting properly. Thankfully, in many cases, the solution for these problems is simple. If you're working with a battery-powered lawn mower, it could be that the battery itself has gotten too hot and needs time to cool down before your lawn mower can start. Or, for both options, you may need to ensure that every piece, from the telescopic handle to the safety key, is properly in place. Here are all the reasons your lawnmower might not be starting and how you can fix it.

Sometimes, getting your electric lawn mower running again is as simple as making sure that every piece is in the right spot, including a telescopic handle. The ergonomics of your lawn mower deals largely with the handle's positioning and height. As a result, when shopping for the right model for you, the handle is one factor you don't want to ignore, and with a telescopic handle, you can adjust its height as needed. Unfortunately, extra moving pieces also introduce room for error, and if your telescopic handle isn't fully extended, it could be the reason why your lawn mower isn't starting. This is especially true with some Ryobi models as well as some Hart electric lawn mowers, which require the telescopic handle to be secured into place before you can operate the machine.

Fortunately, this problem is an easy fix and doesn't require an expert-level troubleshooting process. Instead, simply ensure that your handle is fully secured in place according to the manufacturer's instructions and then try starting your lawn mower again. If the handle was in fact the problem, you should then be free to continue maintaining your picturesque lawn.

If your electric lawn mower isn't starting, double-check the power source. Of course, this process can look different depending on the model. After all, a corded design has a completely different source of power than a cordless or battery-operated machine. For the latter, the process can be much easier. To ensure that your cordless lawn mower is receiving the correct amount of power needed to turn on, just check to make sure that the battery is fully charged and fully seated in the right compartment. A loose battery may not have a proper connection, so make sure it's locked in and secured. 

When you're working with a corded electric mower, however, you may need some additional tools. Start by inspecting the cord itself, especially if it's been awhile since you used your machine. If it's been stored outside, look for any damage from pests biting it. If the cord looks to be in good shape, check the outlet with a multimeter to test for any electricity problems within your home.

When comparing gas-powered versus electric lawn mowers, you'll see that they vary by more than just fuel sources. If you've only dealt with gas-powered models in the past, you may not have had to keep a safety key in mind. This small item, usually a plastic clip or similar object, is inserted into your electric lawn mower, and it's required to start the motor. Without it, you'll find that even a machine in perfect condition won't turn on.

A missing safety key can be a big problem for any electric lawn mowers. It can prevent some Ryobi models from starting, even when every other factor is squared away, and it's a problem that's persistent among various corded and cordless designs. This is fortunately a simple fix, however. If a missing safety key is the only reason that your electric lawn mower isn't starting, then troubleshooting this problem is as easy as finding the safety key and inserting it as instructed for your particular machine.

But what about if you've lost your safety key altogether? If you're unable to find it, you'll need to purchase a replacement. You may be able to reach out to your lawn mower's brand and purchase a new one, find one at your local hardware store, or even find universal safety keys online that may be compatible with your mower.

Temperature plays a large role in the operation of your lawn mower. To ensure proper functionality, your mower and battery need to be kept from extreme conditions. For some models, this means no storing or using the device in freezing temperatures or anything above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on your exact lawn mower, this range can vary.

Now, for many people, this type of weather doesn't exactly invoke the urge to mow the lawn anyway. However, while it may not be exceeding either of these limits outside, your mower or battery may already be at this temperature depending on storage conditions. For example, if your mower is stored in a shed that isn't temperature controlled, it can easily reach over 104 degrees on a hot day. This can stop it from turning on and operating properly. As a result, it's important to learn the best ways to store your machine to prevent issues like this from becoming a common problem and preserve the lifespan of your electric lawn mower.

If your mower started like normally and then failed to turn back on after being unused for a short period of time, temperature could still be the problem. As your electric lawn model, it generates heat. After storage in a warm location followed by brief use on a hot day, you might have to let your mower cool before you can start it up again.

Believe it or not, sometimes the solution to why your electric lawn mower isn't starting is as easy as giving it a thorough cleaning — not just the outside either. If your machine isn't starting, try inspecting the main components in search of debris. Buildup around the battery, in particular, can be a problem for cordless lawn mower models. If the power source is dirty, either with grass, rust, or any kind of grime, it can prevent a proper connection, which leads back to a problem with the power source. When dirt becomes a problem, you'll want to clear it away, although the exact method could depend on your exact type of lawn mower. For the Ryobi 18V lawn mower, a dry rag is often enough to remove the debris and help restore function to your machine so you can tackle your landscaping chores.

Any build-up of grass or dirt in other places can also be a problem. For example, if your Ryobi has a grass bag attachment, it may not start if it's overfilled. This is because the added weight of a full bag can place too much strain on your mower's motor, keeping it from starting when it's time to cut the grass. Your electric lawn mower could also fail to start if the blades are jammed, requiring cleaning. This can also be a good time to sharpen your lawn mower blades if needed.