Craftsman mower won't start.Only makes clicking sound?

Question

brand new battery, new starter. I disconnected the starter and turned switch over, still makes clicking sound.

sound isn't like engine trying to turn over, just a single click.

Any help will be greatly appreciated

Answer 1

Those soleniods are pretty lame.  I took mine apart and cleaned it up.  It worked for a short time and failed.  Don't bother, just replace it.  You could take the cable from the battery to the solenoid off and touch it to the side that goes to the starter.  But with a new battery and starter my guess is the solenoid.

Answer 2

Before you go and tear everything apart, check and see if ALL your cables are tight.  This includes the ground wire to the engine.  The click is the solenoid activating, but no power is crossing.  If the ground is loose, the starter will not work.  Had this happen on a brand new mower.  You can also have the solenoid checked at you local autoparts store, or mower shop.

Answer 3

Either you don't have the wiring connections tight and solid..or tightened them over grease/oil..or the new battery doesn't have a full charge..You replaced the starte and the solenoid is built onto it..but there is a chance that the solenoid may be bad from the factory..check the charge on the battery and all connections first..if no luck return the starter..auto zone can actually check the starter for you for free..

Answer 4

The click is comming from the starter solenoid.It is mounted under the dash/fuel tank area,or near battery.Follow the red wire from battery to solenoid,keep track of wire placement on solenoid and replace solenoid, putting wires back where they belong.Good luck.

Answer 5

On your solenoid there are two posts with wires connected to them. Turn your key on ~take a s***w driver and lay across the two posts and see if that turns your motor over.  If it starts you need a new solenoid!

Answer 6

sounds like the solenoid or the starter has gone bad.