How to Test the Charging System on Small Engine Equipment - Battery not Charging Fix
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- čas přidán 20. 06. 2022
- How to Diagnose and Fix a Non-Charging Lawn Mower Battery. There can be many reasons why your lawn mower battery is not charging. It could be the Stator, the Voltage Regulator, the Ignition Switch, the Wiring or something else.
In this video I will walk you through the step-by-step process so you can diagnose and repair a no charge issue with your small engine equipment. It could be your riding lawn mower, zero turn mower, snow blower or any other small engine equipment that has a battery.
This could be a very simple fix and can save you time and hundreds of dollars doing it yourself.
*If this video was a help to you give it a "thumbs up". If you have not already done so, please consider subscribing to this channel.
Disclaimer:
Although I have been following these procedures for many years; I assume no liability for any damage that may occur to any person or property as a result of the information provided in this video. I take necessary precautions (that I am aware of) when working on these projects but that in no way implies or creates any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any kind of particular result. Any injury, damage or loss of any kind to anyone or their property or anything related to information in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Helping U Online (this video). - Jak na to + styl
One of the most helpful charging system troubleshooting videos for zero turns hands down! I’ve come back to this video a few times over the years.
Glad to hear that and happy I could help you
Aside from the ace-mechanic content, this is the most excellent videography I think I've ever found on CZcams. Steady hand, sufficient time to see what you're describing (without babbling endlessly), clarity in speech (even over the sound of a mower), centered and focused camera work and even picture in picture to see both contact locations! And on top of that, the cleanest battery and surrounding vicinity on any mower alive. You, sir, deserve a medal. I also like that you are not ashamed to praise the Lord when he grants you success. Awesome! I "Liked" and "Subscribed". I'll be back regularly.
Thanks for your feedback and sub. No greater hope in this world or eternity than what Jesus did for us... I am thankful!
Great video! It is very detailed and will help anyone who watches it understand how the charging system works and how to diagnose it. Keep up the great work!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks
Thank you so much for such a detailed diagnosis.
I bought a used JD z445 two years ago and im just getting around to addressing the battery charging issue. Ive just kept it on a trickle charger full time when not mowing. This video appears to be a great tutorial for trouble shooting the issue. Ill do it when i get home! Thank you sir.
Just a heads up... If your battery charging system is not working you can limit the life of your PTO clutch.
Wishing you the best in fixing your mower
Your video is a nice addition for young fellers that are learning WHY things are happening electrically. It's a very good tutorial! My first check is just to put the leads on the battery before and after it is started to see if there is a couple of volts difference. If not then I do exactly as you are tracing it down. Mowers are always dirty and subject to corroded or broken wiring :) Store them inside folks if you can at all. It will save you some troubles and last a few years longer kept out of the weather.
Your video is like going to school brother. Thank you for this great lesson!
Glad I could help
The video was very thorough.
Thank you
👍 That's the most clear and concise tutorial on this subject I've ever seen.
Thanks for posting.
Thanks for your feedback
Thank you great video. You can check those fuses without removing them. Top of the fuse there's small openings either side, with power on place probes on these, sys voltage=open, 0 volts= closed. Thanks again, I've never gave much thought as to how my mower charging system works.
Clear. Concise. Competent.
Very nice and concise troubleshooting tutorial.
Wow, such a fantastic step by step. Clearly walked us through great process of elimination. You are very knowledgeable and thank you for blessing us with your skills. Bless you back sir!
Thank you and glad it was helpful!
Thanks.... Best mower battery charging video out there.
Thanks 👍
Great video! I'm going to try this tomorrow. Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge.
thanks for the visit
Very good and concise video, well done.
What a great video! You've helped me diagnose my voltage regulator going out on my 27hp Kaw.Guys like you really help normal everyday people save Alot of $.Thanks again!
Glad to hear that
Thank you for this great video…. You allowed me to diagnose my whole machine and learn to use a meter
Great to hear!… And glad I could help
Was very helpful. Thank you. After going through the steps I got to my panel with my ignition and pto and my display. Found that after changing my pto last week I some how loosened the wire harness to my ignition. It was starting but not charging pushed it back on all the way and charging again. Thank for the help!
Excellent!
Very informative video! Thanks! Going to use this information to try and figure out why my battery isn't charging. Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful!…And good to make sure your battery is charging properly. Non-charging, low voltage situation can damage your PTO clutch of the mower
Great video. You are a great teacher. Helped me repair mine. Thank You
Glad it helped
Thanks for posting
Thanks for the video my fuse was actually blown working now I’ll have to keep an eye on it to see if it blows again
So dang helpful!
Well done Sir! Well done!
thanks for your visit
Good Video, Back in the Day U didn't have You tube, You would have to work this out yourself or Ask some one who knew about electrics. Mechanics Wouldn't tell You Much because then they ain't making money. It's Much Better Now with You tube . Good on Ya For Sharing These Types of Videos .
Great video, I’m working on a Kohler, your detailed video is AWESOME, saving me from hauling my mower 50 miles to the dealership. THANK YOU!
Well done sir 😀
This is a great video to learn how to check the wiring after checking stator and regulator outputs. Thanks!
If I came upon a fuse block that dirty I’d do something to protect it in the future, even if it was only cleaning up the surrounding area and covering with duct tape and using a sharpie to write “FUSES!” on the tape. Bad design - should have had a removable cover built in from the factory.
you were a big help fixed my mower for 20 dollars if i would went to the shop well over 250 thank you
Glad I could help
Thank you for taking the time to make this great informative and “micro” explanatory video. It looks like my issue is with the wiring and I was wondering if I could make a direct connection from the lead positive of the regulator and the battery (which made the battery begin charging) and keep it like this instead of digging in the wire harness to figure out where the problem is.
I'm also having this same issue on my scagw a kawasaki motor. I'm glad I searched for this issue because I'm hoping that this will help me find my problem. Thanks for a great detailed information
You can do it!
You ever find the issue?
Thanks you your video helps me to identify my charging system problems nice helpful video
Glad to hear it
Awesome video saved me so much guess work and learned a lot. Figured out my stator good voltage regulator bad. Woohoo. Thank you for this great video.
Great to hear!
PERFECT ....Thanks for this video
thanks for the visit
Thank you for the help.
Happy to help
Very very helpful
Great video! Thanks for sharing be safe have fun
thanks
What a great succinct video, thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Wow GREAT VIDEO !!
thank you. top description.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video with all the details as to how to diagnose issues regarding battery not charging. Hopefully this will allow me to remedy issue with JD zero turn battery drain.
I hope so too! not good to run the pto with not enough volts... burns then out.
If you have a battery drain, perform the current draw test between the ground terminal and the negative battery pole with your amp meter, should be less than 0.03 amps with the ignition off.
Good info. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Thank you! Awesome video!
Our pleasure!
Thank you. Excellent video. Very useful.
Best wishes.
Glad it was helpful!
this was great. slow and to the point. VR is bad and new one ordered
Glad to hear it was a help to you
Good vid for testing the charging system.....
thanks
Great Im learning a lot on video I have a small problem in put 28v and out 7v I wonder the regulator is bad thanks
Very helpful video. Good tutorial. 😮
Glad to hear that!
Great video !!
Glad you enjoyed it
Very helpful..❤ it great work!!!
Glad it was helpful!
good job really good vid thx
Glad it helped
My god! Brother thank you I operate a landscape business and we own over 20 mowers it is frustrating when our mowers go down and we have to wait a 3 week turn around to get it back from the shop. I fix over 80% of mechanical problems on them so I can avoid taking them in. This is one of the most common issues I run into and usually ends up at shop, from now on I’ll know how to diagnose this thanks my guy!
Glad I could help. Low voltage will burn out PTO's so it's good to keep up with it.
How many yards you have to need that many mowers?, I also run a lawn service with 2 mowers and 113 yards, I fix my own also after warranty goes out til I upgrade, are you a commercial client with your repair shop, we come first here and most time back going in hours... just curious
thank you very much
You are welcome
Very good video. Thanks
My pleasure
@@helpinguonline Can the stator put out too much and blow a fuse?
Thanks so much you explain this so simple! You cover how to diagnose the complete system and any problem it may have. Most importantly you explain it in simple terms that any dummy can understand. This helped me a lot. Thanks again
Glad it helped!
Video was helpful. I do understand electricity and the basics of charging systems, but I did not consider fuses or ignition switches when my Husqvarna PZ72 was not charging. I discovered another tip that you might consider, using your multi meter check the resistance between positive battery terminal and the disconnected charging lead from the voltage regulator. There should be no continuity with the ignition switch off, and very low resistance with it on. Mine was registering around 200 ohms when I started this test, after cleaning the ignition switch, it went down to about 50, but it’s obvious that it’s faulty and needs to be replaced.
Yes and resistance equals and causes Voltage drop.. not good.
U THE MAN
Excellent video. Thanks for taking the time in making it so detailed and informative.
I came here because of my z trak 737, and this just is the school I needed; thank you so much.
You are welcome and thanks for your visit
Excellent job. Great instructions!.
Good charging system check video 😊 I liked the isolating of the wire voltage to the battery check, definitely going to do that. Nice when issue is a simple dirty fuse. My Snapper ZT has a 20 amp circuit breaker only, no fuses to check. First riding mower I have owned that has no fuses and hydraulic lifters only Lol.
I have a brand new china mini skid steer. The unit worked great except for one issue. It would not keep the battery charged. Followed these instructions and found the red lead from the voltage regulator had not been connected at the factory. Had to undo every wire bundle to find it. Had 45-50 volts at the stator. Thank you.
Way to go!
Very interesting. I'm pretty sure my battery is shot because it's ancient (7.5 years, original on a 36hp Vanguard Hustler Hyperdrive) but I never knew a dirty fuse could cause issues like that. Makes sense, just wouldn't have occurred to me to check.
Yes, this is exactly why you need to understand and visualise the whole charging system front to back… there is a specific order to test components and all components need to be tested until the culprit is found and identified.
If you don’t understand the system and how it all works you’ll just start replacing parts and shooting in the dark.
Gets expensive and wastes a lot of time and money.
Hi very good video goshhh it was so helpful I followed your instructions but everything on mine mower cheap out good up to spec I have checked my fuses and still no charge can you give me some tips on what to check now
Is your stater and flywheel OK? Is your voltage regulator grounded? If it’s not screwed into metal on the engine you need a ground wire to go from voltage regulator to a grounding bolt or nut… Hard to say without looking at it and knowing what you’ve done but hope you find the problem soon. Let us know what you discover
I also run a jumper wire from negative battery terminal to the voltage regulator, then from positive voltage terminal to positive battery terminal 😊
Great video but I'm lost when it comes to electrical problems. Have to leave that stuff to the pros.
Kohler 5400 series has 3 prongs but 6 wires coming out. Same thing?
Nice trouble shooting skills, just some dirty fuses can cause plenty issues. I've got a Ferris mower in my driveway that is going through the same issue. It has a tender on it but I believe they never use it and the batteries are just going dead. I've wanted to start small so I have already replaced the voltage regulator. I'm fixing to pull the single charge wire and omit the switch and see what I come up with. Even the replacement regulator it still isn't charging. I don't see a ground wire either on this Kawasaki as you had stated in your video. That might be the issue with this one. So after conducting your second test and connecting the hot side to the single tab of the regulator, it was charging. So I am going to make a ground wire and see what that does.
you can do it!
How's the mower treating you? I'm going to be in the market again one of these days, I like the way everything looks laid out on that mechanically
I got it Used and other than maintenance and small issues it has been good. Now has over 3000 hours
Best to check fuse first thing
Seems like an easier way to diagnose the wire instead of the alligator clips would be to measure the voltage drop between the positive terminal of the battery and the output of a voltage regulator. Should be minimal, I’m currently troubleshooting a situation where I have 1.5 V between the positive terminal battery and the output of the voltage regulator. I haven’t sold it yet, but that seems high, I’m in the 13+ range at the regulator but less than 12 at the battery.
My money is on a corroded or bad connection somewhere along the circuit…check all connections and check the wire for fraying etc, process of elimination.
When checking the voltage regulatory where do you put the neg.
Never mind I see it's on the battery sorry
I was thinking of taking a small engine repair course. Did you take such a course as well?
I did many years ago in school. Since then I have tinkered with them and CZcams is also a great place to learn.
my simplicity does not read more than 12.65 while running, but i just mowed and it still says 12.65. Could the charging system be working fine?
If you run it at full throttle you should get at least 13. If you’re charging system is not working properly you can burn out your PTO clutch
My amps on the voltage regulator was 12.5 and 12.3 with pto engaged
Is that too low?. My engine keeps stalling out randomly mowing
higher would be better but you may be ok but watch that it doesn't go lower than that. What do you get when the pto is not engaged? you have to be careful running your pto at too low volts because that is what burns them out.
@@helpinguonline I just upgraded my regulator and battery with clean grounds. Now 13.6 13.2 with PTO engaged
@@LeviHardin28 amazing how cleaning connections increases Voltage, it’s the resistance in dirty corroded loose connections that causes resistance and in turn causes voltage drop.
So even though you have 13.5 volts at the battery terminal, like at the first of the video, there was still a problem? I figured if you got 13 volts at the battery while it was at full throttle, you were good.
The beginning of the video is just showing what a proper operating charging system should look like
So cleaning the fuse box fixed your problem?
Use electric grease on connectors and fuses
Yes it did
@@helpinguonline Please mention that you need a cleaner ( such as CRC) when cleaning out plastic parts, Make sure the can says "SAFE ON ALL PLASTIC " because some cleaners aren't plastic friendly. They will melt the plastic. Thanks for the video, very helpful.
The fuse was dirty and causing resistance wihich in turn causes voltage drop or in this case, insulating the connected surfaces and stopping voltage flowing at all.
I have a Toro dingo , and I’m thinking this is the issue that it has.
The video would be much clearer if you kept the camera at the first point instead of looking down, it just looks like a mess looking down and hard to see what you are doing.
how did you start the engine with a dead battery? I have a jump starter
It wasn’t a dead battery, it was a low voltage at 11.78v…. On cranking it showed 8.8v which is still enough to crank the engine over with the starter motor. Any lower voltage and it would struggle.