Engine Will Not Start Or Is Hard To Start

Speed control lever not in neutral position.

Key switch not in proper position.

PTO switch in the ON position.

Fuel shut-off valve closed (OFF).

Stale or improper fuel / Fuel level low.

Plugged fuel filter.

Plugged air intake filter.

Spark plug wire is loose or disconnected.

Spark plug not gapped correctly.

Wrong engine oil viscosity.

Electrical problem- electric start kit.

Choke adjusted incorrectly - See your John Deere Dealer.

Engine Will Not Slow Idle

Carburetion problems - See your John Deere Dealer.

Bent or kinked throttle cable.

Engine Runs Rough

Fuel shut-off valve partially closed.

Plugged fuel filter.

Plugged air intake filter.

Fuel cap vent dirty.

Stale or improper fuel / Fuel level low.

Spark plug damaged or not gapped correctly.

Spark plug wire loose or damaged.

Choke adjusted incorrectly - See your John Deere Dealer.

Carburetion problems - See your John Deere Dealer.

Engine Overheats

Cooling fins blocked with debris. Clean cooling fins.

Low oil level.

Operating at too low engine speed. Increase engine speed.

Plugged carburetor air intake filter.

Operating at too fast ground speed for conditions.

Engine Knocks

Engine oil level low.

Operating at too fast ground speed for conditions.

Fuel is bad. Fill tank with fresh fuel, correct octane

Engine speed to low for load conditions.

Engine Lacks Power

Load too heavy.

Plugged air intake filter.

Plugged fuel filter.

Improper type of fuel. Drain and fill tank with correct fuel.

Cooling fins blocked with debris, engine overheating. Clean cooling fins.

Spark plug damaged or not gapped correctly.

Throttle cable bent or kinked.

Engine Uses Too Much Oil

OIl leaks at filter, drain plug or other location.

Incorrect engine oil.

Plugged oil filter.

Plugged air intake filter.

Engine Backfires Through Muffler

Carburetion problems - See your John Deere Dealer.

Engine Backfires Through Carburetor

Carburetion problems - See your John Deere Dealer.

Discharge Chute Is Plugged

Grass too wet for mowing.

Cutting height too low.

Engine speed too low when mowing. Increase to full throttle.

Ground speed too fast for conditions.

Mower deck drive belt incorrectly installed.

Mower Deck Vibrates

Engine speed too slow when mowing. Increase to full throttle.

Loose deck hardware.

Worn or damaged drive belt(s).

Loose blade bolts and hardware.

Bent or worn or unbalanced blade(s).

Debris packed around belt sheaves. Remove belt shields to check.

Belt sheaves misaligned or damaged. See a John Deere dealer.

Mower Blades Do Not Engage

Operator presence lever not engaged or faulty circuit.

Deck drive belt slipping or broken.

Deck belt tensioner spring broken or disconnected.

Faulty PTO switch.

Fuse is blown.

Loose electrical connections or damaged wiring harness.

Mower Cuts Unevenly

Mower deck not properly leveled.

Ground speed too fast for conditions.

Engine speed too slow when mowing. Increase to full throttle.