How to Fix a John Deere Chain Saw Pull Cord

Remove the screws from the starter housing on the left side of the chain saw, using a Torx driver. Pull the housing away from the saw. Remove the old cord from the starter. Check the spring by turning the starter ring and making sure that it springs back properly.

Replace the spring if necessary by removing the snap ring from the shaft of the starter using a pair of needle-nose pliers. Take the spool off the housing and insert the new spring. Place the spool on the housing and install the snap ring using a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Insert a new cord through the hole on the spool and pull it all the way through. Insert the cord into the notch on the spool. Wind the spool forward until you begin to feel the spring tightening. Back off one full turn after you feel the spring tighten. Do not make it too tight. Hold the spool in place as you work so it does not retract until you need it to.

Allow the spool to retract slowly. As it goes back, it will wind the new cord around it. Insert the new cord through the eyelet to the outside of the housing. Pull the cord several times to make sure that it retracts properly. Insert the end of the new cord through the handle. Tie a knot in the cord so that the handle does not come off.

Place the starter housing on your John Deere chain saw. Install the retaining screws and tighten them using a Torx driver.