Starting Problems With My Sears Garden Tractor Model # 917.273440

Ensure there is sufficient fuel in your Craftsman riding lawn tractor. Refill the tank with fresh fuel as necessary.

Dispose of old fuel in your Craftsman riding lawn tractor before attempting to run the mower. Fuel from a previous season should not be used. Add a splash of new gasoline to your tank and then attempt to start the engine. If it runs now, let it sit idle and allow all the fuel to burn away before refilling the tank completely with new gasoline.

Pop open the Craftsman riding lawn tractor's hood if the tractor will still not start. Check the spark plug on the side of the Briggs & Stratton engine assembly. A thin, black plug should connect into it. Reinsert this plug into the spark plug's rear insertion point if necessary.

Replace the Craftsman riding lawn tractor's spark plug, as it may be faulty. Pull the plug wire gently out of the existing spark plug, and pull the old spark plug out. Connect the plug wire into the rear of the replacement spark plug.

Check your Craftsman riding lawn tractor's battery. There are two terminal wires that must be connected. One black wire lies on one side of the battery, while a red wire lies on the opposite side. Each should be in the bolt on their respective sides of the battery. Place the round prong on each wire's end over the respective bolt and tighten it into place using a socket wrench.

Ensure each of the terminal wires extends back and connects to the solenoid, which is found between the Craftsman riding lawn tractor's battery and engine. Each wire should be placed over their respective bolts on the solenoid and tightened into place with the socket wrench.