How to Start an Electronic Ignition Lawn Mower

Riding Mower

• 1

  Sit in the driver's seat and make sure that the parking brake is set and the cutting blades are not engaged. If the riding mower has selectable gears, place the gear shift lever in the neutral position.

• 2

  Move the throttle lever to the choke position if the engine is cold and has not recently been run. Adjust the throttle lever to the halfway point between run and choke if the engine has recently been run and is warm.

• 3

  Turn the ignition key to the start position. Continue turning the key as you feel some slight resistance. Release the key when the engine starts or after five seconds. Do not hold the key in the start position for more than five seconds to reduce the potential for damage to the starter and draining the battery.

• 4

  Wait 10 seconds if the mower does not start and turn the key to the start position. Release the key when the engine starts. Allow the engine to run for a few seconds and then slowly reduce the choke to the run position.

Walk-Behind Mower

• 5

  Move the mower to a level surface and avoid starting the mower in tall grass as this can affect the rotation of the blades and interfere with starting.

• 6

  Stand behind the handlebars of the mower. Reach forward and grasp the blade control bar, above and slightly forward of the handlebar, and pull it back against the handlebar. Hold the bar in place while starting.

• 7

  Keep one hand firmly on the control bar and handle bar and reach forward with the other hand and turn the ignition key. Rotate the key to the start position until you feel slight resistance. Hold the key in the start position no longer than five seconds or so and then release.

• 8

  Turn the key to the start position once again if the engine did not start the first time. Hold the key no longer than five seconds and release when the engine starts. Allow the mower engine to warm up for a few seconds before starting to cut grass.