How to Troubleshoot an Ariens Snow Blower That Won't Start

Clean the area around the carburetor and governor of the machine if the engine will not start or crank. The governor regulates fuel supply to control engine speed. The carburetor mixes the fuel with air for combustion. Remove any buildup using water, mild soap and a clean cloth.

Turn the key switch to the "Run" position if you have a 12-volt start on the dash panel. You might have left the key switch in the ignition at the "Stop" position or might not have inserted the removable key into the ignition. Locate the key switch on the left of the speed selector. Push in, rather than twist, the key after inserting it into the ignition if you have a 120-volt or 240-volt start on the engine.

Check the connections of the starter using only electrical outlets that match the starter's voltage. Plug an extension cord to the starter prongs into a 120-volt or 240-volt, three-pronged grounded electrical outlet.

With the engine cool, find the fuel tank just beneath the dash panel and clean the area around the fuel cap and the fuel cap. Use a clean rag, mild soap and water, and remove the cap. Fill the fuel tank with unleaded gasoline up to a half inch below the filler neck. Replace the fuel cap and tighten it.

With the engine off, find the battery at the front and to the left of the fuel tank and engine. Disconnect the battery cables starting with the negative ("-") cable, and then the positive ("+") cable. Loosen the wing nut with your hands and take out the battery to test and charge it. Connect the battery charger's positive lead to the battery's positive terminal and then the negative lead to the negative terminal of the battery. Allow the battery to charge for 10 hours at 2-1/2 amps. Replace the battery after charging by connecting the positive cable first, followed by the negative cable. Tighten the wing nut.