What to Do When Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start

As someone who’s spent countless weekends tinkering with tools and fixing up all kinds of machinery, I can tell you one thing for sure: when your lawn mower won’t start, it’s almost always something simple. Before you toss in the towel or call a repair shop, let’s troubleshoot. With a little patience and the right steps, you’ll likely have it purring in no time.

Check the Gas and Oil First—Seriously, Just Do It

You’d be amazed how many times the problem is as simple as running out of gas. I’ve been there myself, ready to blame a mower for quitting when it was just bone-dry. Start by making sure there’s gas in the tank. If there is, check the quality. Gas that’s been sitting for months can go bad, especially if you didn’t add stabilizer before storing it. Drain it out and pour in some fresh fuel if it’s looking sketchy.

Oil’s another easy check. If it’s milky or gunky, that’s no good. Drain and replace it. After you’ve topped everything off, it might take a few pulls to get things moving again, but don’t give up too quickly.

Spark Plug Troubles? I’ve Been There

One of the most common culprits is the spark plug, and honestly, it’s an easy fix. First, check that the spark plug cable is still attached—it could’ve come loose while the mower was in storage. If it’s connected, pull out the spark plug and take a look.

Is it wet? That’s a no-go. Clean it with some carburetor cleaner and let it dry completely. And listen, if the thing is too dirty or looks shot, just replace it. A new spark plug costs a few bucks and can save you a ton of hassle. Think of it as cheap insurance for getting your mower running.

Filters: Small but Mighty

Filters don’t get a lot of attention, but they do a lot of work. If your mower has a fuel filter, it’s probably in the fuel line or tank. Check your manual to locate it. If it’s clogged, it’ll choke off gas flow and make your mower sputter or stall. You might need to drain the tank or clamp off the fuel line to swap it out, but it’s worth it.

Then there’s the air filter, which keeps your engine breathing easy. A clogged air filter throws off the air-to-fuel mix and can make your mower smoke—or refuse to start at all. If it’s filthy, clean it if you can, or just pop in a new one.

Grass Clippings Can Stop Everything Cold

Here’s a classic problem I see all the time: wet or long grass gets caught up in the mower deck, jamming the blade. If the pull cord feels stuck or stiff, this could be your issue. Turn the mower off, flip it over, and take a look.

Scrape out the gunk with a good pair of gloves—it’s messy work but necessary. Once the deck’s clear, give it another try. You’d be surprised how often this solves the problem.

Know When to Call It Quits (and a Pro)

If you’ve tried all of this and still can’t get the mower running, or if you’re feeling like you’re in over your head, it’s time to call in a pro. No shame in that. These machines are heavy and have sharp blades, so if something feels unsafe, step back and get some help. Your fingers will thank you.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Mower Running Smoothly

Here’s the thing: a little maintenance can save you a lot of frustration. Before storing your mower for the winter, drain the gas, change the oil, and clean it up. Replace worn-out spark plugs and filters regularly. This kind of upkeep can extend the life of your mower by years.

Most lawn mowers are built to last a decade or more with regular care. Trust me, taking a bit of time now will pay off big when you’re not dealing with a dead mower on a sunny Saturday.