MTD 690 through 699 manual Trouble Shooting Guide, Possible Causes, Corrective Action

SECTION 10: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

Trouble	Possible Cause(s)		Corrective Action
Engine will	1.	Safety switch button	1.	There are two switches in the starting circuit of your unit: the clutch pedal switch
not crank		not depressed.		and the deck lift lever switch. Make certain the actuator is fully depressing the
				buttons on each switch.
	2.	Battery installed	2.	The battery must be installed with negative terminal attached to black ground
		incorrectly.		wire. Negative terminal is identified at the post by “NEG”, “N” or “-”. The positive
				terminal, identified by “POS”, “P” or “+”, must be attached to the big red wire
				which goes to the solenoid. All batteries are to be fully charged before installing.
				Refer to “Quick Start” battery guide that came with the operator’s manual.
	3.	Battery is dead or	3.	Check fluid level in battery. If fluid is low, fill to just below split rings with water.
		weak.		Charge with 6 AMP charger until fully charged.
	4.	Blown fuse or circuit	4.	Refer to operator’s manual for fuse box location. Replace fuse with automotive
		breaker.		type fuse. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. The problem must be corrected.
				Check for loose connections in the fuse holder. Replace fuse holder if necessary.
				A dead short may be in the cranking or charging circuit where the insulation may
				have rubbed through and exposed the bare wire. Replace the wire or repair with
				electrician's tape if the wire strands have not been damaged.
				Note: Look for a wire pinched between body panels, burned by the exhaust pipe
				or muffler or rubbed against a moving part.
	5.	Engine ground wire	5.	Engine should have a black ground wire running from engine to frame or
		loose.		mounting bolt.
Engine	1.	Throttle or choke not in	1.	Check operator's manual for correct position for throttle control and choke for
cranks but		starting position.		starting.
will not start
	2.	No fuel to the	2.	A. Gasoline tank empty. Fill.
		carburetor.		B. Fuel line or in-line fuel filter plugged. Remove and clean fuel line. Replace filter
	3.	No spark to spark plug.		.
		Spark plug lead	3.	Connect lead. Hold spark plug lead away from engine block about 1/8". Crank
		disconnected.		engine. There should be a spark. If not, have engine repaired at authorized
	4.	Faulty spark plug.		engine service dealer.
			4.	To test, remove spark plug. Attach spark plug lead to spark plug. Ground the
				spark plug body against the engine block. Crank the engine. The spark plug
	5.	Dirty air cleaner.		should fire at the electrode. Replace if it does not.
			5.	If the air cleaner is dirty, the engine may not start. Refer to the engine manual
				packed with your unit.
Engine	1.	Engine oil overfilled.	1.	Check oil level.
smokes	2.	Engine loses	2.	A. Dipstick not seated or broken. Replace defective part.
		crankcase		B. Engine breather defective. Replace.
		vacuum.
Excessive	1.	Bent or	1.	Stop engine immediately. Check all pulleys, blade adapters, keys and bolts for
vibration		damaged blade.		tightness and spindle damage. Tighten or replace any damaged parts.
Mower will	1.	Engine speed low.	1.	Throttle must be set at full throttle.
not	2.	Cutting height set too	2.	Use lower ground speed. The slower your ground speed, the better the quality of
discharge		low.		cut.
grass and/	3.	Blades short or dull.	3.	Raise deck. Sharpen or replace blades (uncut strip problem only).
or leaves
uncut strips

NOTE: If the above steps fail to correct the problem, contact your local authorized service dealer for repair.

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