TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS

PROBLEM

CAUSE

CORRECTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will not start

1.

Out of fuel.

1.

Fill fuel tank.

 

2.

Engine not “CHOKED” properly.

2.

See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section.

 

3.

Engine flooded.

3.

Wait several minutes before attempting to start.

 

4.

Bad spark plug.

4.

Replace spark plug.

 

5.

Dirty air filter.

5.

Clean/replace air filter.

 

6.

Dirty fuel filter.

6.

Replace fuel filter.

 

7.

Water in fuel.

7.

Empty fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh

 

 

 

 

gasoline and replace fuel filter.

 

8.

Loose or damaged wiring.

8.

Check all wiring.

 

9.

Carburetor out of adjustment.

9.

See “To Adjust Carburetor” in Service Adjustments

 

 

 

 

section.

 

10.

Engine valves out of adjustment.

10.

Contact an authorized service center/department.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hard to start

1.

Dirty air filter.

1.

Clean/replace air filter.

 

2.

Bad spark plug.

2.

Replace spark plug.

 

3.

Weak or dead battery.

3.

Recharge or replace battery.

 

4.

Dirty fuel filter.

4.

Replace fuel filter.

 

5.

Stale or dirty fuel.

5.

Empty fuel tank and refill tank with fresh, clean gasoline.

 

6.

Loose or damaged wiring.

6.

Check all wiring.

 

7.

Carburetor out of adjustment.

7.

See “To Adjust Carburetor” in Service Adjustments

 

 

 

 

section.

 

8.

Engine valves out of adjustment.

8.

Contact an authorized service center/department.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Engine will not turn over

1.

Clutch/brake pedal not depressed.

1.

Depress clutch/brake pedal.

 

2.

Attachment clutch is engaged.

2.

Disengage attachment clutch.

 

3.

Weak or dead battery.

3.

Recharge or replace battery.

 

4.

Blown fuse.

4.

Replace fuse.

 

5.

Corroded battery terminals.

5.

Clean battery terminals.

 

6.

Loose or damaged wiring.

6.

Check all wiring.

 

7.

Faulty ignition switch.

7.

Check/replace ignition switch.

 

8.

Faulty solenoid or starter.

8.

Check/replace solenoid or starter.

 

9.

Faulty operator presence switch(es).

9.

Contact an authorized service center/department.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Engine clicks but will not

1.

Weak or dead battery.

1.

Recharge or replace battery.

start

2.

Corroded battery terminals.

2.

Clean battery terminals.

 

3.

Loose or damaged wiring.

3.

Check all wiring.

 

4.

Faulty solenoid or starter.

4.

Check/replace solenoid or starter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss of power

1.

Cutting too much grass/too fast.

1.

Raise cutting height/reduce speed.

 

2.

Throttle in “CHOKE” position.

2.

Adjust throttle control.

 

3.

Build-up of grass, leaves and trash under mower.

3.

Clean underside of mower housing.

 

4.

Dirty air filter.

4.

Clean/replace air filter.

 

5.

Low oil level/dirty oil.

5.

Check oil level/change oil.

 

6.

Faulty spark plug.

6.

Clean and regap or change spark plug.

 

7.

Dirty fuel filter.

7.

Replace fuel filter.

 

8.

Stale or dirty fuel.

8.

Empty fuel tank and refill tank with fresh, clean gasoline.

 

9.

Water in fuel.

9.

Empty fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh

 

 

 

 

gasoline and replace fuel filter.

 

10.

Spark plug wire loose.

10.

Connect and tighten spark plug wire.

 

11.

Dirty engine air screen/fins.

11.

Clean engine air screen/fins.

 

12.

Dirty/clogged muffler.

12.

Clean/replace muffler.

 

13.

Loose or damaged wiring.

13.

Check all wiring.

 

14.

Carburetor out of adjustment.

14.

See “To Adjust Carburetor” in Service Adjustments

 

 

 

 

section.

 

15.

Engine valves out of adjustment.

15.

Contact an authorized service center/department.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excessive vibration

1.

Worn, bent or loose blade.

1.

Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt.

 

2.

Bent blade mandrel.

2.

Replace blade mandrel.

 

3.

Loose/damaged part(s).

3.

Tighten loose part(s). Replace damaged parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

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Poulan PP18542 owner manual Troubleshooting Points, Problem Cause Correction
Page 25 Page 27

PP18542 specifications

The Poulan PP18542 is a powerful and efficient lawn mower designed for residential yard care, delivering impressive performance and reliability. Equipped with a robust 18.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, this riding mower ensures easy starts and steady power, making it ideal for tackling a variety of lawn sizes and terrains.

One of the standout features of the PP18542 is its 42-inch cutting deck, which allows for quick and efficient mowing. The wide cutting path reduces the number of passes needed to cover a lawn, saving both time and effort. The mower offers an adjustable cutting height feature, providing users with the flexibility to choose from six different height settings, accommodating the specific needs of their grass type and preference.

The Poulan PP18542 utilizes a hydrostatic transmission system, which offers seamless speed control and is incredibly user-friendly. This technology allows for smooth acceleration and deceleration without the need for shifting gears, making it a great choice for users of all skill levels. The responsive driving controls ensure ease of maneuverability around obstacles, improving overall efficiency during lawn maintenance.

Comfort is also a priority in the design of the PP18542. The mower comes equipped with a comfortable high-back seat that provides support during extended use. The strategically placed ergonomic steering wheel and foot pedal controls enhance the user experience, reducing fatigue even during longer mowing sessions.

Durability and maintenance are key considerations for the Poulan PP18542. The mower features a rugged frame and heavy-duty construction, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of regular use. Routine maintenance is simplified thanks to the easy-access oil filter and an integrated deck wash system, which allows users to clean the underside of the cutting deck without needing special tools.

In addition to its core features, the PP18542 is compatible with various accessories and attachments, enabling users to expand its functionality beyond mowing. Options include mulch kits, baggers, and towing trailers, making it a versatile tool for yard care.

Overall, the Poulan PP18542 combines power, comfort, and durability, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a reliable riding mower to maintain their lawns efficiently.
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