17 Reasons a Cub Cadet Won’t Start: (Mower Starting Issues)

When your mower just won’t start, it’s time to look for items that may prevent the engine from getting the air, fuel, and spark required.

A Cub Cadet lawn mower won’t start due to a loose spark plug wire, clogged air filter, bad fuel pump, plugged fuel filter, dirty carburetor, weak battery, corrosion on the electrical components, bad safety switches, or old gas. 

The article addresses lawn tractors, riding mowers, and zero-turn models.

Reasons for a Cub Cadet Starting Problem:

1. Empty fuel tank
2. Old gas
3. Bad gas cap
4. Bad spark plug
5. Clogged air filter
6. Clogged fuel filter
7. Clogged fuel line
8. Bad fuel pump
9. Dirty carburetor
10. Loose or corroded cables, wiring, or terminals
11. Weak or bad battery
12. Faulty safety switch
13. Bad ignition switch
14. Bad ignition coil
15. Bad starter solenoid
16. Faulty charging system
17. Incorrect operating procedure

Take caution when troubleshooting and repairing your Cub Cadet starting problem. Remove the ignition key, remove the spark plug wires, and wait for all parts to stop moving before performing repairs.

Follow additional safety procedures found in your operator’s manual.

This post may include affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual prior to diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.

17 Reasons Your Cub Cadet Won’t Start (Causes & Solutions)

1. Empty Fuel Tank

You may not realize the tank is low on gas because you developed a fuel leak, the gas gauge isn’t working, or you just simply forgot the last time you added fuel to the tank.

SOLUTION: Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel.

• Inspect the fuel system and repair any leaks.
• Make sure the fuel gauge is working.
• Add gas with a minimum 87 octane rating and no more than 10% ethanol content.

Read more on choosing the right gas for your Cub Cadet mower here. 

2. Bad or Old Gas

Gas begins to deteriorate, break down, and become less effective after about 30 days.

Ethanol, an alternative fuel added to most gas, naturally attracts moisture to the fuel system. This leaves behind varnish and gummy residue that clogs the fuel passageways including the fuel lines, filter, and carburetor.

Tips to avoid the effects of old fuel in your mower:

• Purchase fresh gas with a minimum 87 octane rating and a minimum of 10% ethanol content.
• Consume fuel within 30 days.
• Use a fuel additive to make gas stable so it last longer before it breaks down. Read more about fuel additives here.
• Store fuel in a dry location away from moisture.

SOLUTION: Remove the old fuel from the fuel tank and refill it with fresh fuel and a fuel additive to clean the fuel system.

• Wipe around the fuel cap to remove loose dirt and debris. Remove the cap.
• Using a fuel siphon pump or another method, drain fuel into an approved fuel container.
• Add a fuel additive like Sea Foam Motor Treatment to your container of fresh gas. This is to help clean the fuel system, remove moisture, and keep the gas stable longer.
• If you are able to start the mower, start and allow the mower to run so the treated fuel mixture works its way through the fuel system.
• If it doesn’t start, keep troubleshooting with the items below. Let the mower run for a while once you are able to start it.

3. Bad Fuel Cap

The fuel tank must have a vent allowing air to enter the fuel tank as fuel is consumed. When the vent becomes plugged, a vacuum forms inside the tank preventing fuel from flowing out of the tank and to the carburetor.

The fuel tank vents through the gas cap on the lawn mower.

SOLUTION: If your mower stopped running and won’t restart, determine whether you have a vacuum problem using a pressure gauge or follow these simple steps if you don’t have a gauge:

• Wipe around the fuel cap to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Loosen the fuel cap to allow air to enter the fuel tank.
• Attempt to start your mower.
  • If it doesn’t start, tighten the fuel cap and continue to troubleshoot other items that may cause your starting issue.
  • If it starts, tighten the fuel cap and allow your mower to continue to run. You’re trying to replicate the issue where your mower begins to run sluggish and dies due to a vacuum problem.
• If your mower started once you loosened the cap, but died after you tightened it and allowed it to run for a while, there’s a good chance the cap is no longer venting.

Replace a gas cap that is no longer venting with a new fuel cap.

4. Bad Spark Plug or Loose Connection

Another reason your Cub Cadet won’t run may be due to a bad spark plug connection or damaged spark plugs. A plug that has carbon buildup or oil on the tip can foul out causing your engine to misfire and not start.

SOLUTION: Replace a very dirty or damaged spark plug. You may have two spark plugs on your engine model.

• Remove the spark plug wire (boot).
• Wipe around the spark plug to remove loose dirt.
• Use a spark plug socket wrench to remove the plug. Depending on your engine model, you’ll need a 3/4″ or 5/8″ socket.
• Inspect the plug for damage, wearing, or a dark tip from carbon buildup. If you find these conditions, it’s best to replace the spark plug with a new one.
• You can also clean it with a wire brush if it’s lightly dirty and in good condition.
• Check the spark plug gap to ensure it is at the engine manufacturer’s specifications.
• Install the good spark plug.
• Attach the spark plug wire. Make sure you remove the wire(s) if you are making more repairs.

I choose to replace the spark plugs when they are dirty or may inhibit the performance I receive from my cub cadet. It’s an inexpensive maintenance item that will cause issues if it’s not in good working condition.

Spark plug(s) should be replaced annually.

5. Plugged Air Filter

The engine in your Cub Cadet requires air to run. When your air filter gets very dirty, it can starve the engine of air because sufficient air will no longer be able to pass through the filter.

When the airflow is blocked by your air filter the engine must find air to continue to run. It may overheat and draw what air it can find from the crankcase which can cause extensive damage to the engine.

The air filter is a maintenance item that should be replaced annually and cleaned several times throughout the mowing season.

SOLUTION: Inspect and replace an air filter that is very dirty or damaged. Clean a filter if it is lightly dirty using the steps below for a couple of types of air filters used on Cub Cadet mowers.

Refer to your operator’s manual if you are unsure of the type of filter on your model and its cleaning instructions.

Clean a Cub Cadet PAPER air filter:

• Remove the air filter from the housing.
• Wipe out any dirt remaining in the air filter housing and cover. Don’t allow dirt to fall into the air intake.
• Inspect the paper air filter. Tap the filter to loosen dirt so it falls from the filter. You should be able to see light through the filter when the filter is in good condition. However, If the filter is very dirty, damaged, or no longer seals the air intake sufficiently, replace it with a new one.
• Install a clean or new air filter.
• Reattach the air filter cover.

Clean a Cub Cadet primary FOAM air filter

• Remove the air filter from the housing.
• Wipe out any dirt remaining in the air filter housing and cover. Don’t allow dirt to fall into the air intake.
• Inspect the foam filter for damage and replace it if needed.
• If the filter is in good condition, clean it in soapy water and rinse it until the water runs clear.
• Squeeze the filter and allow it to dry.
• Once dry, coat the filter with clean engine oil. Squeeze to remove excess oil. Not all foam filters are coated in oil. Refer to your operator’s manual if you are not sure whether to add oil to the filter. (Never apply oil to a foam pre-cleaner used with a paper air filter. This will damage the paper filter).
• Install the air filter.
• Reattach the air filter cover.

6. Clogged Fuel Filter

Your fuel filter is a line of defense to prevent dirt and debris from getting to the engine through the fuel system. Make sure the fuel that is running into the filter is also running out of the filter.

If it does not, you must replace it because it is most likely plugged preventing your Cub Cadet from starting.

SOLUTION: Replace the fuel filter using these steps:

• Shut off the fuel supply using the fuel shut-off valve or clamp the fuel line to stop the flow.
• Use needle nose pliers to remove the clamps and slide each end of the fuel filter out of the fuel lines.
• The filter may have a directional arrow showing which way the filter must be inserted into the fuel lines. The arrow must be pointed in the direction of fuel flow.
• Install the new filter into the lines and use the clamps to securely hold the fuel lines to the filter.

7. Clogged Fuel Line

Old fuel and dirt leave deposits that can clog your Cub Cadet mower’s fuel line.  

SOLUTION: Remove the fuel line, spray carburetor cleaner into the line and use compressed air to blow air through the tube until the line is free of dirt and gummy residue. You can also replace it with a new fuel line. 

8. Bad Fuel Pump

The fuel pump exists to get fuel to the carburetor. When the fuel tank sits below the carburetor a pump is needed to help move the gas.

A fuel pump, just like any other mechanical part, can fail over time. A likely cause is due to old fuel deteriorating the pump components.

SOLUTION: To identify a failing fuel pump, first, inspect your vacuum fuel pump for cracks.

If you see fuel outside of the fuel pump or cracks in the pump, the pump will no longer be able to use the pressure off the crankcase to move fuel to the carburetor. 

Steps to identify a bad vacuum-style fuel pump:

• Make sure you are getting fuel to the inlet port on the pump before checking the pump. If you are not, check for a fuel restriction in the fuel line or fuel filter. Proceed once you are getting fuel to the pump.
• Shut off the fuel supply using the fuel shut-off valve or a clamp to pinch the fuel line to stop flow.
• Remove the fuel line from the carburetor and place it in a container to collect fuel.
• Start the mower and watch the flow coming out of the line into the container.
• You should see a steady or pulsating flow of fuel.
• Replace the fuel pump if there isn’t a good flow of fuel coming out of the line.

Without a good fuel pump, gas will not get to the carburetor and your Cub Cadet mower will not start or run.

9. Clogged & Dirty Carburetor

The function of the mower carburetor is to regulate the right amount of gas with the right amount of air so your engine can create combustion. Carburetors can get crusty buildup and gummy deposits from using old fuel containing ethanol.

When the carburetor is no longer able to regulate the amount of fuel and air your engine receives, your Cub Cadet engine will run rough or it may not even start at all.

SOLUTION: If you are somewhat mechanical, you can try to clean the carburetor yourself, otherwise, bring it to your lawn mower repair shop. You can find steps for cleaning your Cub Cadet carburetor in this article. 

You may choose to replace the carburetor if it appears to be in very bad condition. 

10. Loose or Corroded Cables, Wiring, and Terminals

If your cables happen to be loose or your battery terminals show signs of corrosion, you need to tighten them and remove any corrosion you find.

Follow the cable off the positive cable to the solenoid and the cable from the solenoid to the starter. When these cables are not tight or have corrosion buildup, your mower may not start.

Continue to check all wiring and components on your Cub Cadet.

SOLUTION: Tighten the cables and make sure all wiring is securely attached to the mower components. Use a water and baking soda mixture to remove corrosion.

Make sure you remove the negative battery cable first followed by the positive cable.

11. Weak or Bad Battery on a Cub Cadet Mower

Your Cub Cadet lawn mower requires a charged battery to start. If the battery is weak, you must charge it to start. This is one of the many reasons a Cub Cadet won’t turn over or crank.

SOLUTION: Test your battery with a multimeter. You need a reading of about 12.7 volts. Charge your battery if it is lower than this level. You can find more information on charging a Cub Cadet battery and why it keeps dying here.

If your battery does not hold a charge, you will need to replace it with a new battery. 

12. Bad Safety Switch

Your lawn mower may use several safety switches in its operator’s presence control system. The switches are designed to kill the engine when the operator leaves the seat.

A faulty switch may not recognize when the operator is in or out of the seat causing your Cub Cadet not to start. 

SOLUTION: You can temporarily bypass the safety switch to identify a bad switch. Do not operate a mower without the safety switch installed for your safety. 

Always have safety switches installed and working on your equipment. Replace a bad switch. 

13. Bad Ignition Switch

You insert the key into your ignition switch and turn it only to find nothing happens. Your Cub Cadet mower won’t start. The ignition switch can be the culprit. You can use a multimeter to test the ignition switch 

SOLUTION: Replace the switch if bad 

14. Bad Ignition Coil

The ignition coil provides voltage to the spark plug so it can fire and start the engine. The engine will not start if the spark plug isn’t able to fire.  

SOLUTION: After you verified your spark plug is in good condition, check the continuity of your ignition coil using an ohm meter. Replace the ignition coil if you find a break in the continuity. 

15. Bad Starter Solenoid

When your Cub Cadet clicks and won’t start, a bad starter solenoid is often the cause. The starter solenoid energizes the starter to turn over the motor.

A lawn mower solenoid is an electromagnetic switch that is like an on-off switch that actuates the starter motor to turn over the engine. A click or hum when turning your ignition key is an indication to check your solenoid.

Another indication your Cub Cadet mower solenoid may be bad is when a wire attached to your solenoid gets hot and begins to smoke or melt.

SOLUTION: Test your Cub Cadet mower solenoid by following the steps here. Replace your solenoid if it is found to be bad.

16. Faulty Charging System

While the charging system isn’t the main reason a Cub Cadet mower won’t start, it can contribute to a weak battery that prevents the mower from starting.

When the charging system fails to charge the battery, the battery may not be able to start the mower the next time you go to use it.

A bad stator or alternator can be the problem along with several other electrical parts. Read this article to test your charging system here using an ohm meter. 

SOLUTION: If you believe the issue to be in your charging system, I suggest you allow your Cub Cadet dealer or small engine mechanic to identify which part of the charging system is your problem.

Taking a guess at the issue and throwing parts at your mower can get pretty expensive.

17. Incorrect Operating Procedure

Cub Cadet has safety features that won’t allow your mower to start unless you follow their starting procedures.

SOLUTION: Refer to your Cub Cadet operating manual to ensure you are operating your lawn mower correctly, so you don’t set off the safety features that shut off your lawn mower or don’t allow it to start.

For example, on a Cub Cadet riding mower or zero-turn, the brake must be engaged and the PTO switch must be off for the engine to start.

Cub Cadet Not Starting Problems (Quick Reference Chart)

Causes	Solutions
Empty Fuel Tank	Fill with fresh fuel. Cub Cadet mowers with 4-cycle engines require a minimum 87-octane rating and maximum 10% ethanol content.
Bad or Old Gasoline	Drain the old fuel. Fill with fresh fuel adding a fuel stabilizer that reduces moisture and cleans the fuel system.
Plugged Air Filter	Clean the filter by knocking dirt out of a paper air filter. If the filter is very dirty, dark in color, wet or damaged, you should replace it with a new filter.
Dirty or Damaged Spark Plug	Clean a dirty spark plug with a wire brush. Replace the plug with a new one if it is very dirty, has broken porcelain, or damaged electrode.
Plugged Fuel Filter	Replace a plugged fuel filter with a new filter. Make sure the arrow on the inline filter is installed and pointed in the direction of the fuel flow.
Plugged Fuel Line	Shut off the fuel supply and remove the fuel line from the mower. Use carburetor cleaner to loosen the clog and compressed air to remove it. Replace a line if you are unable to remove the restriction.
Bad Fuel Pump	Check fuel flow from the pump. Replace a bad fuel pump.
Dirty Carburetor	Remove the carburetor and clean it with a carburetor cleaner. You may need to rebuild it or replace it if cleaning alone does not work.
Bad Safety Switch	Replace a bad safety switch.
Loose or Corroded Cables Connections	Make sure the wires and cables are making a good connection. Remove any corrosion on the terminals and wires.
Weak or Bad Battery	Charge a weak battery. Replace a battery that will no longer hold a charge.
Faulty Ignition Switch	Replace a bad ignition switch.
Plugged or Faulty Fuel Cap	Replace a fuel cap that is no longer venting to allow air to pass to the tank.
Bad Ignition Coil	Replace a bad ignition coil if there is a break in continuity.
Bad Starter Solenoid	Test a Cub Cadet starter solenoid and replace it if bad.
Faulty Charging System	If the battery is good and will hold a charge, but the mower continually dies due to a dead battery and will not start, have a mechanic identify whether your problem lies with a component of the charging system.
Incorrect Starting Procedure	Follow starting procedures for the mower as there are safety switches that can prevent the mower from starting if not following the correct steps.