You’re trying to get some mowing done today, but your Husqvarna keeps shutting off after you get it started.
It can be frustrating to encounter this problem especially when you don’t have the time to mess around with your mower. I have put together a list of the most common items that will cause your mower to stop running.
A Husqvarna lawn mower will not stay running when there is a lack of air, fuel, or spark. A plugged air filter, bad fuel, water in the fuel tank, a bad spark plug, and a faulty ignition coil can cause the mower to stop running.
Keep reading for a complete list. Take safety precautions when working with your Husqvarna mower as outlined in your owner’s manual.
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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before 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.
8 Reasons Your Husqvarna Lawn Mower Won’t Stay Running
Old Fuel or Water in the Fuel
Fuel that has been sitting around can become less effective. It can begin to break down as soon as 30 days after you buy it. The ethanol found in most fuels today attracts moisture from the air which can corrode fuel systems and engine components.
Water can also get into the fuel system causing the mower to run sluggishly and possibly shut down. Leaving your mower outdoors during a rain storm may allow water to enter your fuel tank around the cap.
Solution: Drain old fuel and fuel that contains water using a fuel siphon. Fill with fresh fuel and a fuel additive to absorb any moisture remaining in the fuel system. Read more about the right fuel to use in your Husqvarna lawn mower here.
Fuel Restriction in Your Fuel Components
When the ethanol and moisture substance evaporates, it leaves behind a gummy solution that can clog the fuel components.
Your lawn mower won’t be able to get the fuel it needs when this happens. The fuel lines, fuel filter, and fuel pump may be causing this restriction.
Solution: Check all the fuel components and remove any clogs you find in your fuel system. Refer to this article for items to check on your Husqvarna mower that can restrict fuel flow and how to repair it.
Dirty Carburetor
The carburetor regulates the amount of fuel released to mix with air so it can form combustion in the cylinder. When a carburetor is dirty from old fuel, the small parts that allow it to function can become plugged or stuck.
This won’t allow your lawn mower to get sufficient fuel so it will begin running sluggishly or won’t stay running.
Solution: Before you remove the carburetor from your lawn mower, perform these quick steps to isolate your fuel problem with the carburetor.
- Confirm you are getting fuel flow to the carburetor and don’t have a fuel restriction elsewhere in the fuel system.
- Remove the air filter and spray carburetor cleaner into the air intake. Start your mower. If it runs fine and then dies, there is a good chance your carburetor must be cleaned and inspected for any failed parts.
You can find instructions to clean your Husqvarna carburetor here.
Plugged Air Filter
An air filter ensures your lawn mower is getting clean air. It protects your engine and prevents dirt from getting into your engine causing damage. The filter must be checked and cleaned several times throughout the mowing season.
If the filter isn’t kept clean, it can plug and restrict airflow causing your mower to stop running.
Solution: Replace your air filter annually and clean it several times throughout the mowing season using these steps:
Clean a Husqvarna paper air filter:
- Remove the air filter from the housing.
- Wipe out any dirt remaining in the housing. Be careful to not let any dirt fall into the air intake.
- Tap your filter against a solid surface. What you are trying to do is knock as much dirt out of the filter that will come loose and fall out.
- Hold your air filter up to a light source and make sure you can still see light shine through the paper element. If you can, go ahead and reuse your air filter. If you can’t, it’s time to buy a new one.
- Reinstall the air filter and attach your air filter housing cover.
Clean a Husqvarna foam air filter:
- Remove the air filter from the housing.
- Wipe out any dirt that is in the filter housing. Don’t allow any dirt to fall into the air intake.
- Inspect your filter. If you find any dark spots, or tears or your filter is dry and brittle, you must replace your filter with a new one. If it appears to be in good condition proceed with cleaning it.
- Wash your foam filter with water and mild dish soap. Rinse to remove the soap from the filter.
- Lay flat to dry. Placing your filter in the sun will help speed up the drying process.
- Once the filter is completely dry, coat it with foam air filter oil. You want it completely covered with oil, but you don’t want it to be dripping with oil. If you get too much oil on the filter, ring out the extra oil or use a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.
- Reinstall the air filter and attach your air filter housing cover.
Choke Set in the Wrong Position
The choke lever changes the amount of airflow your engine receives. This is used to restrict the amount of air released when starting a cold engine.
This allows a greater fuel-to-air mixture. When the choke is not readjusted after the engine warms up, the mower will stop running because of the lack of airflow.
Dirty or Bad Spark Plug
A fouled spark plug will cause your mower to experience several problems including starting issues, running rough, and quitting running. A spark plug with an incorrect gap or one where the spark plug wires are not securely attached can also cause your spark plug to work correctly.
Solution: Remove your spark plug wire. Then remove your spark plug using a spark plug wrench. A dirty plug covered with oil and carbon must be cleaned or replaced.
If you find your spark plug has a burnt electrode or cracked porcelain, replace it with a new one.
Bad Ignition Coil
The ignition coil can be the cause your lawn mower won’t keep running. The windings on the ignition coil can separate and short out when the lawn mower gets hot.
This will result in the spark plug not being able to create spark because it is unable to get the voltage it needs.
Solution: Check for a break in the continuity using an ohmmeter.
Bad Fuel Cap
A lawn mower fuel cap has a vent that allows air to pass through the cap. Without this vent, the fuel tank will act like a vacuum and not allow your mower to get fuel.
The fuel cap can get plugged which won’t allow air to pass through the cap and therefore causing your mower to stop running.
Once the mower has stopped running, remove the fuel cap and start your mower. If it starts and runs fine, place the cap back on your fuel tank while allowing your mower to continue to run to see if it quits again.
If it dies again but restarts once you remove your fuel cap, you most likely have a problem with your fuel cap.
Solution: You can attempt to clean the cap and unclog the vent, but this doesn’t always work. You may have to buy and install a new fuel cap on your Husqvarna lawn mower
Still Having Problems with Your Husqvarna Lawn Mower?
If you are still having problems with your mower, check out my guide on common problems owners encounter with their lawn mowers.
I put together a chart to identify causes and solutions to problems including starting, smoking, cutting, vibrating, dying, and more.
You can find this guide at Common Husqvarna Lawn Mower Problems & Solutions.
If you don’t feel comfortable troubleshooting and performing repairs on your lawn mower, it’s best to contact your local Husqvarna dealership or lawn mower repair shop for assistance.
You must remain safe and only perform repairs you are mechanically able to perform to avoid injury or further damage to the mower.