Zero turn mowers are incredibly useful for maneuvering around objects, achieving a perfect cut, and speeding up the lawn mowing process. However, like all machines, they will eventually experience problems, one of which is a dead battery which is not charged.
When a battery is not charging, it can be a potentially dangerous situation and should be diagnosed and corrected quickly. Fortunately, the cause of the problem is usually straightforward, and you should be able to resolve it easily with a few tools and some troubleshooting. In this blog, we cover the main reasons a zero turn mower battery is not charging and how to fix it.
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What Causes A Zero Turn Mower Battery Not To Charge?
Zero turn mower batteries have several requirements in order to charge correctly, and any issue with any of these components will stop the battery from charging. Let’s look at the three main causes:
- Faulty Battery: The battery itself could be too old, damaged, or simply inferior quality. If it’s unable to hold a charge, it won’t charge in the first place.
- Failing Alternator: The alternator’s job is to convert the AC power coming from the engine into a charge which is usable by the battery. If the alternator is failing, then it won’t convert the power efficiently, resulting in a failed charge.
- Failing Battery Connections: The connections to the battery should always be clean and well-maintained in order to ensure maximum charge. If they are worn, loose, or even corroded, then it may cause the battery connections to be faulty, resulting in poor or no charge reaching the battery.
How to Troubleshoot and Repair A Zero Turn Mower Not Charging the Battery
Now that we have looked at what the main causes are, let’s look at how we can identify and fix the issue so you can get your zero turn mower battery charging again:
Step One: Test the Battery
The first thing you need to do is to test the battery itself. This can be done by attaching a multimeter to the battery and checking the voltage. If the voltage is below 12V, then you know there is a problem with the battery and it needs to be replaced.
You should also check the connectors of the battery, making sure they are properly connected to the terminals and that they are not loose or worn. Clean them with a wire brush if necessary.
Step Two: Test the Alternator
The alternator is responsible for converting the AC power coming from the engine into a charge which is usable by the battery. To test the alternator, you will need to connect a multimeter to the two large plugs connected to the alternator. If the voltage is below 14V, then you know there is a problem with the alternator and it needs to be serviced or replaced.
You should also remove the alternator from the mower and inspect it for any signs of damage such as cracks, burnt connections, and loose screws. If any of these are present, the alternator will need to be replaced.
Step Three: Test the Wiring
The wiring in your mower connects the battery and alternator, as well as any other components. You can test the wiring for any issues using a multimeter. Check all the connections for any signs of corrosion, broken strands, or loose connections, and make sure all the connections are making contact.
If there are any faulty connections, you should replace the wiring and/or connections to ensure a reliable power supply to the battery.
Bottom Line
There are three main reasons a zero turn mower battery will not charge: a faulty battery, a failing alternator, or failing battery connections. Fortunately, troubleshooting and repairing these issues is usually straightforward and can be done with a few tools and some methodical testing. With a little patience and some basic knowledge, you should be able to identify the cause of the issue and resolve it relatively quickly.
If in doubt, you should always consult a professional for help and advice, as they will be able to assess the situation and diagnose any underlying issues which could be causing your zero turn mower not to charge the battery correctly.