What are some general troubleshooting tips for my riding mower?

General
NOTE: Before attempting any of the following repairs, shut off engine, and disconnect spark plug.

Complaint Possible Cause Correction
The engine stops when the blades are engaged

Operator seated incorrectly

 

Bad connection at the seat switch

 

Faulty seat switch

 

Damaged wiring harness

Ensure operator is positioned to the back of the seat

 


Make certain the seat switch is firmly connected to the harness

 

Replace the seat switch (see Murray Service Dealer)

 

Replace the wiring harness (see Murray Service Dealer)
The grass does not discharge correctly

Grass too wet or too tall

 

Ground speed too fast

 

Debris build-up under
mower housing

 

Worn or dull blades

 

Bent or damaged blades

Do not cut wet or excessively tall grass

 

Reduce ground speed

 

Clean underside of mower housing

 


Sharpen or replace blades (see Operator's Manual or Murray Service Dealer)


Replace blades (see Operator's Manual)
The mower housing does
not cut level

Inconsistent pressure

 

Unleveled mower housing

 

Worn or dull blades



Bent or damaged blades

Ensure tire pressure is correct (see tires for proper pressure)


Level mower housing (see Operator's Manual)

 

Sharpen or replace blades (see Operator's Manual or Murray Service Dealer)


Replace blades (see Operator's Manual or Murray Service Dealer)

Manual Shift/Gear Drive Riding Mowers 
NOTE: Before attempting any of the following repairs, shut off engine, and disconnect spark plug.

Complaint Possible Cause Correction
Mower will not drive

Shift lever not in drive selection

 

Axle key missing

 

Shift lever out of adjustment

 

Clutch out of adjustment

 

Worn or damaged belt

Make sure shift lever is in drive selection

 

Replace axle key (see Illustrated Parts List for illustration)

 

Adjust shift lever (see Operator's Manual)

 

Adjust clutch (see Operator's Manual)

 

Replace belt (see Operator's Manual)

Automatic Drive/Hydrostatic Riding Mowers 
NOTE: Before attempting any of the following repairs, shut off engine, and disconnect spark plug.

Complaint Possible Cause Correction
Mower will not drive

Automatic drive disconnect lever is in push mode

 

Axle key missing

 

Clutch out of adjustment

 

Worn or damaged belt

Make certain the automatic drive disconnect lever is in drive mode (see label under seat or Operator's Manual)

 

Replace axle key (see Illustrated Parts List for illustration

 

Adjust clutch (see Operator's Manual)

 

Replace belt (see Operator's Manual)

 
Noticeable decrease in forward speed

Drive pedal out of adjustment

 

Clutch out of adjustment

 

Worn or damaged belt


Leakage or decrease in fluid level

Adjust drive pedal (see Operator's Manual)

 


Adjust clutch (see Operator's Manual)

 

Replace belt (see Operator's Manual)


Take mower to a Murray Service Dealer

Automatic Drive/Variable Riding Mowers 
NOTE: Before attempting any of the following repairs, shut off engine, and disconnect spark plug.

Complaint Possible Cause Correction
Mower will not drive

Shift lever not in drive

 

Axle key missing

 

Clutch out of adjustment

 

Variable speed pulley is damaged

Make certain shift lever is in drive selection

 

Replace axle key (see Illustrated Parts List for illustration)


Adjust clutch (see Operator's Manual)

 

Replace belt pulley (see Operator's Manual)
Noticeable decrease in forward speed Leakage or decrease in fluid level Take mower to a Murray Service Dealer

Please read and abide by any applicable Safety Information contained in your product Operator's Manual. The material provided above is not intended to replace work performed by a Murray Authorized Dealer. Terms of Use apply to all of the information presented on this website. Always be sure to completely read and understand your product Operator's Manual.