Symptoms of a bad lawn mower battery can include your mower doing nothing when you press the start switch, or the mower cranking slowly and failing to start.

A functioning lawn mower battery is essential to keeping your lawn looking its best. If your mower battery is dead, you won’t be able to start your mower.

With a lawn mower battery dead, you may experience various issues that make it difficult or impossible to use your lawn mower. Ignoring the symptoms of a dying lawn mower battery can lead to costly repairs or even the need for a new lawn mower. You may be able to charge the battery, but in some cases, you will need to replace the battery.

Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the signs that your lawn mower battery is dying so you can take action before it’s too late. In this article, we’ll discuss some common symptoms of a bad lawn mower battery and what you can do to address them.

Symptoms of a Bad Lawn Mower Battery

Recognizing these symptoms and taking action can help ensure that a residential or commercial lawn mower is always ready when needed.

Slow Cranking or None at All

One of the most common symptoms of a bad lawn mower battery is slow cranking or no crank. Meaning that the mower will not start. Slow cranking refers to the engine turning over slowly when you try to start your lawn mower. If you experience slow cranking or no crank, it could mean you have a dead battery.

You might experience slow cranking or no crank for a few reasons. One possible cause is that your battery is old and has reached the end of its lifespan. Another possibility is a problem with the electrical system, such as a loose or corroded connection.

Try starting your lawn mower and listen to its sound to test for slow cranking. If the engine turns over slowly or doesn’t turn over, it’s a sign that you have a dead battery. You can test the battery’s voltage with a voltmeter to see if it’s within the recommended range.

You can do a few things if you’re experiencing slow cranking or none at all. First, try cleaning the battery’s positive and negative terminals and ensuring they are securely connected.

If that doesn’t work, you may need to change your battery. Addressing this issue as soon as possible is essential to avoid further damage to your lawn mower.

Dimming Headlights

Another common symptom of a bad lawn mower battery is dimming headlights. The battery powers the headlights on your lawn mower, so the headlights may not work correctly if you have a dead battery.

If you notice that your lawn mower headlights are dimming, it’s a sign that your battery may not provide enough power. Various factors, including an old or dying battery, loose or corroded connections, or a problem with the charging system, can cause this.

To check for dimming headlights, turn on your lawn mower and observe the headlights. If they are dimmer than usual, it’s a sign that your battery may be weak. You can also use a voltmeter to test the voltage of your battery and see if it’s within the recommended range.

If you’re experiencing dimming headlights, you may be able to address the issue by cleaning the battery terminals with baking soda activated with water. Don’t forget to wipe them dry. You should also ensure that they are securely connected.

If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace your battery. It’s essential to address this issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your lawn mower and ensure you can see properly while mowing your lawn.

Backfiring or Misfiring

Another symptom of a bad lawn mower battery is backfiring or misfiring. Backfiring refers to a loud popping sound when you try to start your lawn mower, while misfiring refers to a rough, uneven running engine.

The battery plays a vital role in powering the engine’s ignition system, so if the battery is weak or dying, it can cause issues with the machine.

Various factors, including a weak battery, a clogged fuel filter, or a faulty spark plug, can cause backfiring and misfiring.

Start your lawn mower and listen to the engine’s sound to check for backfiring or misfiring. If you hear popping sounds or notice that the engine is running unevenly, it’s a sign that your battery may be weak.

You can also use a voltmeter to test the voltage of your battery and see if it’s within the recommended range.

If you’re experiencing backfiring or misfiring, you may need to replace your spark plug or clean your fuel filter. If that doesn’t work, your battery may be the culprit. Therefore, addressing this issue as soon as possible is essential to avoid further damage to your lawn mower and ensure your engine runs smoothly.

Slow or No Recharge

A battery-powered lawn mower should be recharged after every use to ensure it’s ready for the next use. If your lawn mower battery is taking longer than usual to recharge or isn’t refreshing, it’s a sign that your battery may be weak or dying.

There are several reasons why your battery may not be recharging correctly. First, it could be due to a problem with the charging system, such as a faulty voltage regulator or alternator.

It could also be caused by a weak or dying battery that can no longer hold a charge.

To check for slow or no recharge, charge your battery as usual and monitor how long it takes to charge fully. If it takes longer than expected or doesn’t reach a full charge, it’s a sign that your battery may be weak.

You can also use a voltmeter to test the voltage of your battery and see if it’s within the recommended range.

If you’re experiencing slow or no recharge, you may need to replace your battery or have your charging system checked by a professional.

It’s essential to address this issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your lawn mower, ensure that your battery is always ready when you need it, and avoid the potential dangers of lawn mowers.

7 Tips for Extending the Life of Your Lawnmower Battery

Taking care of your lawn mower battery can help extend its lifespan and keep it working efficiently. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your battery:

#1. Keep Your Battery Charged

After every use, make sure to recharge your battery fully. Like a car battery, leaving lawn mower batteries partially charged for extended periods can damage them and reduce their lifespan.

#2. Store Your Battery Properly

When storing your lawn mower for an extended period, please remove the battery and keep it in a cool, dry place. Extreme heat or cold can damage the battery, so ensure it’s stored in a temperature-controlled environment.

#3. Check Your Battery Regularly

Regularly inspect your battery for any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks. If you notice any damage, get replacement batteries immediately.

#4. Clean Your Battery

Keep your battery clean by removing any dirt or debris from the terminals. This will help prevent corrosion and ensure a good connection between the battery and the mower.

#5. Use a Lawnmower Battery Tender

If you’re storing your lawn mower for an extended period, consider using a battery tender to keep your battery charged and prevent damage.

Following these tips can help extend the lawn mower’s battery life and keep your lawn looking its best.

#6. Use the Correct Battery Charger

When charging your lawn mower battery, make sure to use the correct charger that the manufacturer recommends. Using the wrong battery charger can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan.

#7. Disconnect the Lawn Mower’s Battery During Storage

If you’re storing your lawn mower for an extended period, consider disconnecting the battery completely to prevent any drain on the battery. This will help extend the battery’s lifespan and ensure it’s ready to go when needed.

Conclusion

Similar to a stuck pull cord and other lawn mower issues, a bad lawn mower battery can cause various problems that can affect the performance and reliability of your lawn mower.

From slow or no recharge to difficulty starting and backfiring or misfiring, these symptoms should not be ignored if you want to keep your lawn mower in good working condition.

If you are unsure whether your lawn mower battery is causing issues, it’s always best to consult a professional or refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. By staying on top of the battery health of your mower, you can ensure that your lawn stays looking its best all season long.