How to fix Ryobi lawn mower?

[jgood]

My 3 month old Ryobi 18v Mower stopped  - after an hour or so rigorous workout. Checked battery, charger and red cutout switch. All seem ok, but nogo. 

Any suggestions?

[JacobZ]

Hi @jgood,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Can you advise which specific Ryobi mower you have? There will be a plate somewhere on the mower that will have a model number that we can use to identify it. Knowing the model will certainly help with troubleshooting the issue.

It sounds like your mower may have triggered one of its built-in protection systems. These mowers have thermal and overload cut-outs designed to shut the motor off if it gets too hot or overworked. After a long or heavy mowing session, this is quite common. The first thing to try is letting both the mower and the battery cool down completely. Remove the battery and leave everything to rest for at least 30 to 60 minutes in a cool, dry place before trying again. Once cooled, reinsert the battery and test the mower — if it starts up, overheating was the likely cause.

It would also be worth checking the battery terminals for any debris that could cause power transfer issues. Wiping the battery and mower contact points with a dry cloth to remove any debris could help.

If you have another compatible Ryobi 18V battery, try swapping it to rule out a battery issue. You can check the status of your current battery by inserting it into the charger — if both red and green lights flash, the pack has likely tripped its internal protection circuit and just needs time to reset while cooling.

Lastly, double-check that the safety handles and control levers are properly extended and locked into place. Most Ryobi mowers have two safety switches that must both be engaged for the motor to start. If a connector or cable has come loose where the handle folds, the mower won’t power up.

If you try all of these troubleshooting steps and are still having issues, I'd suggest bringing everything back to the store of purchase with your receipt so the team can assess and troubleshoot with you. Your mower is still under warranty, so if there is an issue that is covered, you would be entitled to a replacement.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Jacob

[jgood]

Thanks for the prompt reply Jacob - I will check all your suggestions and come back one way or another in the next day or so.

Regards...

John

[JacobZ]

Hi John (@jgood),

No worries, mate, let me know how you go. Happy to help further if required.

Jacob

[jgood]

No go Jacob, tried your suggestions, cleaned contacts on mower and battery, tried battery on another Ryobi device (ok), mower still won't go. Couldn't find any other switches, just seems no power getting to the motor. Any other tricks - I'm a couple hundred Ks from dealer so am looking at anything I can try without having to lug it all the way back!

Cheers... 

John

[JacobZ]

Hi John (@jgood),

The battery is firmly in place, not sitting proud?

The cables all seem to be in the right place? Nothing feels loose?

Is there any grass built up around the blades?

Unfortunately, that's about all I could recommend. Anything more invasive would risk voiding the warranty, so if nothing proves fruitful, you are probably best to bite the bullet and make a trip back to the store of purchase.

Jacob

[jgood]

Thanks for your time Jacob, one last question - since I bought this device 'on-line' do I contact the store I accessed the purchase from or is there an "on-line" division to contact?

Thanks again for your time.

John

[JacobZ]

Hi @jgood,

Your best bet is to contact your closest physical store. Even if this wasn't the location where the mower originated, they will be able to assist with the assessment and warranty process.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Jacob

[jgood]

Thanks for your time Jacob and I'd love to say "problem solved", but the mower remains unresponsive. I can't find a 'model no' except that it's an 18v model with a 4ah battery - which I've swapped with another Ryobi device to no avail (the edge trimmer works with both batteries). I've checked the cables and all seem secure and attached so unless you've had a 'flash of brilliance' I guess I'll have to resort to returning it to the store.

Thanks again and warm regards...

John

[MitchellMc]

Jacob touched on it @jgood, and it's unlikely the cause as you've had it started once, but you are pressing the power button down and holding it whilst pulling the start lever?

Mitchell