Snow blower won’t start: A troubleshooting guide

As the winter season approaches, it brings the promise of snow-covered landscapes, picturesque scenes, and the need for reliable snow removal equipment. The snow blower stands as a trusted ally for those seeking to conquer the snowdrifts and icy pathways.

But a snow blower that won’t start can quickly turn a winter wonderland into a winter headache.

With the right knowledge and a bit of patience, you can overcome cold weather challenges and make sure your snow blower is always ready to tackle the next snowfall.

If you need any replacement snow blower parts, you can find them here.

Let’s explore the steps to troubleshoot a non-starting snow blower.

Disclaimer: The troubleshooting information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Common culprits

Engaged safety features

Some snow blowers have safety features like kill switches or deadman switches on the handles. If these features are engaged or malfunctioning, the snow blower may not start.

Stale or contaminated fuel

Old fuel can gum up the snow blower’s carburetor, clog fuel lines, and prevent proper combustion. Contaminants like water or dirt in the fuel can also disrupt the engine’s performance.

Dirt, debris or varnish buildup in the fuel tank, fuel lines, or carburetor can clog up a fuel system. This blockage can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, causing starting issues.

You may also experience starting issues if you’re using an incorrect fuel mixture or improper fuel-to-oil ratio in two-stroke engines.

Ignition system problems

Common ignition-related problems include a faulty spark plug, a damaged ignition coil, or a malfunctioning ignition switch.

Mechanical failures

Damaged belts, pulleys or engine components can hinder the engine’s ability to turn over and start. Worn or broken parts can disrupt the snow blower’s operation.

Choke and throttle settings

Incorrect choke and throttle settings can make it difficult for the engine to start. Make sure you understand the appropriate settings for your specific snow blower model.

READ MORE: 7 Dos and Don’ts of Winter Appliance Maintenance and Care

How to troubleshoot

Safety precautions

Before you start working on your snow blower, remember to prioritize safety. Snow blowers are powerful machines, and even when they don’t start, there are safety risks involved.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Always wear safety gear, including safety glasses, hearing protection and appropriate clothing when working on your snow blower.
• If you’re working on your snow blower indoors or in an enclosed space, check that there’s proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide fumes from the engine. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, and odorless gas. Watch out for symptoms of CO exposure, which can include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness, and death.
• If your snow blower has been used recently, allow the engine to completely cool down before beginning any troubleshooting steps to prevent burns.
• To prevent the engine from accidentally starting while you’re working on it, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
• If you’re working on uneven ground, use wheel chocks to stabilize the snow blower and prevent it from moving.
• If your snow blower has safety features such as deadman switches, avoid bypassing or overriding them. These features are designed to protect you during operation.

What you’ll need

To troubleshoot your snow blower, you’ll need a set of tools and equipment that are commonly used in small engine maintenance and repair.

• Quality work gloves – to protect your hands
• Digital multimeter – to test electrical parts
• Spark plug wrench – for removing and installing spark plugs
• Sockets and wrenches – for tightening or loosening nuts, bolts, and fasteners
• Screwdrivers – both flat-head and Phillips-head varieties for accessing and adjusting various parts.
• Pliers – for gripping, bending, and securing wires or parts.
• Adjustable wrench – allows you to work with parts of different sizes
• Fuel stabilizer – to treat fuel and prevent it from deteriorating during storage
• Primer bulb tool (depending on model) – helps with priming and diagnosing fuel system issues
• Carburetor cleaner – cleans and removes varnish and debris from the carburetor
• Cable lubricant (depending on model)
• Wheel chocks – help stabilize the snow blower on uneven ground to prevent unintended movement
• Replacement part(s) like spark plugs and fuel filters

First things to check

Before diving into the specifics of diagnosing and fixing a snow blower that won’t start, you should walk through some basic steps. In many cases, the following easy steps can help you narrow down the possible causes of the problem:

• Visually inspect the snow blower. Check for obvious signs of damage, loose connections, or missing parts.
• Make sure the snow blower has an adequate amount of fuel and oil that are not contaminated or stale. Refill or drain and replace if necessary by following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Make sure all safety features, such as deadman switches, kill switches, or ignition interlocks, are in their proper positions and functioning correctly.
• Examine electrical connections, such as wires and cables, to see if they’re securely connected. Loose or damaged connections can disrupt the electrical system.
• Verify that the choke and throttle settings are correctly adjusted for startup. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the ideal settings.
• If your snow blower has a fuel valve, make sure it’s in the “on” position to allow fuel to flow to the engine.
• If your snow blower has a primer bulb, press it several times to draw fuel into the carburetor.

READ MORE: Your Winter Checklists for Prepping Outdoor Equipment

More troubleshooting steps

Faulty spark plug

Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine, and a faulty spark plug can prevent the engine from firing properly. A faulty spark plug is relatively easy to diagnose and replace.

If you determine that the spark plug is bad, replace it with the correct type of spark plug for your engine.

There are several reasons why a spark plug may become faulty:

• Wear and tear over time
• Improper installation
• Faulty spark plug wire or ignition coil
• Incorrect spark plug type for the engine

How to check for a bad spark plug:

1. Inspect the spark plug for any signs of damage, such as cracks, wear, or corrosion. If you notice any damage, the plug needs to be replaced.
2. Check the spark plug for any signs of fouling, which could appear as a black or brown substance on the electrode. Fouling is when the spark plug becomes clogged with debris or fuel. If you notice any fouling, it’s likely that the spark plug is bad and needs to be replaced.
3. Make sure the spark plug is properly seated and connected to the engine. If it’s not seated properly, it can cause the spark plug to misfire.
4. Make sure the spark plug wire is properly connected to the spark plug and the ignition coil. If the spark plug wire is damaged or disconnected, it can cause a spark plug to misfire.
5. Use a spark plug tester to check the voltage and quality of the spark. Connect the tester to the spark plug and turn the engine over. The tester will show you the voltage and spark quality. If the spark quality is poor or there’s no spark at all, it means the spark plug is bad and needs to be replaced.
6. Use a spark plug gap gauge to check the gap. The spark plug gap is the distance between the center electrode and the ground electrode. If the gap is too wide or too narrow, it can cause the spark plug to misfire. Refer to your user manual to find the specifications for the gap.

Clogged air filter

A clogged air filter can cause your snow blower to work less efficiently or not at all. The air filter is usually located in the engine compartment of your snow blower.

If you’re unsure about how to access, clean or replace the air filter for your specific model, check your owner’s manual to find more detailed instructions.

How you can check and troubleshoot the air filter:

1. Turn off the snow blower and disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.
2. Find the air filter and check for any signs of damage, such as tears, holes, or cracks.
3. Check for any filter blockages or obstructions, such as dirt, debris, or snow.
4. If the air filter is clogged, try cleaning it with a soft brush or a clean cloth. If the filter is damaged or cannot be cleaned, replace it with a new one that’s compatible with your snow blower’s engine.
5. Once you’ve cleaned or replaced the air filter, reinstall it in the engine compartment. Make sure it is properly seated and secured.
6. Test the snow blower to see if it’s working properly. If it still does not work, there may be other issues that need to be addressed.

Starter rope or electric start issues

If your snow blower’s engine won’t turn over, it could be due to a faulty starter rope or electric start depending on your model. Here’s how to check and troubleshoot them:

Check the starter rope

1. Look over the rope for any signs of wear, such as fraying, cuts, or wear. If the rope is damaged, replace it.
2. Make sure the rope is the correct length and that it’s not too short or too long. If the rope is too short, it may not be able to properly engage the engine. If it’s too long, it may get tangled or caught on something.
3. See if the rope has the right amount of tension. It should have a slight amount of tension to it. If it’s too loose, it may not be able to properly engage the engine. 
4. Make sure the rope is correctly attached to the starter pulley and the pull handle and that it’s securely tied off. If the rope isn’t attached correctly, it may not be able to engage the engine.
5. Check that the starter pulley is properly attached to the engine. If the pulley is damaged or worn out, it may need to be replaced.

Test the electric start

1. Make sure the battery is fully charged and that the terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
2. Make sure the starter motor is properly attached to the engine and that it’s not damaged or worn out. If the motor is damaged, replace it.
3. Check that the starter solenoid (the part that engages the starter motor) is correctly attached to the engine and that it’s not damaged or worn out.
4. Make sure the wiring is connected correctly and that there are no damaged or frayed wires. If the wiring is damaged, replace it.
5. Make sure the ignition switch is properly attached to the engine and that it’s not damaged or worn out. If the switch is damaged, it needs to be replaced.

READ MORE: How to Prune Trees in Winter

Snow blower maintenance tips

Here’s how you can keep your snow blower in excellent condition and reduce the likelihood of starting issues in the future:

• Use fresh, clean fuel with the recommended octane rating.
• Add a fuel stabilizer when storing the snow blower to prevent fuel deterioration.
• Periodically check fuel lines, fuel filters, and the carburetor for clogs or obstructions.
• Clean the carburetor as needed for good fuel delivery.
• Regularly inspect the engine oil level and condition. Change the oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Periodically inspect and tighten nuts, bolts, and fasteners to prevent vibrations that can cause parts to become damaged or lost.
• Lubricate moving parts, such as the chute control, with appropriate lubricants.
• Keep the chute and auger free from snow and ice buildup during operation.
• Inspect the shear pins regularly and replace them if they break to protect the engine from damage.
• Check the belts and pulleys for signs of wear and adjust the belt tension as needed.
• Inspect the friction disc for wear or damage. Replace it if it’s worn.
• Prepare your snow blower for storage during the off-season by draining the fuel, cleaning it and storing it in a dry, protected area.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this information helped you get your snow blower working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our thousands of free videos and troubleshooting guides available. If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

Be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!