How to Start a Push Lawn Mower + Troubleshooting Tips

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Get your gas or electric lawn mower running with our simple guide

Co-authored by Jeremy Yamaguchi and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: April 3, 2026 Fact Checked

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Gas Mowers

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Electric Mowers

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Troubleshooting

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Storage & Maintenance

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Lawn mowers can be notoriously tricky to start, especially if it’s the first time you’ve used one in a while. Whether you’re using a gas or electric mower, we’ve got instructions to help you through it! Keep reading, and we’ll cover how to get your lawn mower running. Plus, we’ll cover how to troubleshoot issues and maintain your lawn mower with insights from a professional landscaper.

Easy Way to Start a Push Mower

To start a push lawn mower, fill the gas tank and check the engine for oil. Raise the blade height to the highest setting, and push the red primer button 3 times. Hold down the lever on the handle, and pull the starter cord up forcefully to start the mower's engine. If it won't start, check the spark plug connection.

Section 1 of 5:

How to Start a Gas Lawn Mower

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Open the large gas cap on top of the mower and check if there’s gas inside. If not, add more gasoline. Then, look for a cap that says “oil” or has a picture of an oil can on it, and ensure the oil is up to the fill line.

Meet the wikiHow Expert

Grant Wallace is a Landscaper who specializes in lawn maintenance and is the owner of Grantlanta Lawn in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Raise the mower height to the highest setting. Raising the blade height on your mower ensures the blade doesn’t get caught on anything when you try starting it. Bring your lawn mower to a flat, open area. Each lawn mower is slightly different, but most models have an adjustment lever attached to one of the rear wheels.^{[1]
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- Always be careful when changing the height of your lawnmower. Make sure the mower is off and that the spark plug is disconnected.
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Push the primer button 3 times. Locate the primer button, which is usually a red or black squishy button somewhere on the mower's body. Push it 3 times to force gasoline into the engine so it’s easier to start.^{[2]
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- Avoid pressing the button any more times than necessary, or you'll flood the engine and have difficulty starting it.
- If you can’t find the prime button, refer to your user manual.
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Hold down the lever on the handle. Most lawn mowers have a choke or safety lever attached near the top of the handle. Squeeze the lever and hold it against the handle with one hand.^{[3]
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- Some older lawn mowers have a choke lever on the motor instead of the handle. Set the choke to “closed” when you’re starting a cold engine.
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Pull the starter cord forcefully. Look for the starter cord handle near the top or side of the mower’s body, attached at the end of a rope or cord. In one quick and firm motion, pull the cord upward toward the handle. If the lawn mower doesn’t start on the first try, it may take another couple of pulls to get it going.
- If the mower doesn’t start or make any noises at all, check our troubleshooting tips to diagnose common issues.
- Letting go of the handle lever will automatically stop the lawn mower’s engine.
- For motors with a choke lever, flip the lever to “open” after the mower starts.

Section 2 of 5:

How to Start an Electric Push Mower

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1
Insert the battery or plug in your mower. Electric lawn mowers typically run on large rechargeable batteries, or they plug into an exterior outlet on your home. If your mower is battery-powered, insert the battery completely into the compartment on the motor.^{[4]
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Research source} If you have a cord, simply plug it into the nearest outlet.
- Be mindful when you’re mowing with a corded lawn mower so you don’t run over any cables. Hold the cable and move it out of the way as you maneuver with your mower.
- Use a fully charged battery so it doesn’t die while you’re mowing.
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Put the ignition key into the machine. Some electric mowers won’t be able to start unless they have a safety key inserted. If your lawn mower came with a safety key, insert it into the slot. Typically, you’ll find it near the battery or on the mower’s handle.^{[5]
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Hold down the lever on the handle. Just like gas-powered lawn mowers, electric models usually have a lever attached to the top of the handle. Hold the lever down and keep it held the entire time that you’re using your lawn mower.^{[6]
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- If you let go of the lever, the lawn mower will turn off, and you’ll have to start it again.
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Press the On button to start the mower. The On button is typically located near the handle so it’s easy to reach while you hold down the lever. Press the button firmly and wait for the motor to start.^{[7]
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- Some models require that you hold down the button until the motor starts. Check with your mower’s user manual to find out the specific requirements for starting the machine.

Section 3 of 5:

Troubleshooting a Lawn Mower That Won’t Start

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1
Look for any safety mechanisms that are out of place. Some lawn mowers have additional safety devices that prevent them from starting. For example, some electric mowers won’t start unless you attach a bag or mulcher. Each mower is different, so consult the manual for your specific model to find where the mechanisms are.^{[8]
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- Make sure you keep the lever on the handle held down while you pull the cord.
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Check if the spark plug is fully plugged in. Landscaper Grant Wallace says, “You want to make sure the spark plug is fully connected.” (The spark plug is usually sticking out on the back or side of the motor, and it has a thick wire with a rubber cap attached to it.) If it’s properly attached, Wallace recommends screwing it in with a socket wrench so it has a firm connection.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Grant Wallace
Landscaper

Expert Interview}
- You can also completely remove the spark plug to check if it’s dirty or damaged. If it’s dirty, use a wire brush to scrub off the debris. If it’s damaged, purchase a replacement.
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Add oil to the engine if needed. Look for a cap on top of the mower body that displays the word "oil" or a picture of an oil can. Unscrew this cap and wipe off the attached dipstick. Then, dip it back into the oil and check the levels. If it’s below the “fill” line, add more motor oil.^{[10]
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- If your lawn mower doesn’t have a dipstick attached to the oil lid, look for a “fill” line printed inside the oil tank.
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Clear debris around the mower’s blade. If this cord is difficult to pull, the blade may be stuck or jammed with grass. Disconnect the spark plug, which will be attached to the side of your mower’s motor with a rubber hose. Turn the lawnmower on its side and remove any debris from the lawnmower.
- Do not put your hands near your lawn mower’s blades unless you’ve disconnected the spark plug. Otherwise, you run the risk of it starting while you’re working.
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Apply starter spray to the engine for a temporary solution. Wallace mentions that starter spray works in a pinch if you’re having trouble cranking the engine. Spray directly into the carburetor for a few seconds to prime the motor, and then try pulling the starter cord.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Grant Wallace
Landscaper

Expert Interview}
- Using starter spray may be a sign that it’s time to remove and clean the carburetor to prevent more buildup and issues later on.
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Remove old gas that was left in the tank. Wallace notes that gas that’s left in your tank for extended periods of time, such as during the winter months, can cause a problem with starting your mower. Use a siphon pump to take the old gas out of the tank and replace it with fresh gas.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Grant Wallace
Landscaper

Expert Interview}
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Take the lawn mower to a mechanic for more severe issues. If your lawnmower still isn’t starting or working properly, it might be a sign there’s a mechanical issue with the carburetor or other internal parts. Contact a local small engine mechanic in your area to look at your lawn mower and diagnose the problem.

Section 4 of 5:

Lawn Mower Storage & Maintenance

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1
Drain unused gas if you aren’t using it right away. Wallace notes that leaving old gas in your lawn mower can reduce its performance and make it more difficult to start.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Grant Wallace
Landscaper

Expert Interview} If you’re not planning on using your mower for an extended period of time, siphon the gas out of the engine and store it in a gas can instead.
- Only add enough gas to the tank to finish mowing your lawn so that you don’t have to drain much when you finish.
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Fill the gas tank with fresh gas each time. Look for the large gas cap on the top of your mower’s motor. Unscrew the gas cap and take a look inside. If you don't see any gas in there, fill it up to the recommended level using the markings on the inside of the tank.^{[14]
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- If you don’t see any markings, fill the tank until the gasoline is just below the filler tube.
- Refer to your lawn mower’s user manual if you’re not sure what kind of gas to use.
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Store your lawn mower in a dry place. Wallace recommends finding a place for your lawn mower that’s out of the rain and elements so it doesn’t get damaged. Put your lawn mower in your garage or a shed, or keep it under a mower cover if you have to leave it outside.^{[15]
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Expert Source

Grant Wallace
Landscaper

Expert Interview}
- Some lawn mowers fold up so they’re easier and more compact to store.
4
Sharpen your mower blade once or twice a year. Sharp lawn mower blades make clean cuts so that your grass stays healthy between mowings. Wallace says residential lawn mowers that are used a couple of times a month don’t need to be sharpened often. Unplug the spark plug and carefully check the blade. If it looks dull or feels rounded, then it’s time to sharpen it.^{[16]
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Expert Source

Grant Wallace
Landscaper

Expert Interview}
- If you have a really old or dull blade, remove and replace it instead.

Section 5 of 5:

Additional Lawn Care Resources

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Check out these other articles to finish taking care of your yard. If you want to continue maintaining your lawn and keeping it looking its best, we’ve got tons of pages to help you out. Once you finish mowing, head to these links to learn more about:

Community Q&A

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Question

What do I do if the gas line is clogged?

Community Answer

If the gas line is clogged, see a mechanic. Cleaning the gas line is dangerous and messy.

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What should I do if the handle has no resistance when starting?

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Your starter may have become disconnected from the mower. If this is the case. see a mechanic.

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Why is my lawn mower making a "ting" noise while I try to start it?

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It is likely that the fingers on the starter clutch are staying open when you pull it so they are being tapped by the metal cup on the fly wheel that they grab onto when the pull starter is being engaged. It's a typical sound for older used mowers and nothing to be too concerned about. If it continues after it's started it could be the result of a rod knocking in the engine, at this point replace the engine or the mower.

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