Ryobi RM480E 38″ riding mower won’t move!
Anyone have any experience electrically with such a beast? There is 0 repair/technical service info on these mowers. Seems a lot like a golf cart chassis and has some similar parts. I have spent a few hours trouble shooting. I have unplugged almost every accessible plug to check connections. I have voltage checked in various sections as well. If I move the rocker to forward or reverse It won’t move. Blades can engage though! The 48v selanoid is fine. If I turn the key on and off enough times it will suddenly work fine like nothing is wrong. But if I turn key off and on during use it will not move once again. Turning it on/off powers the selanoid each time with a common click sound. I’m really at a loss. Jumped out all possible circuits that could cause this as well such as parking brake and seat switch. Any ideas? I’m really guessing it could be the pedal sensor or the main drive control unit. This mower is only 2 years old
The 1st question is have you contacted Ryobi?? I have three of their products and have talked to customer support more than once (for various reasons other than problems) and found they are above average to deal with. That also depends on whom you speak to (like any place else).
Do you hear the drive motor(s) engaged (powered) by listening for any hum like noise (assuming one could/would hear something like that)? Can you check for power going to those motors?
videobruce
Mower won’t move: Start key not installed or is in OFF position. Parking brake is set. Direction control switch is in neutral (N). Brake is depressed and/or accelerator pedal is not pressed. Charger is connected to mower.
Attached is a wiring diagram if that helps thou it’s not the exact model as far as I can tell. There is the possibility it could be electronic (PCB related).
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Thanks for the reply, and it’s definitely an electronic issue. If it cooler outside 40ish degrees or below it’ll move around perfectly fine and at that point I just leave the key on all day until I get home from work to mow the yard and at the point it’s 60 plus degrees outside and works like a charge. But if I turn that key off and back on in that temp range it will not move, but blades will engage just fine.
And you are right about Ryobi. They were trying to force me to bring in for a repair, place was 2hours away and was gonna charge 300 for a pick up and drop off with a 2 week minimum turn around. After speaking with Ryobi I demanded and new drive motor controller, 300plus dollar part. They ended up sending me a blade motor controller. They let me keep that and have since just shipped out the correct part. I’ve also purchased a 12v power converter for a great price. I’m starting to stock up parts when I find them cheap so I can make any future repairs needed. Almost 3 years old and the 75ah batteries still have an excellent charge as well. Just hope I get it sorted out soon because it’s very annoying.
AngLws
Forum Newbie
This may help. It is a service bulletin I talked someone into sending me when I had my very first power problem. There is something called a temp sensor lead that must be properly attached so that batteries can charge correctly. Please let me know if that’s the issue with yours. I have had kind of the opposite problem. My mower will move fine without blades engaged, but once reaching max speed or if I try to go up the slightest incline will stop and start beeping to return and charge. When blades are engaged, well that’s weird too. If the ground is level and if I go very, very, slowly and don’t lower the blades more than 3 or 4 notches from the top, it will mow a half hour or so, but even going down hill will just turn off if I try to lower blade to reasonable level.
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Forum Newbie
Thanks for the reply, and it’s definitely an electronic issue. If it cooler outside 40ish degrees or below it’ll move around perfectly fine and at that point I just leave the key on all day until I get home from work to mow the yard and at the point it’s 60 plus degrees outside and works like a charge. But if I turn that key off and back on in that temp range it will not move, but blades will engage just fine.
And you are right about Ryobi. They were trying to force me to bring in for a repair, place was 2hours away and was gonna charge 300 for a pick up and drop off with a 2 week minimum turn around. After speaking with Ryobi I demanded and new drive motor controller, 300plus dollar part. They ended up sending me a blade motor controller. They let me keep that and have since just shipped out the correct part. I’ve also purchased a 12v power converter for a great price. I’m starting to stock up parts when I find them cheap so I can make any future repairs needed. Almost 3 years old and the 75ah batteries still have an excellent charge as well. Just hope I get it sorted out soon because it’s very annoying.
Did this ever get resolved? My RM380e is also 2 years old and is acting similarly. Everything works except the drive motors. After my last grass cutting I parked it in the garage with charger on an now it just won’t go. I can’t believe there is not some built in diagnostics.
How can I get my lawnmower bolt off?
I have a Ryobi electric lawnmower, and I want to get the blade sharpened for the first time. I have a 15mm ratchet wrench, just like the instructions say, and I’m immobilizing the blade with a brick. But no matter how hard I turn, the bolt just doesn’t budge at all. I called Ryobi support, and they said the only other thing to try was spraying the bolt with WD-40. I assume the bolt is so tight because it hasn’t been touched since being assembled at the factory. I did that, let the WD-40 sit for a half hour, and tried again. The bolt still won’t budge at all. What are my other options? I don’t own an impact wrench.
Try cleaning the lawn masses off it and using penetrating oil. hint: WD-40 isn’t penetrating oil, it’s water-displacing oil hence WD. This is a common misconception which comes from WD-40’s intense efforts to market their product as a do-everything oil.
@Harper Thanks! This did the trick. I bought some PB penetrating oil, let it sit, and then the bolt came off. If you post this as an answer, I’ll accept it.
Answers 3
Allowing for the inherent mechanical weaknesses of a ratchet wrench and the limited lever arm provided by such a short handle, consider to purchase or borrow a 15 mm box end wrench. The handle may not be much longer than the ratchet wrench, but will more safely accept a lever extension.
A strong steel pipe of a meter length or better, with an inside diameter to accept the box end wrench will give you an incredible lever arm.
If you are confident that you are turning the bolt in the correct direction and that it is designed to be removed in this manner, you are likely to free it up easily. If not, it’s also possible to snap the head right off, or worse, break something internally.
Your local mower shop may also accept the mower and have the necessary tools to pull the blade. You may have to pay a bit more for the first time, but it’s also likely it won’t be as difficult to remove the next time.
My Ryobi CS26 Won’t Start
The Ryobi CS26 is a trimmer used for work outside your home. The trimmer can be used to edge grass as well as remove weeds. The Ryobi CS26 is a gas-powered tool, and will not start if it does not have fuel. Your Ryobi CS26 will start only if you follow the proper protocol.
Troubleshooting
Check your gas tank and make sure your Ryobi CS26 has fuel. If the trimmer does not have fuel, it will not start.
Prime your pump at least twice before starting up a cold trimmer. If your Ryobi CS26 has recently been used, do not use the primer as it may flood your engine.
Check the clutch position before every start-up attempt. If the clutch is set to “Run” when you are attempting a cold start, the engine will not turn over.
Stop attempting to start the trimmer if you notice a fuel leak. Take your trimmer to an authorized Ryobi repair center as fuel leaks can be very dangerous.
Ryobi Cs26 Won’t Start
If your Ryobi CS26 trimmer won’t start, the first thing to do is verify that you’re using the correct starting procedure. If you are, then there are several places to look for possible problems. It’s also possible that the trimmer recoil starter needs servicing. Immediately after the engine turns over, set the choke to “run” to prevent the engine from sputtering. The Ryobi CS26 has three filters that can get clogged and prevent starting. One is the air filter, located behind a cover on the side of the engine housing. You access it to brush it clean or replace it by pushing the latch on the cover and pulling the cover off. Suitable replacements include Champion RCJ-6Y, NGK BPMR7A, and Ryobi AC00160 plugs.- or similar.- with a 0.025-inch gap. If you’re trying to start the trimmer for the first time in the spring, you may need to drain the fuel tank and carburetor and clean the carburetor ports to get it started.
Ryobi OLM1840BL Questions Answers
We are now on our 2nd machine (thanks to Bunnings replacing no questions asked). We have done everything. Not been able to mow my lawn in full twice. The machine will run only if not moved. With fresh batteries and standing on short grass. flat, perfect surface, but when the machine is moved forward it just stops. The batteries are full. Again and again it will not keep running when moved forward.I think I will return again and this time request a refund. There is obviously a huge problem here Ryobi.
Yup, I have the same problem that has been brought up here, I have probably mowed the lawn 7 or so times and in the middle of mowing the lawn last week it cut out, I have tripple checked everything but it doesn’t want to start and so just shows a green light that quickly switches to flashing red lights. Has anyone actually found a solution to this problem, I really need to get it sorted to mow my lawns before they consume me
Just bought a Ryobi 18V 6.0AH RLM2840BLX6 yesterday have fully charged batteries and start key is correctly installed but it won’t start. Lights are flashing red
You can try the following by.apparently it did not work for me. I had same problem but after 3 months of purchase. seems like a common fault with the model.STEPS1. Retracting the handle again. Check if the handle is fully extended.2.readjust the cutting height3.Check if the mulcher plug is correctly inserted,reinsert it.4. Take out the batteries5. Take out the key6. After half hour. Reinsert key then batteries.
I have the Ryobi 40v (6 amp) 20″ electric mower and, after storing it away (properly) for the winter, had hoped to start ‘er up and clean up the fresh spring grass today but she wouldn’t start. I tried everything. Everything. Turns out this model has TWO, count ’em two (2), battery slots: one for the power, one for a spare. I had the battery in the spare compartment which has no power connection. Finally, switched it to the front slot and she works great. Boy, do I feel stupid.
Bought a new lawnmower 18v 6.ah rlm1840blx6 at Bunnings and it won’t start 2 fully charged batteries 65ah just shows red lights checked start key battery both correctly seated! Any solution please
Red led light came on when I was mowing a section of thick grass so I stopped the mower to rest it and recharge the batteries. One day later it won’t go and the red light comes on straightaway. What is the remedy?
You may want to contact Ryobi, as I haven’t heard of this happening. Unless your Battery is flat. Thick grass should really be trimmed with a whipper Snipper first.
I am having similar issues without even trying to cut thick grass, to the point where the mower won’t even start when sitting on the pavement. This is with 2 x 6aH HP batteries, fully charged.
Same thing with mine. Half way through mowing the lawn and stopped, at first I thought it was the battery but swapped out for two fully charged batteries and won’t start with green lights changing to red flashing lights. Any ideas? Is only a few months old
i experienced the exactly same thing just recently., Just wondering if this a faulty product that we have been sold in to. I bought it from Bunnings Marsden last year in Nov, They still have quite a few in stock. i think i have used 5-6 times all throughout now it does not start. Even after installing freshly charged ryobi batteries 18volts., 6 amps. Pressing the switch and then the handle bar throttle., the light goes from green to red.
I have the same issue. Answer Solutions? Only 2 months old. Used 8 times only
We are having the same problem. I have reached out to Ryobi, awaiting a response. If anyone has found a solution, please let us know!
Update 7/5/22: Took it to Bunnings, said it wouldn’t start and they replaced it with a new one no questions asked. Warranty reset when registered with Ryobi.
How are the wheel bearings? Are they a bearing or plastic bush?
Is this mower actually still available or has it been withdrawn from sale? The Ryobi site does not show it to be available anywhere. Bunnings certainly no longer stock it.
My local Bunnings actually has it in stock in the store, but just not listed on Bunnings’ site.
The model OLM1840BL, which seems the same, is available at Bunnings in AU NZ this one does not come with any battery.
Why isn’t this model available in QLD Australia?
It still on Ryobi Australia website but I just check Bunning and they don’t seem to have it anymore. Not sure if it is the stock issue or marketing reason. Ryobi had 36v mower using two 18v batteries before, but they cut it away to force user to buy the 36v system.
Have used my new mower 3 times and now it seems that it has overloaded [row of flashing red lights when trying to start]. I purchased 2 6mah HP batteries when i purchased the mower so that i could expect peak performance and have charged and stored after each use. Went and started cutting grass this time did 2 successful runs then mower just stoped instantly and now will not restart. Any assistance would be appreciated.
c/o manual pg4 “NOTE: The flashing red LED in the LED fuel gauge indicates mower overload.” It appears that the LEDs flash when the batteries are flat also. The 6Ah Ryobi batteries have a ‘check charge’ button on the front “For best performance, always cut off one third or less of the total height of the grass.” (pg4) at a time Remove the batteries (for safety) then check for tangled grass around the shaft, clear with a brush. not water (pg20) Install both batteries (latches should click) for greater cutting power. (pg11) Check isolator key is seated in the battery housing (pg 11)
Solved! What to Do When Your Lawn Mower Starts Smoking
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Q: Recently, my mower started billowing smoke when I powered it up, so I shut it off immediately. Why is my lawn mower smoking? And is it a fire hazard? I want to know how to proceed so I don’t harm the machine.
A: Your lawn mower can emit smoke for numerous reasons—many of which don’t require the services of an expert. A homeowner can usually identify the reason for a smoking lawn mower by gauging the color of the Cloud coming around the engine, then fix it accordingly before lasting damage occurs. Keep in mind that all mowers with internal combustion engines contain the same basic parts, but the configuration of those parts varies widely, depending on manufacturer and model. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to access a specific part of your lawn mower’s engine.
White or blue smoke may indicate an oil spill on the engine.
If you’ve recently changed the oil in your mower and the engine is emitting white or blue smoke, it’s possible that some of the oil spilled onto the engine. Similarly, you could’ve spilled oil on the engine by mowing on a slope greater than 15 degrees or tipping the mower on its side. The smoke may look disconcerting, but it’s completely harmless. Solve the problem by restarting the mower and allowing the spilled oil to burn off. If you tip the mower often for cleaning or maintenance, check your owner’s manual to determine the best way to reduce the risk of oil leaks.
An overfull oil reservoir may also cause white or blue smoke.
Ensure you didn’t overfill the mower by checking the oil level with the dipstick located on the reservoir. To do this, remove the dipstick cap, wipe off the stick with a rag, and reinsert it into the reservoir. Then remove the dipstick once again and determine the oil level in comparison to the recommended “fill” line on the stick. If the level is too high, drain the oil (consult your owner’s manual for instructions), then refill the reservoir with it. Start checking the oil level with the dipstick after you’ve added about ¾ of the amount recommended in the manual. Continue to add small amounts of oil until the level matches the recommended “fill” line. Also note that using the wrong grade of engine oil may cause blue or white smoke. Consult the owner’s manual for the exact type of oil recommended for your mower.
Your lawn mower’s carburetor regulates the ratio of gasoline to air mixture. If the carburetor isn’t getting enough air, the mixture has a higher percentage of gasoline, which can create black exhaust smoke. It’s possible that a dirty or clogged air filter is preventing sufficient airflow into the carburetor. Try replacing the air filter. (Note: air filters vary by mower model; view example air filter on Amazon.) Next, run your lawn mower for a few minutes. If the black smoke still appears, the carburetor might need to be adjusted in order to increase airflow. Either take the mower to a professional or adjust the carburetor yourself with instructions in your owner’s manual.
Top 8 Reasons Your Electric Start Lawnmower Won’t Start
If your grass needs cutting, and your equipment isn’t cooperating, it could be a quick fix. Here are a few things to check out when operating your electric start lawn mower:
Is the Electric Start Push Key inserted? Make sure the key is fully in.
Is the battery charged? Plug in to charge.
The GFCI May Have Tripped. Reset it by pressing in that little button on the outlet until it clicks.
The circuit breaker may have tripped. Make sure the gas lawn mower’s engine is stopped, remove the Electric Start Key and disconnect spark plug boot. Then check around the blade and clear any debris that may be blocking it. Reattach the spark plug boot and reinsert key. Wait 30 seconds so the breaker can self-reset, then try restarting.
The engine may be flooded. Wait a few minutes before trying to start up again.
Fresh fuel in the tank? If it’s empty or the fuel’s stale, fill ‘er up with fresh fuel.
Is the blade control engaged? If not, depress the blade control and try starting again.
Spark plug issues? Remove spark plug and check to see if it’s fouled, blackened or damaged. Clean, adjust or replace as necessary.
Have a different issue with your Remington lawn mower? Check out the Troubleshooting section in your model’s manual.