Poulan Pro 438511, Operator'S Manual

25

TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS

PROBLEM

CAUSE

CORRECTION

Excessive 

vibration

1. Worn, bent or loose blade.

1. Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt.

2. Bent blade mandrel.

2. Replace blade mandrel.

3. Loose/damaged part(s).

3. Tighten loose part(s).  Replace damaged parts.

Engine continues 

to run when oper-

ator leaves seat 

with attachment 

clutch engaged

1. Faulty operator-safety presence control 

system.

1. Check wiring, switches  and connections.  If not 

corrected, contact an authorized service center/ 

department.

Poor cut - uneven

1. Worn, bent or loose blade.

1. Replace blade.  Tighten blade bolt.

2. Mower deck not level.

2. Level mower deck.

3. Buildup of grass, leaves, or trash under mower.

3. Clean underside of mower housing.

4. Bent blade mandrel.

4. Replace blade mandrel.

5. Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup 

of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels.

5. Clean around mandrels to open vent holes.

Mower blades will 

not rotate

1. Obstruction in clutch mechanism.

1. Remove obstruction.

2. Worn/damaged mower drive belt.

2. Replace mower drive belt.

3. Frozen idler pulley.

3. Replace idler pulley.

4. Frozen blade mandrel.

4. Replace blade mandrel.

Poor grass 

discharge

1. Engine speed too slow.

1. Place throttle control in “FAST” position.

2. Travel speed too fast.

2. Shift to slower speed.

3. Wet grass.

3. Allow grass to dry before mowing.

4. Mower deck not level.

4. Level mower deck.

5. Low/uneven tire air pressure.

5. Check tires for proper air pressure.

6. Worn, bent or loose blade.

6. Replace blade.  Tighten blade bolt.

7. Buildup of grass, leaves and trash under 

mower.

7. Clean underside of mower housing.

8. Mower drive belt worn.

8. Replace mower drive belt.

9. Blades improperly installed.

9. Reinstall blades sharp edge down.

10. Improper blades used.

10. Replace with blades listed in parts manual.

11. Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup 

of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels.

11. Clean around mandrels to open vent holes.

Headlight(s) not 

working

(if so equipped)

1. Switch is “OFF”.

1. Turn switch “ON”.

2. Bulb(s) or lamp(s) burned out.

2. Replace bulb(s) or lamp(s).

3. Faulty light switch.

3. Check/replace light switch.

4. Loose or damaged wiring.

4. Check wiring and connections.

5. Blown fuse.

5. Replace fuse.

Battery will not 

charge

1. Bad battery cell(s).

1. Replace battery.

2. Poor cable connections.

2. Check/clean all connections.

3. Faulty regulator (if so equipped).

3. Replace regulator.

4. Faulty alternator.

4. Replace alternator.

Loss of drive

1. Debris on steering plate (if equipped).

1. See "CLEANING" in the maintenance section.

2. Motion drive belt worn, damaged, or broken.

2. Replace motion drive belt.

3. Axle key missing.

3. Install axle key at rear wheel.  See "TO REMOVE 

WHEEL" in the Service and Adjustments section.

Engine “backfires”

 when turning 

engine “OFF”

1. Engine throttle control not set between 

half and full speed (fast) position before 

stopping engine.

1. Move throttle control between half and full speed 

(fast) position before stopping engine.

Engine dies when 

tractor is shifted 

into reverse

1. Reverse operation system (ROS) is not 

"ON" while mower or other attachment is 

engaged.

1. Turn ignition key to ROS "ON" position. See 

Operation section.