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I have a John Deere D110 that last ran around two weeks ago. I went to start it last night and nothing; it wouldn't even crank and the starter wasn't even clicking. I thought it might be a completely dead battery, so I left it plugged in to a charger overnight and went back out this morning. The charger said the battery was charged.

I tried starting it again and same thing; nothing. The headlights turn on, as does the little hour display so I figured the battery has power. The fuse isn't blown, as if it was the little display wouldn't turn on. The brake is properly engaged, blades are off and the seat is properly down.

I grabbed a multimeter and tried to test the battery; its supposed to be a 12 volt battery but I am only getting a reading of 6.88 volts. Would this voltage be low enough to cause the mower to not even try to crank?

Would this indicate that my battery is dead?

isherwood
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Zach Nicodemous
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2 Answers2

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Your 12v battery should be above 12v when fully charged. Sounds like you battery is dead. As for the cause, that may require additional diagnosis. Maybe the battery is bad, maybe there is some parasitic drain (some electronics running when mower is off), maybe there is a charger issue.

Maybe try disconnecting the battery from the mower. Charge it and see if it retains 12v immediately after the charge as well as over the span of a day without being connected.

You could also try jumpstarting it with a car. That way you know its not a starter issue. (but it doesn't sound like thats the issue)

heyitsmyusername
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Yes, a reading of 6.88 volts after charging the battery is too low to start the mower and generally means the battery is toast.

If you want to be sure the battery is toast before buying a new one, disconnect the battery before re-charging/re-testing in case something on the mower is draining it. If the battery is 5+ years old, it's likely time for a new one either way.

izzy
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