Greenworks Mower Not Starting? My Painful Fix

Greenworks mower not starting? You’re not alone. It’s super annoying when you’re ready to mow and nothing happens. In my case, the battery wasn’t sitting right. It took me an hour to figure it out! I’ve used electric mowers for years here in the U.S., so I’ve seen most of the common problems. Stick with me—I’ll show you the easy fixes that actually work.

Quick Check: Corded or Cordless?

Before you fix anything, ask: is your Greenworks mower corded or cordless? The answer changes how you troubleshoot.

Corded Greenworks Mowers
If your mower has a cord, start with these steps:

• Test the outlet – Plug in something else to see if the outlet works.
• Swap the extension cord – Some cords look fine but don’t work.
• Check both ends – Make sure the plug is tight in the wall and mower.

One time, my mower wouldn’t start. I thought it was done for—but the garage outlet had tripped during a storm. I hit the reset button, and it worked right away.

Cordless Greenworks Mowers
If your mower uses a battery, here’s what to check:

• Is the battery charged? – It might look full, but try charging it all the way.
• Is it clicked in? – Push until you hear a firm click.
• Check for dirt or rust – After winter, the battery contacts can get grimy.

Battery Problems: The Most Common Reason

If your Greenworks mower won’t start, the battery is often the reason. I’d guess it’s the issue 8 times out of 10—especially with cordless mowers.

Here’s what to check:

• Not fully charged – Even if the charger shows green, the battery may not be full. Try charging it longer. If you have a second battery, try that one too.
• Not clicked in – The battery must snap in tight. If it’s loose, the mower won’t turn on.
• Old or dead battery – If your battery is a few years old, it might not hold a charge. Cold winters can also wear it down over time.

Last spring, my mower wouldn’t start after sitting in my garage all winter. I thought it was broken. But after a few full charge-and-drain cycles, the battery came back to life. Now I store it inside during the

Safety Features Might Be Stopping It

Greenworks mowers are smart. If one safety part isn’t right, the mower won’t start—no matter what you do.

Check these things first:

• Handle locked in place – If the handle isn’t fully open and locked, the mower won’t turn on.
• Safety key in – Some models need a small plastic key. It slides in near the battery. No key, no power.
• Press the safety button – On many models, you must press the button before you pull the start lever.
• Grass bag or chute – If one is missing, the mower may think something’s wrong and stay off.
  

A friend thought her mower was broken. We tried everything. In the end, the handle wasn’t snapped in all the way after winter storage. One click, and it worked like new.

In the U.S., mower safety rules are strict. That’s great—but it means even one small thing can stop your mower.

Look for Debris or Clogs

Not all mower problems are about power. Sometimes, it’s just stuff stuck under the deck.

If your Greenworks mower won’t start—or it stops suddenly—it might be jammed with grass, leaves, or a twig.

Always turn off the mower first. Remove the battery or unplug it. Safety first!

Here’s what I do:

• Put on gloves – Never reach under the deck with bare hands.
• Use a brush or stick – Clear out any grass or leaves around the blade.
• Check the motor shaft – Stuff can get wrapped around it too.

One fall, I mulched wet leaves and didn’t clean the deck. Next time I tried to mow, it wouldn’t start. Soggy leaf bits had packed tight under the blade. I cleaned it out, and it worked again.

If you mow wet grass a lot—like in humid U.S. areas—this happens often. Wet grass sticks, dries, and blocks the blade.

Check the Start Switch or Lever

If your Greenworks mower still won’t start, the switch or lever might be the issue. These parts get used a lot, and they can wear out.

Here’s what to check:

• Feels loose or soft – If the button or lever feels mushy, it may be broken.
• No “click” sound – You should hear or feel a click when it works. No click? That’s a bad sign.
• Nothing happens – If the battery is charged but nothing turns on, the switch may not be sending power.

Last summer, a neighbor in Texas asked for help. Her mower wouldn’t start. We checked everything—battery, handle, under the deck. The problem? Dirt had jammed the start button. A quick spray with contact cleaner helped, but she replaced the switch later.

If you like DIY work, you might fix or replace the switch on your own. But some newer Greenworks mowers have the switch built into a circuit board. If that’s the case, it’s best to call a tech or contact Greenworks support.

Weather and Storage Problems

Lots of people forget this: where you store your mower really matters. This is extra true if you live where it’s cold or humid.

If your Greenworks mower sits in a damp shed or cold garage, water can get into the parts. That alone can keep it from starting.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Damp air = problems – Moisture can mess up the motor, battery contacts, or start switch.
• Cold is hard on plastic and wires – If it sat in freezing temps, let it warm up inside before starting it.
• Store it dry and covered – A dry shed works, or a garage with a tarp over the mower to keep dust and water out.
  

One winter, I left my mower in a cold shed here in the Midwest. In spring, it wouldn’t turn on. Water had built up inside the battery case. Now I store the battery inside all winter—and I haven’t had that problem again.

If you live in a damp area like the Pacific Northwest or the Southeast, watch out. Humid air can sneak in and slowly harm your mower.

When You Might Need a New Part

You’ve tried all the easy stuff. The battery works. No clogs. No safety issues. But your Greenworks mower still won’t start. It might be time for a new part.

Here are the most common ones to check:

• Battery or charger – If your battery is a few years old, it may not charge right. I once had a charger that lit up green but didn’t charge at all. A new one fixed it fast.
• Safety switch – These get used every time you mow. After a while, they can wear out—especially if dirt or water gets inside.
• Motor or control board – This is rare, but it can happen. If the mower makes no sound at all, it might be the motor or an internal board.

I helped a neighbor whose mower stopped working out of nowhere. We checked everything. In the end, the safety key slot had a small broken piece inside. He found the part online, popped it in, and the mower worked again.

Read More: How to Start Echo Chainsaw

Greenworks Customer Service: Worth a Call

Tried everything and your mower still won’t start? Don’t worry. Call Greenworks customer service. They’re actually pretty helpful.

One time, I had a charger issue. The battery looked fine. The charger light was green. But the mower wouldn’t start. I called Greenworks, expecting a long wait. But a U.S.-based rep picked up fast. They walked me through a reset I hadn’t seen in the manual. Five minutes later—mower started right up.

They’ll ask for your model number. You can find it on a sticker near the back wheels or battery slot.

No matter the issue—blinking lights, no sound, or random shut-offs—they’ve likely seen it before. And they’re good at walking regular folks through the fix.

FAQs: Greenworks Mower Not Starting?