Snow blower won’t start? Step-by-step troubleshooting guide

Is your Husqvarna snow blower not starting, especially after storage or at a beginning of the season?

Follow these easy troubleshooting tips to get your snow blower running smoothly again:

Check the fuel

Using the wrong fuel is one of the most common reasons your snow blower won’t start.

Fuel tips

• Fresh, clean, unleaded fuel with a minimum 87 octane rating.
• Ethanol content must be 10% max (E10).

What to avoid

• Old or expired fuel.
• Oil/fuel mixtures.
• Contaminated fuel (water or dirt)
• E85, E30 and E20—these are not compatible with Husqvarna engines.

Pro tip

• Open the fuel tank cap slowly to release pressure. Fill only to the lower part of the neck and clean up any spills before starting.
• Always move the snow blower at least 3 metres (10 feet) away from the fuelling spot before starting it.

Check the choke and the throttle

Your snow blower will not start if the choke or throttle are not in the right position.

Choke

• Make sure that it is in the CHOKE position (used for cold starts).

Throttle

• Set to FAST—not slow!

Turn ON the fuel switch

• Make sure that the fuel ON/OFF switch is turned on to the ON position to allow fuel to flow to the engine.

Prime the engine

Priming the engine can help your product start easier.

If you haven’t already

• Push the primer bulb a few times to help fuel reach the engine.

If the engine is flooded

• Wait a few minutes.
• Do not push the primer again.
• Set the throttle to full, disengage the choke and try restarting.

Check the spark plug

Your snow blower will not start without a proper spark.

Make sure that the spark plug cap is connected tightly.

How to remove and inspect a spark plug

• Clean it.
• Adjust the electrode gap.
• Replace with a correct spark plug type if damaged.

NOTE: Not all snow blowers use the same spark plug or gap. For correct specifications, refer to the operator’s manual for your product.

Replace expired fuel

Old fuel can prevent your snow blower from starting.

If the fuel is old

• Drain the fuel tank and carburettor
• Refill with clean, fresh fuel