By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
When an exmark lawn mower won’t start, the cause is often an electrical part that has worn out, not the engine itself. The most common culprits on Exmark zero-turn and riding models are the starter solenoid, the ignition switch and, less often, the starter motor. This guide compares seven replacement parts sold on Amazon US, so you can match the part to your symptoms and your model before you spend time on the wrong fix. The criteria are fit to the Exmark and Toro-family part numbers, specification clarity, and the failure patterns owners commonly describe.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overall117-1197 Starter Solenoid 4 Terminal for EXMARK Lawn BoyView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for full ignition replacementIgnition Switch Starter Solenoid Kit for Toro Zero Turn Lawn MowerView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for starter motor failureStarter Motor 2P77F Engines for Timecutter Titan HD Z Master QuestView on Amazon - 4
Best for SS-series and Z4200 ownersFit for Timecutter SS5000 Z4200 SS4225 Starter SolenoidView on Amazon - 5
Best for zero-turn ignition swapsIgnition Switch and 117-1197 Starter Solenoid for ToroView on Amazon - 6
Best budget pick435-435 Starter Solenoid Relay for Lawn MowerView on Amazon - 7
Best for Z-Turf modelsExmarkFits Z-Turf 5260 4640 Starter SolenoidView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| 117-1197 Starter Solenoid 4 Terminal | Most Exmark starter solenoid replacements | 4-terminal 12V solenoid with Exmark and Toro cross-reference numbers |
| Ignition Switch Starter Solenoid Kit | Owners replacing ignition and solenoid together | Two-part kit covering a common failure pair |
| Starter Motor 2P77F Engines | Mowers that crank slowly or not at all | Direct-replacement starter motor with multiple cross-references |
| Fit for Timecutter SS5000 Starter Solenoid | SS-series and Z4200 owners | Broad Timecutter and Lawn Boy cross-reference list |
| Ignition Switch and 117-1197 Starter Solenoid | Zero-turn ignition swaps | Combined switch and solenoid in one order |
| 435-435 Starter Solenoid Relay | Budget-minded solenoid replacement | 12V relay switch for 52″ and 60″ deck models |
| ExmarkFits Z-Turf Starter Solenoid | Z-Turf and Z-Spray owners | Fit targeted at Z-Turf model numbers |
117-1197 Starter Solenoid 4 Terminal for EXMARK Lawn Boy
117-1197 Starter Solenoid 4 Terminal for EXMARK Lawn Boy 117-1197 1-513075 513075 104-3189 212655 for Toro Lawn Tractor 104-3189,12V Lawn Mower Starter Solenoid
Best for: Most Exmark starter solenoid replacements
This is the most direct-fit option for owners who hear a click but no crank. It is a good first purchase for anyone who has confirmed the solenoid is the failing part, since 117-1197 is one of the most widely referenced Exmark part numbers.
Key specs
- 12V starter solenoid
- 4-terminal configuration
- Cross-referenced to Exmark 117-1197 and Toro 104-3189
Pros
- Clear part number cross-reference
- Straightforward bolt-on replacement
- Covers a common failure point
Cons
- Does not address ignition switch or starter motor faults
- Terminal layout should be checked against the old unit before installing
Bottom line: Best starting choice for owners who have narrowed the problem to the solenoid.
Ignition Switch Starter Solenoid Kit for Toro Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Ignition Switch Starter Solenoid Kit for Toro Zero Turn Lawn Mower, Replace 117-2221 137-4100 117-1197, Fit Exmark Lazer Z Titan TimeCutter Quest Z Master, Toro Lawn Mower Parts
Best for: Owners replacing ignition and solenoid together
Ignition switches and solenoids on zero-turn Exmark machines often wear at similar rates. A kit lets you address both in one order instead of diagnosing and reordering twice.
Key specs
- Kit includes ignition switch and starter solenoid
- Cross-referenced to 117-2221, 137-4100 and 117-1197
Pros
- Covers two common failure points at once
- Broad Exmark and Toro model coverage
- Useful when the key turns but nothing engages
Cons
- Replacing both parts costs more time than one fix if only one has failed
- Compatibility depends on matching the listed model families
Bottom line: A sensible pick if your ignition switch is also showing wear.
Starter Motor 2P77F Engines for Timecutter Titan HD Z Master Quest
Starter Motor 2P77F Engines Fit for Timecutter Titan HD Z Master Quest Radius E/S-Series, Replace# 133-1564 127-9209 133-9828 136-7880 Lawn Mower Starter Motor Fit for Toro Timecutter Titan, Exmark
Best for: Mowers that crank slowly or not at all
If the solenoid clicks but the engine barely turns over, the starter motor is a likely cause. This part suits owners who have already ruled out battery and wiring problems.
Key specs
- Starter motor for Timecutter, Titan HD, Z Master and Quest models
- Multiple cross-reference numbers including 133-1564 and 127-9209
Pros
- Addresses slow or no-crank symptoms
- Long cross-reference list aids fit checking
- Covers multiple Exmark and Toro series
Cons
- Starter motors are more labor-intensive to replace than solenoids
- Confirm the mounting bolt pattern before ordering
Bottom line: Pick this if testing shows the motor, not the solenoid, is the weak link.
Fit for Timecutter SS5000 Z4200 SS4225 Starter Solenoid
Fit for Timecutter SS5000 Z4200 SS4225 SS4235 Replaces 784-1221-210 E513075 1-513075, 104-3189 74629 Time Cutter Riding Mower 117-1197 Starter Solenoid Fit for Exmark Lawn Boy Toro
Best for: SS-series and Z4200 owners
Owners of SS-series and Z4200 Timecutter machines often search by their model number rather than a part number. This listing’s cross-reference list is built for that search pattern.
Key specs
- Replaces 784-1221-210, E513075 and 1-513075
- Cross-referenced to 104-3189 and 74629
Pros
- Strong fit for SS-series models
- Multiple part number cross-references
- Useful for Lawn Boy and Toro owners too
Cons
- Cross-reference lists can cover many variants, so check your exact model
- Terminal orientation should match the original
Bottom line: A strong choice for SS and Z4200 riders with a solenoid problem.
Ignition Switch and 117-1197 Starter Solenoid for Toro
for Exmark zero turn mower models TimeCutter Series Titan Series Z Master Series 137-4100 1-513075 E513075 117-2221 Ignition Switch and 117-1197 Starter Solenoid for Toro
Best for: Zero-turn ignition swaps
This pairing targets zero-turn owners who want both the switch and solenoid addressed, particularly after a mower has sat through a season with intermittent starting.
Key specs
- Ignition switch 117-2221 and Starter Solenoid 117-1197
- Covers TimeCutter, Titan and Z Master series
Pros
- Combines two commonly replaced parts
- Series coverage matches many zero-turn models
- Clear part numbers listed
Cons
- Two-part replacement takes longer than a single fix
- Verify the series name matches your mower decal
Bottom line: Good for zero-turn owners who suspect both electrical parts.
435-435 Starter Solenoid Relay for Lawn Mower
435-435 Starter Solenoid Relay for Lawn Mower, 12V Relay Switch, Fit for Exmark 52" and 60" Turf Tracer Floating Deck Walk & Cub Cadet & Ariens Mowers
Best for: Budget-minded solenoid replacement
A relay-style solenoid is a lower-cost route for owners with a 52-inch or 60-inch deck who want to confirm a solenoid fault without committing to a premium part.
Key specs
- 12V relay switch
- Listed for 52″ and 60″ Turf Tracer and floating deck models
Pros
- Practical choice for a solenoid test
- Targets common deck sizes
- Simple one-part replacement
Cons
- Less extensive cross-reference than the premium options
- Confirm the relay matches your original terminal layout
Bottom line: A reasonable budget pick if your deck size is listed.
ExmarkFits Z-Turf 5260 4640 Starter Solenoid
ExmarkFits Z-Turf 5260 4640 4630XL 4630 4230XL 4230 3624 135-6189 Starter Solenoid Z-Spray
Best for: Z-Turf and Z-Spray owners
Z-Turf and Z-Spray models use model numbers that differ from TimeCutter naming. This listing is aimed at those owners.
Key specs
- Fits Z-Turf 5260, 4640, 4630XL, 4230 and 3624 listings
- Cross-referenced to 135-6189
Pros
- Model-specific fit for Z-Turf owners
- Clear model number list
- Targets a specific failure point
Cons
- Narrower coverage outside Z-Turf models
- Check the exact model number before ordering
Bottom line: Best for owners whose mower is a Z-Turf or Z-Spray.
Buying Guide
Match the part to your symptom
A click with no crank usually points to the solenoid. No click and no dash lights often means the ignition switch, battery or wiring. A slow crank that barely turns the engine suggests the starter motor. Matching the symptom first saves a second order.
Good picks for this: 117-1197 Starter Solenoid 4 Terminal, Starter Motor 2P77F Engines
Check your model and part numbers
Exmark, Toro and Lawn Boy often share compatible part numbers, but series names differ. Read the decal on your mower, note the model and serial, and compare against the cross-reference list in each listing before buying.
Good picks for this: Fit for Timecutter SS5000 Starter Solenoid, ExmarkFits Z-Turf Starter Solenoid
Solenoid versus ignition switch
Both parts sit in the starting circuit, but they fail differently. A solenoid that clicks but does not engage the starter is a classic sign. An ignition switch that feels loose or only works in one key position is more likely the switch. Testing with a multimeter is the most reliable way to decide, but if you are not comfortable with electrical testing, consult a small engine professional.
Good picks for this: Ignition Switch Starter Solenoid Kit, Ignition Switch and 117-1197 Starter Solenoid
Starter motor condition
Starter motors wear through brushes and bearings over many seasons. Slow cranking, grinding or a motor that works only sometimes are typical signs. Replacing a motor is more involved than swapping a solenoid, so confirm the rest of the circuit is sound first.
Good picks for this: Starter Motor 2P77F Engines
Battery and cable condition
Weak batteries and corroded cables mimic starter failure. Clean terminals, check voltage at rest, and load-test the battery before replacing electrical parts. A new starter component will not fix a dead battery.
Good picks for this: 435-435 Starter Solenoid Relay
Deck size and mower series
Deck size and series naming affect fit more than brand alone. Owners of 52-inch and 60-inch floating deck machines should look for listings that name those decks, while TimeCutter and Titan owners should focus on series-specific numbers.
Good picks for this: 435-435 Starter Solenoid Relay, Ignition Switch and 117-1197 Starter Solenoid
Durability and installation quality
Terminal quality, wire crimping and mounting hardware all affect how long a replacement lasts. Owners often report that tidy terminal connections and secure grounding make the biggest difference after installation. Disconnect the battery before working on any starting circuit.
Good picks for this: 117-1197 Starter Solenoid 4 Terminal, Starter Motor 2P77F Engines
FAQ
Why does my Exmark click but not start?
A single click usually means the solenoid is energizing but not passing enough current to the starter, or the starter motor has failed. Check battery voltage first, then test the solenoid and motor.
Can a dead battery cause an Exmark not to start?
Yes. A weak battery can cause clicking, dim lights or no response at all. Charge or load-test the battery before replacing starter parts.
How do I know if the ignition switch is bad?
Signs include a key that feels loose, no response in one or more positions, or intermittent starting. A multimeter can confirm continuity. If you are unsure, consult a qualified small engine technician.
Do I need to replace the solenoid and ignition switch together?
Not always. Replace only the part that tests bad. Kits can be convenient when both show wear, but replacing a working part adds time and cost.
Are these parts compatible with Toro mowers?
Several listings cross-reference Toro numbers, but compatibility depends on series and model. Compare the Toro part numbers on your old component with each listing.
Should I disconnect the battery before replacing parts?
Yes. Disconnect the negative terminal first and keep metal tools away from both terminals to avoid shorts. Electrical work carries risk, so consult a professional if you are uncomfortable.
Conclusion
For most exmark lawn mower won’t start cases, the solenoid is the first part to check, which makes the 117-1197 Starter Solenoid 4 Terminal a sensible starting point. If the ignition switch is also suspect, the kit or combined pairing saves a second order. Owners with slow cranking should look at the starter motor, while Z-Turf owners should favor the model-specific solenoid. Match the part to your symptom and model, and the right fix is usually clear.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on working with gasoline engines and electrical equipment (cpsc.gov)
- Workplace electrical safety and lockout practices for maintenance tasks (osha.gov)
- Battery basics and safe handling of 12-volt lead-acid batteries (energy.gov)
Related reading
- Yardworks Battery Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Causes and Fixes
- Yardman Riding Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Causes and Fixes
- Yardman Lawn Mower Won't Start: 8 Causes and Fixes (2026)
- Yard Machines Lawn Mower Won't Start: 7 Causes and Fixes
About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our lawn mowers guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
