March 1, 2016

How to change the Smart Switch Ignition password on a lawn tractor video

How to change the Smart Switch Ignition password on a lawn tractor video.
How to change the Smart Switch Ignition password on a lawn tractor video.

This video from Sears PartsDirect shows how to unlock and change the default start code on a lawn tractor with a Smart Switch Ignition system. Smart Switch ignitions let you program your own 1- to 5-digit code to start the tractor without a key. You can usually reprogram this code with a simple key combination, but the factory default start code is locked on some tractors. We'll show you how to reset the default code and unlock it.

For additional repair help, including common symptoms and troubleshooting tips, step-by-step riding lawn mower and tractor repair guides and articles, check out our repair help section. In addition, find the riding mower and lawn tractor parts you need to fix your mower.

Hi, this is Wayne with Sears PartsDirect. Today, we're going to talk about changing the factory default code on a new lawn tractor with the new Smart Switch Ignition.

How to change the default code

First, set your parking brake. To start the tractor, wake the control by pressing the START button. The START button will blink blue. Key in the default code of 3-2-1. Press the START button and it blinks green to indicate that you’ve entered the correct code. You won’t see the green blinking if your parking brake isn’t set.

Press the START button again to start the tractor. Now, if you want to change it to your own 1- to 5-digit code, try this. Press the START button to wake the control. The START button will blink blue. Press and hold the 1 and 3 buttons for 3 seconds. The START button will then turn solid blue. Key in your desired code. We'll use 2-2-2. Press the START button to accept the new code and it will blink green. Press the START button again to start the tractor. The next time you use your tractor, use the new code.

How to unlock the default code

Some tractors have the default code locked so that you can't change it. If you can't get the default code to change, then you'll need to key in a special code to unlock it. Wake the control by pressing the START button. The START button will blink blue. Enter code 1-2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3-1 then press and hold the 1 and 3 buttons at the same time for 3 seconds. The START button turns solid blue. You've now disabled the default code lock. Key in your desired code. This time we'll use 1-1-1. Press the START button and it will blink GREEN. Press the START button again to start the engine. Now that your new code is set, you can get back to mowing.

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Symptoms common to all riding mowers & tractors

Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs.

Main causes: worn or broken blade belt, broken belt idler pulley, blade clutch cable failure, bad PTO switch, damaged mandrel pulleys
Main causes: damaged cutting blade, worn deck pulley, damaged mandrel pulley, loose fasteners on mower deck components
Main causes: faulty battery, bad alternator
Main causes: unlevel mower deck, dull or damaged cutting blades, worn mandrel pulleys, bent mower deck, engine needs tune up
Main causes: worn or broken ground drive belt, bad seat switch, transaxle freewheel control engaged, transaxle failure, dirty carburetor
Main causes: engine overfilled with oil, leaky head gasket or sump gasket, damaged carburetor seals, cracked fuel pump, broken fuel line
Main causes: shift lever needs adjustment, neutral control needs adjustment
Main causes: damaged tie rods, bent or worn wheel spindle, worn front axle, damaged sector gear assembly
Main causes: punctured tire or inner tube, leaky valve stem, damaged wheel rim

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