How to replace a snowblower stop switch

This DIY repair guide gives instructions for replacing the stop switch on a snowblower. The stop switch prevents the engine from starting until you insert the key, and it stops electrical current to the spark plug when you remove the key. Replace the snowblower stop switch with the manufacturer-approved replacement part if the engine runs without the key or if the switch prevents the spark plug from sparking with the key inserted.

This repair procedure works for Craftsman, Bolens, MTD, Troybilt, Huskee and Yard Machines snowblowers.

Instructions

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire

Pull the spark plug wire up and off the plug.

2. Remove the electric starter switch

Remove the mounting screws and pull the starter switch off the bracket.

Let the starter switch hang by the electrical cord.

3. Remove the engine shroud

Remove the key.

Pull off the choke and throttle knobs.

Remove the acorn nuts that secure the carburetor to the engine.

Remove the muffler shroud mounting screws.

Work the engine shroud off the carburetor mounting studs to access the back of the stop switch, leaving the primer hose and breather hose connected.

4. Remove the stop switch

Disconnect the stop switch wires.

Press in the stop switch locking tabs and work the stop switch out of the engine shroud.

5. Install the new stop switch

Push the new stop switch into the engine shroud.

Reconnect the stop switch wires.

6. Reinstall the engine shroud

Pull off the muffler shroud before reinstalling the engine shroud.

Remove the belt cover mounting bolts and pull off the belt cover.

Remove the bolts from the red chute support bracket and pull the support bracket forward, releasing the control rod from the 4-way control rod receiver.

Remove the front muffler shroud mounting bolts.

Release the wire control cables from the retainer clip and pull off the muffler shroud.

Pull the breather hose off the rocker cover and reconnect the breather hose to the fitting on the engine shroud.

Align the choke knob shaft and the 2 carburetor mounting posts with the openings on the engine shroud and work the engine shroud onto the engine. Make sure that the breather hose passes through the opening and lines up with the rocker cover breather hose fitting.

Slide the breather hose over the rocker cover fitting and secure the hose with the clamp.

Reinstall the 2 acorn nuts to secure the engine shroud to the engine.

Slide the wire control cables into the retainer clip and position the muffler shroud on the engine.

Reinstall the muffler shroud mounting bolts.

Push the control rod back into the 4-way control rod receiver and line up the support bracket with the mounting holes.

Reinstall the bolts in the red chute support bracket.

Reinstall the belt cover using the mounting bolts.

Reinstall the choke and throttle knobs.

Tip: Removing the muffler shroud is necessary because the engine shroud fits under the bottom lip of the muffler shroud. You can remove the engine shroud without removing the muffler shroud but the muffler shroud must be removed for reassembly.

7. Reinstall the electric starter switch

Position the electric starter switch on the switch bracket and reinstall the mounting screws.

8. Reconnect the spark plug wire

Reconnect the spark plug wire.

9. Reinstall the key

Push the key into the slot.