Snowblower Won't Start | Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting
T
Tom Bradley
Certified Small Engine Mechanic, 25+ Years Experience
Snowblower requiring troubleshooting in winter
Snowblower requiring troubleshooting in winter

Nothing is more frustrating than a snowblower that won’t start when snow is piling up. Cold weather adds challenges to small engine starting, but the fundamentals remain the same: fuel, spark, air and compression. This guide covers the most common snowblower starting problems and their solutions.

Table of Contents

Cold Weather Starting Challenges

Cold temperatures create unique challenges for small engines.

Snowblower in winter conditions Cold weather makes starting more difficult

Why Cold Starts Are Harder

  • Thicker oil: Cold oil creates more resistance to cranking
  • Weak batteries: Cold reduces battery capacity significantly
  • Fuel vaporization: Cold fuel doesn’t vaporize as readily
  • Carburetor icing: Moisture can freeze in fuel passages

Pre-Season Preparation Prevents Problems

Most snowblower starting issues stem from improper off-season storage. Address these before the first snow:

  • Drain or stabilize fuel from last season
  • Replace spark plug
  • Check oil level and condition
  • Verify battery charge (electric start models)
  • Test run before you actually need it

Fuel System Issues

Fuel problems cause most snowblower starting failures.

Old Fuel from Last Season

Fuel left in the carburetor over summer creates varnish deposits that clog jets and passages.

Symptoms:

  • Engine cranks but won’t fire
  • Briefly sputters then dies
  • Ran fine last winter, won’t start now

Solutions:

  1. Drain old fuel from tank
  2. Replace with fresh fuel
  3. If still won’t start, clean carburetor

Clogged Carburetor

Varnish from old fuel clogs the tiny passages in the carburetor.

Solution: Remove and clean carburetor, paying attention to main jet, pilot jet and all passages. Consider carburetor rebuild kit for gaskets.

Fuel Line Issues

Cold makes fuel lines brittle. Cracked or collapsed lines prevent fuel delivery.

Check: Inspect lines for cracks, especially at connection points. Ensure fuel flows when disconnected from carburetor.

Primer Problems

Many snowblowers use primer bulbs to deliver fuel for cold starting.

Check:

  • Primer bulb cracks (won’t hold suction)
  • Primer line blockage
  • Primer delivery to carburetor

Fuel system inspection Check fuel system components for damage

Ignition Problems

Spark Plug Issues

Cold and moisture affect spark plugs.

Check:

  1. Remove spark plug
  2. Inspect for fouling, damage, corrosion
  3. Test for spark (ground plug against engine, pull starter)
  4. Replace if questionable

Cold weather tip: Gap spark plugs slightly tighter (0.025” instead of 0.030”) for stronger spark in cold conditions.

Ignition Coil

Cold can affect ignition coil performance, especially in aging units.

Symptoms:

  • No spark with new plug
  • Weak or intermittent spark

Kill Switch

Moisture and corrosion can affect kill switch function.

Test: Disconnect kill switch wire. If engine starts, repair or replace switch.

Electric Start Issues

Electric start snowblowers add convenience but introduce additional failure points.

Dead Battery

Cold dramatically reduces battery capacity. A battery showing 12.6V at 70°F may only deliver 50% capacity at 0°F.

Solutions:

  • Charge battery before season
  • Store battery indoors in extreme cold
  • Use battery maintainer during off-season
  • Replace weak batteries preemptively

Starter Motor Problems

Symptoms:

  • Clicking but no cranking
  • Slow cranking
  • No response

Check:

  • Battery voltage and connections
  • Starter motor connections
  • Starter motor operation

Recoil Backup

Most electric start snowblowers have manual recoil backup. If electric start fails, use manual start while troubleshooting electrical issues.

Electric start components Electric start systems require charged batteries

Proper Starting Procedure

Correct starting technique matters, especially in cold weather.

Cold Start Procedure

  1. Check fuel: Ensure fresh fuel in tank
  2. Check oil: Verify proper level
  3. Set choke: Full choke (closed)
  4. Prime: 3-5 primer bulb presses
  5. Throttle: Set to FAST or START position
  6. Start: Pull recoil or engage electric start
  7. Adjust choke: Move to half, then off as engine warms

Warm Engine Start

  1. Choke OFF
  2. Throttle to RUN
  3. Start immediately

Flooded Engine Recovery

If you smell strong fuel odor:

  1. Choke OFF
  2. Throttle FULL
  3. Pull starter 10-15 times
  4. Return to normal starting procedure

Seasonal Maintenance

Prevent next year’s problems with proper end-of-season care.

End of Season

  1. Fuel: Run dry or add stabilizer and run to circulate
  2. Oil: Change if due
  3. Spark plug: Inspect, replace if worn
  4. Battery: Charge fully, store properly
  5. Clean: Remove debris and dry
  6. Store: Cover and store in dry location

Start of Season

  1. Check all fluids
  2. Verify fuel freshness
  3. Test start before first use
  4. Check all controls and safety features

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my snowblower start after sitting all summer?

Old fuel in the carburetor is the most common cause. Drain old fuel, add fresh and try again. If still won’t start, the carburetor likely needs cleaning.

Can I use starting fluid on my snowblower?

Yes, sparingly. A quick spray into the air intake can help diagnose fuel vs. ignition problems. Don’t rely on it regularly—it can damage engines and indicates underlying problems.

How do I know if my snowblower battery is bad?

Test voltage with a multimeter. Fully charged should read 12.6V or higher. If it won’t hold charge or reads low, replace it. Cold weather reveals weak batteries.

Why does my snowblower only run on choke?

The carburetor isn’t delivering enough fuel on normal settings. Clean the carburetor, focusing on the main jet and fuel passages.

How often should I change snowblower spark plugs?

Replace annually or every 100 hours. Fresh plugs ensure reliable cold-weather starting.

Why does my snowblower start then die?

Usually fuel delivery issues. Check fuel filter, fuel lines and carburetor. The bowl may have enough fuel to start, but clogged jets prevent sustained running.

  • Ariens Snowblower Support (ariens.com)
  • Toro Snowblower Help (toro.com)
  • Honda Snow Equipment (honda.com)

Last updated: January 2026

snowblower wont start troubleshooting