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Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless Self Propelled Lawn Mower Randomly Shuts Off

the fiX files

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This video shows how I resolved an issue where my Ryobi 40-volt brushless self propelled lawn mower would randomly turn off. Two different faults were causing this problem in my case. The first was a switch in the handle, and the second was a loose connector in the mower.

Tools used in the video:

Crimping kit from Amazon:
https://amzn.to/48LTpBV

Toggle Switch from Home Depot:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-B...

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20 Comments

@Toktokispoison 1 month ago

This video is a testament to buying something else

@lovestitanic2004 4 months ago

I have the RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 20" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, model RY401180VNM. I started having an issue where the motor would stop or feel like it was jamming, even in moderately tall or light grass. It happened in both self-propelled mode and when pushing it manually. The fix ended up being pretty simple. I opened the handle pivot area and checked the switch wiring. Over time, vibration had loosened the wire connectors. I pushed each connector back in firmly and made sure everything was tight.After that, the mower was back in action again

@DLRVANHALEN 1 month ago

Thank you so much for posting this video!!! My mower had the same 2 issues. Tighted and taped everything up. Happy to say for the first time in 2 years my mower never went out once!!! Usually it does at least 7 times. Thank you!!

@edwardc42899 3 months ago

just had mine randomly die tonight. watched your video, found out a faulty switch and voila we're good as new!

@DCMoPo 12 days ago

Good video demonstration. ThankU

@RamonPonceTX 2 months ago

Great video. You were fun to watch. Had the same issue with my RYOBI mower. It was still under warranty so had it taken care of.

@chrisvrana6773 4 months ago

Thank you sir! I don't have a Ryobi, I have a Hart electric mower. But after watching this video I can see they are the EXACT same design right down to the stupid switches. This was enough to get me past the first hang up.

@wisdomandknowledge9361 3 months ago

I appreciate you taking time out to make this video. I am having similar problem with my 20 inch 40v Ryobi lawnmower and I am considering buy another one (a different brand).

Thank you.

@JimsEquipmentShed 5 months ago

I squished the contacts on mine, and that worked fine.
Unfortunately, the last owner lost the return spring for the safety bar, so I need to find a replacement for that…..

@sarahe4129 3 months ago

Almost skipped the last half. Glad I didn't. Thanks for the tips and the good humor!

@BizzaroBrainBoi 2 days ago

i love my ryobi

@PeterPumpkin-j8s 4 months ago

Great video.

@ladym06 5 months ago

I just bought a Ryobi today and it completely died even though the batteries are half used. It might get returned if it doesn’t work!!!

@kevinmeredith4800 2 months ago

First, thank you for this video, it was very helpful.
What if I fixed the switches and the mower starts every time now, but the blade is spinning at half speed. Any ideas?
The mower is 4 years old

@67wub 10 months ago

I know I'm a little late but I want to thank you for helping me take apart my Xbox one

@streetlegalsprintcar 4 months ago

My key was in place but not snapped down. A quick look made it appear to be fully engaged but I pressed down and it snapped in. Fixed my issue of shutting off while running.

@jamesgabriel1697 1 month ago

Mine is not self propelled, but it shuts down after a row of grass???? Any tips? I am starting to hate this thing!

@BR-gz3cv 2 months ago

Ryobi 40in pusher- same issue. Hope this fix will save my 3yo mower… if not, I’ll never buy Ryobi again- can’t trust the quality.

@arrkerr 2 months ago

Mine was the handle. The crimp on the safety grip bar was just poorly done. It is NOT fun taking that handle apart and getting it back together. But how silly! All I had to do was crimp it a lot harder with a pair of pliers. If it happens again I will just solder it. So easy. Not the best designed machine. I will agree with this video my mind was blown when I took the motor cover off, assuming it was something in there (it wasn't!), and found openings to the deck allowing grass clippings to just come up in the motor area. What a joke! No real mowing company not even Toro, which I also despise, would stoop that low. This is really a first gen attempt at an electric mower from a company that apparently has no idea what it takes to build a reliable machine. That said, it works, so... But thanks to this video I was able to easily pinpoint the issue, again - the handle, and get it back to work and saved hundreds of dollars.

@marrazzowoodworkingdiy8118 4 months ago

Great video. Our self propelled 40W just died after 2 season. Different model but same crappy build I'm sure. I'll follow your video and see if it helps. Thanks