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Learn How to Bypass a Kill Switch on a Snowblower with 4 Helpful Steps

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A snow blower is a tool used to get rid of excess snow from unwanted areas such as driveways, sidewalks, roads, railway tracks, yards, gardens, etc. a snowblower usually works on electric power or a gasoline or diesel engine.

Snowblowers range in various sizes that can remove snow between a few inches to a few feet. Keep reading the article to learn how to bypass a kill switch on a snowblower.

Heavy-duty equipment, a snowblower has numerous safety features to ensure the equipment runs smoothly without any injuries or damage. One such feature is a kill switch that automatically shutdowns the snowblower.

However, this feature can be more of a nuisance when working. So, if your kill switch keeps shutting off the snowblower, do not feel annoyed. We are here to teach you how to bypass a kill switch on a snowblower with our helpful guide.

What Is the Purpose of A Kill Switch?

A kill switch is a safety feature installed in various heavy-duty equipment. The function of a kill switch is to shut down the equipment in case of emergencies. There may be numerous reasons for the kill switch to emergency shutdown. Some reasons are:

  • Overheating of the equipment
  • Clogging of a part
  • Contact with a hard object such as stones
  • Low power or fuel
  • High voltage

These reasons can automatically trigger the kill switch, which in turn causes the machinery to shut down completely. However, this feature is intended for the safety of the owner and equipment. It helps to protect from any damages to the equipment and avoid injuries to the owner.

Kill Switch on A Snowblower

A snow blower is a machine used to clear snow from the ground. It can be found in most places with heavy snowfall. The machine can be time-consuming and difficult to use if you don’t know how to use it properly.

The kill switch is an important safety feature that should not be tampered with, but sometimes it might need to be bypassed.

A kill switch can often become a hindrance to your workflow. Constant hindrance and stopping may decrease work efficiency and can be frustrating.

We are here to help you if you decide, after careful consideration, to eliminate this nuisance. With our simple guide, learn how to bypass the kill switch of a snowblower like a pro!

4 Steps On How To Bypass a Kill Switch On A Snowblower

These 5 steps will easily help you bypass a kill switch on a snowblower.

1.      Read the Manual

Your snowblower manual has enough information. Some snow blowers will even have pictures explaining how to adjust the switches and valves before use. Make sure the settings are set according to manufacturer specifications, or it can be unsafe.

2.      Turn Off the Engine

 it’s important to turn off its engine before disconnecting the kill switch to ensure that you don’t accidentally start the snowblower. So, turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.

3.      Identify the Kill Switch

There are many ways to identify a kill switch on a snowblower. One way is to check for a key or button on the machine that turns it off. If there is no key or button, you can look for a safety switch to turn it off if pulled back and released.

There are also kill switches that are activated by the operator’s motion. These switches will not turn off unless an operator stops moving abruptly or releases the handles.

4.      Disconnect The Wires

You can bypass the kill switch by simply taking off its wires. Unscrew and remove any bolts holding down the cover plate. Also, remove any screws that may be attached to the kill switch.

Common Issues Of Snowblower

The snowblower may stop for various reasons other than a kill switch. But it is hard to know what is wrong with the machine exactly. It could be the starter cord, the gas tank, or bad spark plug wires.

However, before you call a maintenance specialist and spend money on a new snowblower, you should try to diagnose the problem yourself.

You should not worry if your snowblower stops, as we will list common issues that you can easily check. Here are the common issues with a snowblower machine.

Interrupted Power Supply

If the snowblower doesn’t turn on, one of your spark plugs isn’t working properly. Look for anything odd such as cracks or damage. Check if the plug is at fault with the help of a tester. If you notice a sharp spark when cranking your engine, it means your spark plug is okay.

If you see none or a weak spark, this could mean that the plug needs replacing or the ignition coil is faulty.

Starter Cord Issue

If your snow blower will not start and you have checked all other possible issues, something is likely wrong with the starter cord. It is important to check the battery and the power cord before you start troubleshooting. If the battery is discharged, then the snowblower will not work.

The power cord may be loose and not plugged in properly or damaged. Check for any damage on the cord and plug it in securely. Ensure that you are using the right power outlet for your snowblower and not using a plug adapter.

Old Fuel

When storing your snowblower for the winter, check that there are no traces of old fuel. If there is, drain the tank by detaching the hose between the tank and carburetor. You can drain the gas from the fuel tank into a drain pan and dispose of it.

By removing the carburetor bowl, you can drain remnant fuel from the carburetor. Clean it and replace the gasket when finished.

Clogged Carburetor

Leaving gas in your snow blower for too long or allowing old fuel to evaporate will result in clogged carburetors. Stale gas can also leave behind a sticky residue. When your carburetor is clogged with sticky fuel, you cannot start your machine. If a carburetor cleaner doesn’t work, you’ll need to rebuild or replace your carburetor.

Routine Maintenance

When starting your snow blower in the morning, it is best to check the following things: fuel, making sure the auger is clear, and setting up all the switches and valves.

We recommend hiring a professional for any problems with your snowblower that you cannot fix yourself or if you aren’t a DIY person. The manufacturer or the store where you bought your snowblower can instruct you on how to proceed if your snowblower is still under warranty.

However, if repair estimates are likely to be high and your machine has been around for quite a few years, it may be time to upgrade.


Conclusion

A snowblower can be a great investment if you live in a snowy area. It can help you get through the winter with less trouble.

However, if you don’t know how to use it properly, it might end up causing more trouble than it’s worth. This guide explained how to bypass a kill switch on a snowblower so that your machine is always ready for use when you need it.

You are welcome to leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions!