Honda self propelled won't roll backwards.

[TexHal]

Hi all,
I had a Honda HRX216VKA for ~4 years. I liked it so much I bought another one for my 2nd home after my 17 year old Toro died.

So after feeling pretty good about the mowers, my 4 year old Honda won't roll backwards... both rear wheels lock up. I tried adjusting the cable several times and still no luck. While I think the mower is under warrantee, I don't want to be without a mower for 3-4 weeks if I put it into the shop.

Any ideas on the cause & a solution?

Thanks much for any comments!!!!

 

[robert@honda]

Hi all,
I had a Honda HRX216VKA for ~4 years. I liked it so much I bought another one for my 2nd home after my 17 year old Toro died.

So after feeling pretty good about the mowers, my 4 year old Honda won't roll backwards... both rear wheels lock up. I tried adjusting the cable several times and still no luck. While I think the mower is under warrantee, I don't want to be without a mower for 3-4 weeks if I put it into the shop.

Any ideas on the cause & a solution?

Thanks much for any comments!!!!

The VKA was made in different versions, so the troubleshooting will vary a bit for "won't roll backwards." Share the full serial number and I'll post some troubleshooting tips:

 

[TexHal]

Rick,
Thanks for the rapid reply. The serial# I recorded when I purchased it is: MZCG 8536694. Note the lawn mower is ~60 mi away. SO I can't easily check until this Friday....

Things I tried so far are:
. Adjust the cable
. Clean all grass & debris around the rear wheels.
. Look for any obvious issues around the rear axle.
. Remove cover from the transmission and look for any obvious issues.
I didn't see any items except rust on the axle which should be normal.

I put it all back together and backing the lawnmower up is still an issue. Note I have not replaced the transmission fluid so I have not yet run the mower since I did all the above steps.

The mower easily moves forward under self propelled or manual pushing modes.

Any help you can give would be GREAT!!! I purchased the mower on 6/11/2012 so its still within the 3 year residential warrantee. Yet due to all the rain I need to cut the grass every week..... so taking it to the shop would be VERY inconvenient.

 

[robert@honda]

Rick,
Thanks for the rapid reply. The serial# I recorded when I purchased it is: MZCG 8536694.

Okay, that's a "K8" version of the VKA...

Step 1: Get a spring scale and measure the pull-back force. Pulling straight back from the handlebar (engine off, smartdrive released) you should get no more than 13 lbs. of force. 13 or less and it should be okay.

Step 2: If > 13 lbs. of force:
(a) Fully loosen the SmartDrive cable adjuster (turn counter-clockwise as view from the operator's position down toward the mower deck).
(b) Confirm there is no tension on the cable at the control arm on the transmission.
(c) Inspect the control arm spring; replace if missing or broken.
(d) Move the control arm up and remove all slack from the belt. Check the belt guide clearances (2-3mm on the driven pulley, 3-4mm on the drive pulley. If out of spec, replace belt or adjust belt guides.
(e) Adjust SmartDrive cable.

Step 3: Any slippage or clicking sounds when drive engaged on smooth concrete? Check pinions and ratchets on each wheel

Step 4: Disassemble, clean and grease rear adjuster arms, bushings, and rear axle shaft. Recheck smartdrive cable adjustment.