Repair help
Snow Blower Won’t Start? Why and How to Fix It
AAZparts Team
Updated on November 27, 2025
7 min read
There’s nothing worse than waking up to fresh snow, only to find your snow blower won’t start. Fortunately, most of these issues are easy to diagnose and fix at home with a little know-how and the right parts. In this guide, AZParts will walk you through the most common causes and quick fixes, so you can get back to clearing snow in no time.
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1. Snow Blower Won’t Start? Reasons and Quick Fixes
When your snow blower refuses to start, especially right before a heavy snowfallit can be frustrating. Fortunately, many common issues have simple fixes. Here's a breakdown of the most likely causes and how you can quickly get your snow blower running again:
1.1. Fuel-related issues
Reason: One common reason your snowblower not starting is stale or old fuel. Over time, fuel can degrade and leave residues that clog the small jets inside your snow blower’s carburetor. This prevents proper fuel flow and makes it difficult or impossible for the engine to start.
How to Fix It:
- Run the engine dry before storage: If you know your snow blower will sit unused for a while, run it until the fuel tank and carburetor are empty. This prevents fuel from going stale and forming deposits.
- Use a fuel stabilizer: For longer-term protection, add a fuel stabilizer to a full tank, then run the engine for a few minutes. This circulates the treated fuel throughout the system, preventing moisture, gum, and corrosion from damaging the carburetor.
Closing the fuel valve and letting the engine run until it shuts off helps prevent the buildup of rubber and varnish over time (Source: AZParts)
1.2. Ignition system problems
Reason: If your snowblower not starting, the ignition system is often the culprit. A faulty spark plug especially one that is fouled, corroded, or loose can prevent the engine from sparking and starting properly. Sometimes, the problem is as simple as the On/Off switch being in the “Off” position.
How to Fix It:
- Inspect the spark plug: Remove the spark plug and check for damage, corrosion, or carbon buildup.
- Clean or replace: Clean any deposits with a wire brush or replace the spark plug if it is worn out.
- Check spark plug gap and connection: Make sure the spark plug gap matches the manufacturer’s specifications and that the spark plug wire is firmly connected.
- Verify the On/Off switch: Ensure the switch is set to “On,” a step often overlooked that can save you unnecessary troubleshooting.
The first thing you should check when your snowblower won't start is the spark plug (Source: IStock)
1.3. Mechanical failures
Reason: Cold weather can impact more than just your hands, it can also make your snowblower not starting properly. Thickened oil, a seized piston, or a stuck snow blower starter cord are common issues after your snow blower has sat idle for months. These mechanical problems make it difficult for the engine to turn over smoothly.
How to Fix It:
- Check your oil: Use low-viscosity oils like SAE 5W-30 or synthetic oils designed for winter. These flow better in freezing temperatures, reducing strain on the engine.
- Manually rotate the engine: If the engine feels locked, try turning it slowly by hand to loosen internal components.
- Inspect the starter assembly: Examine the recoil starter cord for damage or improper retraction. Replace the assembly if necessary to ensure smooth starting.
Check that you are using the correct type of oil or not (Source: AZParts)
1.4. Maintenance and storage errors
Reason: Improper snow blower maintenance and storage are common causes of snowblower not starting. Leaving fuel in the tank without a stabilizer can clog the carburetor, while old oil or exposure to moisture can damage engine components. Dust, pests, or rust during off-season storage can also interfere with proper startup.
How to Fix It:
- Use a fuel stabilizer: Before storing your snow blower, add a fuel stabilizer to a full tank and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the treated fuel.
- Replace the oil: Change the engine oil before storage to prevent degradation and corrosion.
- Store in a dry, covered area: Keep the snow blower in a sheltered location to protect it from moisture and rust.
- Use a protective cover: A proper snow blower cover shields the machine from dust, moisture, and pests, ensuring the air intake and internal parts remain clean.
You should add fuel stabilizer, run the engine briefly and replace the oil (Source: IStock)
1.5. Electrical issues
Reason: Electrical problems can prevent your snowblower not starting, especially in models with electric start or battery-powered systems. Loose connections, corroded terminals, or a dead battery can stop the engine from receiving power, even if the pull cord still works.
How to Fix It:
- Check the power source: Ensure the outlet is working and the power cord is fully connected.
- Inspect the battery: If your snow blower uses a battery, try charging it fully or replacing it if it no longer holds a charge.
- Examine wiring and terminals: Look for signs of corrosion, looseness, or damage and clean or tighten as needed.
- Test the pull cord: If the pull cord works but the electric start does not, the issue is likely isolated to the electric start system itself.
If trying to start the engine with a pull cord works, then the problem is definitely with the electric starting system and not the engine (Source: Freepik)
1.6. Air Intake or Choke Issues
Reason: A common reason your snowblower not starting is improper airflow. A clogged air filter or incorrect choke setting can prevent the engine from starting or cause it to stall shortly after ignition. Rodents or insects may even build nests inside the air intake during storage, further restricting airflow.
How to Fix It:
- Check the choke: When starting from cold, ensure the choke is fully closed, then gradually open it as the engine warms up.
- Inspect the air intake: Look for blockages caused by dust, debris, or pests. Remove any obstructions to allow proper airflow.
- Clean or replace the air filter: A clean air filter improves engine performance and prevents common starting issues.
Inspect the air intake for any blockages (Source: AZParts)
2. FAQs about Snow Blower Won’t Start
2.1. Why won't my snow blower start?
There isn’t just one reason. A snow blower might not start due to stale gas, a dirty or clogged carburetor, a bad spark plug, incorrect choke settings, or even old engine oil that’s thickened in cold temperatures. If your machine has an electric start, it could also be an issue with a dead battery or a faulty switch. The key is to check the basics first: fuel, spark, and airflow. Nine times out of ten, the culprit is something simple and fixable.
See more: How to Clean A Snow Blower Carburetor
2.2. What to do when the blower won't start?
Start with a quick checklist:
- Fuel: Is it fresh? Has a stabilizer been used if it’s been sitting for a while?
- Spark: Pull the spark plug, check for fouling, clean or replace it if needed.
- Choke & Throttle: Make sure the choke is set correctly for cold starts and that the throttle is open.
- Primer bulb: Press it 3–5 times before starting.
- Battery (for electric models): Try using the pull start if the button does nothing, this helps confirm if the issue is electrical.
- If all else fails, try draining the carburetor bowl to clear out old or water-contaminated fuel. A little maintenance goes a long way.
2.3. How do you know if you flooded your snowblower?
You’ll usually smell raw gas, and the engine may sound like it’s trying but just won’t catch. If you’ve pressed the primer bulb too many times or used the choke for too long, you may have flooded the engine with excess fuel.
2.4. How do you unclog a carburetor on a snowblower?
Unclogging a carburetor can sound intimidating, but it’s manageable with a little care. First, make sure the gas tank is empty or the fuel valve is shut off. Then:
- Remove the carburetor bowl underneath the carb body (usually held on by one bolt).
- Clean out any sludge, debris, or water in the bowl.
- Use a carburetor cleaner spray to clean all jets and small openings.
- If you're comfortable, remove the float and needle to get deeper access.
- Reassemble everything carefully, making sure all gaskets and seals are in place.
- Sometimes, if the clog is too severe, it’s easier and more cost-effective to replace.
When your snow blower won’t start, it’s often something simple, a bit of old gas, a dirty spark plug, or a forgotten choke setting. With the right troubleshooting steps, you can save time, money, and frustration on cold mornings. And if it turns out your machine needs more than a quick fix, AZParts is your go-to source for quality snow blower replacement parts, expert support, and fast shipping. Don't let a stubborn blower slow you down, get it running right, and take on the snow with confidence.
Contact information:
- 8 The Green, Ste A, Dover, Delaware 19901-3618, United States
- support@azparts.com
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