Homelite Hedge Trimmer Won T Start [Reasons & Fixes]

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

There’s nothing more frustrating than a hedge trimmer that won’t start. You’re ready to tackle that overgrown hedge, but your tool is letting you down. Not only is it an inconvenience, but it can also be dangerous. A non-functioning hedge trimmer can lead to accidents, such as cuts or falls.

If you’re dealing with a Homelite hedge trimmer that won’t start, don’t despair. This guide will help you troubleshoot the issue and get your trimmer back up and running in no time.

Why Homelite Hedge Trimmer Won T Start

No spark

Faulty spark plug
Loose or damaged spark plug wire
Clogged fuel filter
Dirty carburetor
Bad fuel
Faulty ignition switch
Faulty CDI unit

Engine flooded

Choke is on
Too much oil in the fuel mixture
Engine not running long enough to clear flood

Engine seized

Low oil level
Overheating
Foreign object in the engine

Other causes

Bad air filter
Worn or damaged belts
Bad starter motor

How to Troubleshoot: Homelite Hedge Trimmer Won’t Start

Symptoms

There are a few different symptoms that you may experience if your Homelite hedge trimmer won’t start. These include:

The trimmer won’t turn on at all.
The trimmer turns on, but the engine doesn’t start.
The trimmer starts, but it dies immediately.
The trimmer starts, but it runs rough.

Causes

There are a number of different things that could cause your Homelite hedge trimmer to not start. These include:

A dirty or clogged air filter.
A bad spark plug.
A faulty fuel line.
A problem with the carburetor.
A problem with the ignition switch.

Troubleshooting

To troubleshoot the problem with your Homelite hedge trimmer, you will need to first identify the cause. Here are a few steps to help you do this:

1. Check the air filter:
If the air filter is dirty or clogged, it can restrict airflow to the engine, which can prevent it from starting. To check the air filter, remove it from the trimmer and inspect it for dirt or debris. If the air filter is dirty, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Check the spark plug:
A bad spark plug can also prevent the engine from starting. To check the spark plug, remove it from the engine and inspect it for damage. If the spark plug is damaged, replace it with a new one.3. Check the fuel line:
A faulty fuel line can prevent the engine from getting enough fuel to start. To check the fuel line, inspect it for cracks or leaks. If you find any damage, replace the fuel line.

4. Check the carburetor:
A problem with the carburetor can also prevent the engine from starting. To check the carburetor, you will need to remove it from the engine and inspect it for damage. If you find any damage, you will need to have the carburetor repaired or replaced.

5. Check the ignition switch:
A problem with the ignition switch can also prevent the engine from starting. To check the ignition switch, turn the key to the On position and listen for a clicking sound. If you do not hear a clicking sound, the ignition switch may be faulty.

Solutions

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can then fix it. Here are a few solutions to common problems with Homelite hedge trimmers:

Dirty or clogged air filter:

To clean the air filter, remove it from the trimmer and rinse it with warm water. Be sure to dry the air filter completely before reinstalling it.

Bad spark plug:

To replace the spark plug, remove the old spark plug from the engine and install a new one. Be sure to tighten the spark plug to the correct torque.

Faulty fuel line:

To replace the fuel line, disconnect the old fuel line from the engine and install a new one. Be sure to tighten the fuel line connections securely.

Problem with the carburetor:

If you have a problem with the carburetor, you will need to have it repaired or replaced by a qualified technician.

Problem with the ignition switch:

If you have a problem with the ignition switch, you will need to replace it. You can purchase a replacement ignition switch from a Homelite dealer or online retailer.

Prevention

You can help prevent problems with your Homelite hedge trimmer by following these tips:

Keep the air filter clean:
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can prevent it from starting. To keep the air filter clean, rinse it with warm water every few months.

Replace the spark plug regularly:
A bad spark plug can prevent the engine from starting. To prevent this problem, replace the spark plug every year or 250 hours of operation.

Check the fuel line regularly:
A faulty fuel line can prevent the engine from getting enough fuel to start. To prevent this problem, inspect the fuel line for cracks or leaks every few months.

Have the carburetor serviced regularly:
A problem with the carburetor can prevent the engine from starting. To prevent this problem, have the carburetor serviced every year or 250 hours of operation.

Use the correct fuel:
Using the wrong fuel can damage the engine and cause it to not start. Be sure to use the type of fuel specified in the owner’s manual.

By following these tips, you can help prevent problems with your Homelite hedge trimmer and keep it running smoothly

Also Read THis: Husqvarna Hedge Trimmer Won T Start

FAQs: Homelite Hedge Trimmer Won’t Start

Why won’t my Homelite hedge trimmer start?

There are a few possible reasons why your Homelite hedge trimmer won’t start. Here are some of the most common:

The trimmer is out of gas: Make sure that the trimmer is filled with gas and that the gas valve is turned on.

The trimmer is not getting spark: Check the spark plug and make sure that it is in good condition and properly gapped.

The trimmer is flooded: If the trimmer has been sitting for a long time, it may be flooded. Try to clear the carburetor by turning the choke off and then on again.

The trimmer’s engine is seized: If the trimmer’s engine is seized, it will not start. You will need to take the trimmer to a qualified technician to have it repaired.

What should I do if my Homelite hedge trimmer won’t start?

If your Homelite hedge trimmer won’t start, here are a few things you can try:

Check the trimmer’s fuel level: Make sure that the trimmer is filled with gas and that the gas valve is turned on.

Check the spark plug: Remove the spark plug and check to make sure that it is in good condition and properly gapped.

Clear the carburetor: If the trimmer has been sitting for a long time, it may be flooded. Try to clear the carburetor by turning the choke off and then on again.

Take the trimmer to a qualified technician: If the trimmer’s engine is seized, it will not start. You will need to take the trimmer to a qualified technician to have it repaired.

How can I prevent my Homelite hedge trimmer from not starting?

Here are a few tips to help you prevent your Homelite hedge trimmer from not starting:

Keep the trimmer’s fuel tank full: A full fuel tank will help to prevent the trimmer from running out of gas and stalling.

Clean the spark plug regularly: A dirty spark plug can cause the trimmer to not start.

Clear the carburetor regularly: If the carburetor becomes clogged, it can prevent the trimmer from starting.

Store the trimmer in a cool, dry place: Storing the trimmer in a warm, humid environment can cause the engine to seize.

What are the signs that my Homelite hedge trimmer needs to be serviced?

Here are a few signs that your Homelite hedge trimmer needs to be serviced:

The trimmer is not starting.
The trimmer is running rough.
The trimmer is losing power.
The trimmer is smoking.
The trimmer is leaking oil.

How can I service my Homelite hedge trimmer?

You can service your Homelite hedge trimmer yourself or you can take it to a qualified technician. Here are a few things that you can do to service your trimmer:

Check the trimmer’s air filter: A dirty air filter can cause the trimmer to run rough or lose power.

Change the trimmer’s oil: The oil in your trimmer should be changed regularly to keep the engine running smoothly.

Sharpen the trimmer’s blades: Dull blades can make it difficult to trim your hedges and shrubs.

Inspect the trimmer’s belts: Worn belts can cause the trimmer to not start or run properly.

About The Author

I am John, and I am the creator of this website. I have been in the woodworking industry for about 5 years. I developed my passion for DIY projects around the house when I was in high school. I have discovered a new appreciation for those who have the experience to pass along their expertise. They know what works best and are able to help others. I am proud to be among them.

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