🔧Appliance

ROPE BROKE

John Deere · JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in.

John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in. ROPE BROKE Error Fix: Pull Cord Snapped

Starter pull cord broke during use. Causes: cord worn from age and UV exposure, recoil spring failure, pulling cord at an angle. Replacement: remove recoil starter housing, wind new cord (typically #5 or #5.5, ~60 inches long), reassemble with proper spring tension. Common DIY repair.

Medium severity2 fixes available

Quick Answer

Error ROPE BROKE on the John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in. means: Pull Cord Snapped. The top-ranked community fix is “Replace Recoil Starter Assembly” (medium difficulty, ~45 min, DIY cost: $15-$25). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · push mower

Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.

When to Call a Professional

While many push mower repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

The repair involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or refrigerant
You've tried the top-ranked fix and the error persists
You smell gas, see sparking, or notice water leaking
The repair requires specialized tools you don't have
Your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $120-$160.

Other John Deere Models with Error ROPE BROKE

JS26 Self-Propelled Mower 190cc 21 in.

push_mower · 2 fixes

Other John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in. Error Codes

BLADE WON'T STOP

Blade Won't Stop When Released

2 fixes

DECK CLOG

Grass Clumping Under Deck

2 fixes

DIES UNDER LOAD

Engine Stalls When Cutting

2 fixes

ENGINE SURGES

Engine Surges or Hunts

Excessive Oil Smoke

Fuel Leaking

Starter Cord Hard to Pull

2 fixes

HIGH VIBRATION

Excessive Vibration

2 fixes

People Also Ask About John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in. Error ROPE BROKE

What does error code ROPE BROKE mean on a John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in.?

Error code ROPE BROKE on the John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in. means: Pull Cord Snapped. Starter pull cord broke during use. Causes: cord worn from age and UV exposure, recoil spring failure, pulling cord at an angle. Replacement: remove recoil starter housing, wind new cord (typically #5 or #5.5, ~60 inches long), reassemble with proper spring tension. Common DIY repair.

How do I fix error code ROPE BROKE on my John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in.?

The most successful fix is "Replace Recoil Starter Assembly" (medium difficulty, ~45 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $15-$25. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code ROPE BROKE on a John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in. serious?

This error is rated medium severity. It should be addressed soon, but your appliance may still function in a limited capacity.

Can I fix John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in. error ROPE BROKE myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Replace Recoil Starter Assembly") is rated medium difficulty and takes about 45 minutes. Tools needed: T25 Torx screwdriver, Needle-nose pliers.

How much does it cost to repair John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in. error ROPE BROKE?

DIY cost: $15-$25. Professional repair typically costs $120-$160. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in. have?

The John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in. has 8 other known error codes, including: BLADE WON'T STOP (Blade Won't Stop When Released), DECK CLOG (Grass Clumping Under Deck), DIES UNDER LOAD (Engine Stalls When Cutting), ENGINE SURGES (Engine Surges or Hunts), EXCESSIVE SMOKE (Excessive Oil Smoke), and 3 more.

Which other John Deere models have the ROPE BROKE error?

Error code ROPE BROKE also appears on 1 other John Deere model: JS26 Self-Propelled Mower 190cc 21 in.. The fix may vary by model, so check each model's specific page for tailored repair steps.

What other error codes does the John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in. have?

The John Deere JS46 Walk-Behind Mower 21 in. has 8 other known error codes:

BLADE WON'T STOP — Blade Won't Stop When Released (2 fixes)
DECK CLOG — Grass Clumping Under Deck (2 fixes)
DIES UNDER LOAD — Engine Stalls When Cutting (2 fixes)
ENGINE SURGES — Engine Surges or Hunts (2 fixes)
EXCESSIVE SMOKE — Excessive Oil Smoke (2 fixes)
FUEL LEAK — Fuel Leaking (2 fixes)
HARD TO PULL — Starter Cord Hard to Pull (2 fixes)
HIGH VIBRATION — Excessive Vibration (2 fixes)

Which other John Deere models have the ROPE BROKE error?

Error code ROPE BROKE also appears on 1 other John Deere model:

JS26 Self-Propelled Mower 190cc 21 in. (push mower) · 2 fixes

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