Starting a snowblower for the first time each winter can be intimidating if you're not sure what all the controls do or what order to follow. Getting the sequence wrong can flood the engine, strain the starter, or leave you standing in the cold pulling a rope that won't budge.
Whether you have a gas-powered or electric snowblower, there's a specific startup process that ensures the engine starts smoothly and runs properly. Most startup issues happen because people skip preparation steps or set controls in the wrong position before trying to fire up the machine.
Here's exactly how to start a snowblower correctly, from prep to ignition.
1. Check oil and fuel before starting
Before you even think about starting the engine, check your snow blower's oil level using the dipstick. It should read "full" — if it's low, add the type of oil specified in your owner's manual.
For gas snowblowers, make sure there's fuel in the tank. Use the fuel type and grade your manufacturer recommends, which is usually regular unleaded gasoline. If the gas in your tank is more than a month old, drain it completely and refill with fresh fuel.
Old gas deteriorates and can gum up the carburetor or damage the engine. This prep step prevents most starting problems before they happen.
2. Set all controls to starting position
With oil and fuel checked, set up the controls in the correct starting sequence. First, make sure all drive controls are in the "off" position — you don't want the snowblower moving while you're trying to start it.
Move the choke to the "full" position. If you just used the machine five minutes ago and it's still warm, set the choke to the halfway "warm" position instead.
Turn the throttle to the "fast" setting, which usually shows a rabbit icon and turn the fuel shutoff valve to "on." Next, press the ignition switch to the "on" position — this typically looks like a light switch. If your snowblower has a safety key, insert it now.
3. Prime the engine
Locate the primer bulb, which is a small dome-shaped button usually on the side of the engine. This circulates fuel to help the engine start. Press it down firmly and release. How many times you press depends on temperature: press twice if it's above 15°F, or press four times if it's colder than that.
If you're restarting the machine within five minutes of using it, skip priming entirely — the engine is already warm and fueled. Over-priming floods the engine and makes it harder to start, so don't press it more times than necessary.
4. Start a gas snowblower with the pull cord
For gas models, grab the starter rope handle and pull gently until you feel resistance. This positions the engine's internal components for starting. Once you feel that resistance, use one swift, steady upward pull to start the engine. Don't yank hard or use multiple weak pulls — one smooth, firm pull works best. The engine should catch and start running.
If it doesn't start on the first pull, wait a few seconds and try again. Once it starts, let the snowblower run for a few minutes to warm up. After it's warmed up, move the choke to the "off" or "run" position. The machine is now ready to use.
5. Start electric snowblowers with the power cord
For electric snowblowers, plug the three-prong power cord into an outlet that matches your machine's voltage requirements (check your manual if you're unsure — most use standard 120V outlets). Press and hold the "start" button for about five seconds, then release. If the engine doesn't start, wait a moment and press again in five-second intervals.
Don't hold the button down continuously or you'll strain the starter motor. Once the engine starts and runs steadily, unplug the power cord from the outlet. Let the snowblower warm up for a few minutes, then switch the choke to the "off" or "run" position. The machine is ready to clear snow.
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