Brand: Makita
Category: Power Tool
Document Type: Manual
Language: EN
Available Languages: EN , ES
Manual for PLM4616
Uploaded: Nov. 21, 2025, 8:55 p.m.
Manual Publish Date: 2012-07-31
Warranty Information
This product is warranted for 12 months from the date of purchase by the first user.
Starting the Engine
- Ensure the spark plug wire is properly connected.
- Press the primer bulb 3-5 times.
- Set the choke lever according to engine temperature (closed for cold start, open for warm start).
- Grasp and hold the brake control handle against the upper handle.
- Pull the starter handle rapidly to start the engine. Release it slowly once the engine starts.
- Release the brake control handle to stop the engine and blade.
Operation
- Always hold the brake handle firmly with both hands during operation.
- Releasing the brake handle stops the engine and mower.
Stopping the Engine
- Release the brake control handle.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire.
Self-Propelled Operation (PLM4618 only)
- Grip the self-drive control handle to move forward. Release to stop.
Height Adjustment
- Stop the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire before adjusting height.
- Use the central height adjustment lever for 7 different positions.
- Squeeze the lever towards the wheel and move up or down.
Troubleshooting and error codes
| PROBLEM | PROBABLE CAUSE | CORRECTIVE ACTION |
|---|---|---|
| Engine does not start. | Throttle choke not in the correct position for the prevailing conditions. | Move throttle choke to correct position. |
| Fuel tank is empty. | Fill tank with fuel: refer to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL. | |
| Air cleaner element is dirty. | Clean air cleaner element: refer to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL. | |
| Spark plug loose. | Tighten spark plug to 25-30 Nm. | |
| Spark plug wire loose or disconnected from plug. | Install spark plug wire on spark plug. | |
| Spark plug gap is incorrect. | Set gap between electrodes at 0.7 to 0.8 mm. | |
| Spark plug is defective. | Install new, correctly gapped plug: refer to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL. | |
| Carburetor is flooded with fuel. | Remove air cleaner element and pull starter rope continuously until carburetor clears itself and install air cleaner element. | |
| Engine difficult to start or loses power. | Faulty ignition module. | Contact the service agent. |
| Dirt, water, or stale fuel tank. | Drain fuel and clean tank. Fill tank with clean, fresh fuel. | |
| Vent hole in fuel tank cap is plugged. | Clean or replace fuel tank cap. | |
| Air cleaner element is dirty. | Clean air cleaner element. | |
| Engine operates erratically. | Spark plug is defective. | Install new, correctly gapped plug: refer to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL. |
| Spark plug gap is incorrect. | Set gap between electrodes at 0.7 to 0.8 mm. | |
| Air cleaner element is dirty. | Clean air cleaner element: refer to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL. | |
| Engine idles poorly. | Air cleaner element is dirty. | Clean air cleaner element: refer to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL. |
| Engine skips at high speed. | Air slots in engine shroud are blocked. | Remove debris from shots. |
| Cooling fins and air passages under engine blower housing are blocked. | Remove debris from cooling fins and air passages. | |
| Engine overheats. | Gap between electrodes of spark plug is too close. | Set gap between electrodes at 0.7 to 0.8 mm. |
| Cooling air flow is restricted. | Remove any debris from slots in shroud, blower housing, air passages. | |
| Incorrect spark plug. | Install RJ19LM spark plug and cooling fins on engine. | |
| Mower vibrates abnormally. | Cutting assembly is loose. | Tighten blade. |
| Cutting assembly is unbalanced. | Balance blade. |