An ignition system for outdoor power equipment driven by a petrol or gasoline engine may include a safety interlock system, a starter motor, a starter solenoid having an activation coil, and a solenoid monitor. The ignition system may be configured to selectively apply power to start the engine based on application of a start attempt. The safety interlock system may be operable to actuate the starter solenoid via the activation coil to apply current to the starter motor for starting the engine during the start attempt. The solenoid monitor may be configured to determine a status of the activation coil and starter solenoid contacts and provide a fault indication based on the status determined.