A Stihl chainsaw that feels like the choke isn’t working usually has a choke-linkage or switch mechanism problem, not just a fuel issue. A common cause is the choke/on-off lever or its contact spring slipping out of place, which makes the control feel wrong or stop latching properly.

Likely causes

  • The choke lever is sticking, loose, or not engaging fully.
  • The throttle interlock is not releasing the choke mechanism the way it should.
  • The switch/spring contact is misaligned under the top cover, which can make the lever feel “off” or half-choked.
  • If the saw is hard to start or bogs, fuel mix, carburetor, or a clogged air passage may also be involved.

What to check first

  1. Remove the top cover and inspect the choke lever and throttle trigger linkage.
  2. Look for a spring or contact piece sitting out of position near the switch mechanism.
  3. Check whether the choke moves cleanly through off, half-choke, and full-choke positions.
  4. Inspect the air filter and spark plug while you’re there.
  5. If the lever feels physically broken or won’t stay in position, the control assembly may need repair or replacement.

When it’s probably not the choke

If the choke actually works but the saw still won’t start, the problem is often fuel delivery, spark, or carburetor-related rather than the choke itself. If it starts on choke but dies off choke, that can point to a lean fuel issue, blocked carb passage, or dirty filter.

Practical note

On many Stihl saws, the choke can feel broken when the real issue is a small linkage or spring out of alignment under the cover. If you tell me the exact model number, I can narrow it down to the most likely part and the usual fix.