HRX217YVA Roto Stop issue

Hi All,

Just got a new HRX217VYA from PED this week. I think it might need a cable adjustment or might be defective but want to check here first to see if I am missing anything. This is a new model but I figure the parts are probably close, if not the same as the other models.

Today I tried to start it for the first time and it fired up on the first pull, no issues there. I let it run for 6-7 minutes and tried to engage the blades. I have read the instructions and watched some videos so don't think I am missing anything.

I press and hold the button down on the Roto Stop control box and pull the lever towards me. The lever at first has some tension and then it releases quickly while making a metal popping sound from the control box. The blades never spin up.

The control box has a few small holes on the side and I can see a hook drop down when I press the button. I can see the hook latch on to the lever and when I pull the lever, the hook unlatches from the lever. I never release the Roto Stop button. Is this hook spring loaded and the cable needs adjustment or is this thing broken?

Thanks for any help.