Max 28 won't start

[oafdawg]

Max 28 shuttle won't start. New battery early summer, new ground cable and all terminals clean. I was able to start it by jumping the solenoid terminals with a remote starter switch last month, but now it'll turn over but won't fire. There's no power coming to the two smaller wires, black and red, going to the solenoid/starter when turning the key. The NGK glow plug controller buzzed a few times, but now there's no noise coming from it. No dash lights. no headlights, turn signals, everything is dead. Main fuse is OK along with the solenoid fuse. Does the glow plug controller supply power to everything or does it just run the glow plugs? Any ideas?

 

[LittleBill21]

i would start at the battery, and see if you have voltage to the fuse box.

 

[s219]

These tractors have had a range of problems with wiring, often moisture/corrosion damage to the wiring harness at connectors. You'll need to start poking around to find the problem.

 

[Roadworthy]

To answer your question - the glow plug controller probably powers just the glow plugs. With the cooler weather you probably need functioning glow plugs to start the engine from cold. If your starter rotates the engine and you have fuel at the injection pump you should start - assuming you also have a clean air filter. If your fuel filter is clogged or something is preventing fuel from flowing from the tank you'll get no start. Most newer tractors also have a fuel shutoff solenoid. Make sure yours is opening. If it stays closed you'll get no fuel to the engine.

 

[oafdawg]

Found the problem. The wiring harness on the right side under the dash collects water and of course the main hot wire splits into three wires right at the bottom where it bends and enters the engine compartment. It's just a crimp connection and the water in the harness causes it to corrode and eat the wires at the connection. Absolutely the worst place you could put such a connection.

 

[LittleBill21]

interesting failure, does your tractor live outside?

 

[s219]

Found the problem. The wiring harness on the right side under the dash collects water and of course the main hot wire splits into three wires right at the bottom where it bends and enters the engine compartment. It's just a crimp connection and the water in the harness causes it to corrode and eat the wires at the connection. Absolutely the worst place you could put such a connection.

How about that. The frequent wiring problems we see on the Max models never cease to amaze me, it's like a plague. They really did a crappy job with the wiring harness. I've seen better wiring on used boats!

 

[LittleBill21]

How about that. The frequent wiring problems we see on the Max models never cease to amaze me, it's like a plague. They really did a crappy job with the wiring harness. I've seen better wiring on used boats!

I spoke to probably 15 dealers back in the day, they said by far the Max line was their best model in terms of reliability. Your the first to talk about wiring issues, outside of a glow plug wire that melts.

i've been here since 15, and I prolly could count on one hand wiring issues for max that I have seen. where are you seeing all these issues?

 

[s219]

I spoke to probably 15 dealers back in the day, they said by far the Max line was their best model in terms of reliability. Your the first to talk about wiring issues, outside of a glow plug wire that melts.

i've been here since 15, and I prolly could count on one hand wiring issues for max that I have seen. where are you seeing all these issues?

I don't own a Mahindra but am aware of the problem because it affected my neighbor's Max 28 several times going back to 2012, and then I noticed a pattern here on the forum. Offhand, I feel like we see 3-4 new threads every year about the issues. It can affect any of the wiring connectors in the harness, but some are more prone to issues than others (fuel shutoff solenoid connector is a common one, which is often mis-diagnosed as a fuel issue when it's really a wiring problem).

The search feature here isn't great, but here are a few threads that turned up in a quick search:

Max26 shutoff solenoid wiring issue

Long story, but my max26 had major issues, eventually traced to all 3 poles on the shutoff solenoid plug being hot... mechanic friend took the wiring harness, found 4 wires fused together, and 'repaired" it for me. After reinstalling the wiring harness, I replaced the solenoid only to...

www.tractorbynet.com

Mahindra Max 26XL Fuel Shut off

Hi, I`m having some issues with a fuel shut off solenoid. At first I could turn the tractor over but would not fire up, no issues with neutral switches. After trying several times it would just kill the battery, charge it back up and no luck. Tapped the solenoid with a wrench next time when...

www.tractorbynet.com

Check this connection on your tractors!

Not sure what all models this affects but from what ive read its a bunch. Mines a 2017 max 26xl. Pull your panels off around the steering column and the right side metal cover. Theres a wiring harness that bends down under the firewall area. Open it up right where it bends. For what ever reason...

www.tractorbynet.com

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...ms/threads/max-22-fuel-solenoid-again.412596/

110 hrs max 25 - dies after start

just got in and posting this - even before i look on the threads. Been a long dy and now frustrated. worked on the tractor for about an hr - shutdown for maybe 20' to take care of a new pup - just lost my best buddy a couple of weeks ago. went to start it - started - no probleem - got a...

www.tractorbynet.com

Mahindra Max28XL Starting Problem

My 2012 Max28XL will not run after I release the key from the cranking position. It will run as long as I hold the key in the cranking position. I did this once before but after several tries, it kept running. Ignition switch is good because when in the on position, dash gauges come on the...

www.tractorbynet.com

Mahindra Max 28 electrical

Guess there is a problem with my tractor. She won't start Left it outside the other day to wash the dirt off of the tires and clean it- it was quite dirty. After it dried off I waxed it, 'It is my first NEW engine powered anything'. Having worked on old tired junk my whole life I have learned...

www.tractorbynet.com

2012 Mahindra Max 22 Will Not Start, Electrical Problems. Not Safety Switch Related.

I am having electrical issues with my 2012 Mahindra Max 22 HST. Dealer is closed today, and I do not have a service manual. Why you cannot purchase an electronic version of these online is beyond me. Anyways, I was hoping to maybe get some help while waiting for the dealer to open. Issues are...

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[LittleBill21]

hmm, guess i will go look at this wiring, mine is garage kept, but better to catch it early Thanks for the links

 

[oafdawg]

interesting failure, does your tractor live outside?

Most of the time. Several others have had the same problem. It only takes one good rain to get water in there as there's no way for it to drain.

 

[oafdawg]

I spoke to probably 15 dealers back in the day, they said by far the Max line was their best model in terms of reliability. Your the first to talk about wiring issues, outside of a glow plug wire that melts.

i've been here since 15, and I prolly could count on one hand wiring issues for max that I have seen. where are you seeing all these issues?

One of those wires goes to the glow plug. Bet that's why the wire melted.

 

[LittleBill21]

One of those wires goes to the glow plug. Bet that's why the wire melted.

its a connector issue on the glow plug rail, its a quick disconnect, doesn't seem rated for the amperage.

any idea where the water comes in at? the hood seems pretty protective

 

[AchingBack]

Found the problem. The wiring harness on the right side under the dash collects water and of course the main hot wire splits into three wires right at the bottom where it bends and enters the engine compartment. It's just a crimp connection and the water in the harness causes it to corrode and eat the wires at the connection. Absolutely the worst place you could put such a connection. View attachment 720578View attachment 720579

Looks like a tinfoil sandwich was left in there.

 

[oafdawg]

its a connector issue on the glow plug rail, its a quick disconnect, doesn't seem rated for the amperage.

any idea where the water comes in at? the hood seems pretty protective

Don't know where it comes in from, but it dripped for 10 minutes after I opened up the harness.

 

[mike69440]

How about that. The frequent wiring problems we see on the Max models never cease to amaze me, it's like a plague. They really did a crappy job with the wiring harness. I've seen better wiring on used boats!

Agree,
If you want decent paint, plastic, wiring, decals that last, get a Kubota, or be handy with a Manindra.

 

[mike69440]

Check the bus bar for the glow plugs. Been nice if it were nickel plated copper or something.

 

[Peacer99]

Found the problem. The wiring harness on the right side under the dash collects water and of course the main hot wire splits into three wires right at the bottom where it bends and enters the engine compartment. It's just a crimp connection and the water in the harness causes it to corrode and eat the wires at the connection. Absolutely the worst place you could put such a connection. View attachment 720578View attachment 720579

 

[Peacer99]

Found the problem. The wiring harness on the right side under the dash collects water and of course the main hot wire splits into three wires right at the bottom where it bends and enters the engine compartment. It's just a crimp connection and the water in the harness causes it to corrode and eat the wires at the connection. Absolutely the worst place you could put such a connection. View attachment 720578View attachment 720579

Thanks for sharing! I have been going crazy trying to figure this problem out.

 

[LittleBill21]

Thanks for sharing! I have been going crazy trying to figure this problem out.

is your machine stored outside? doesn't look like corrosion more like it broke from vibration, wire looks clean, also interesting its another max28