2016 max 26 hst won’t start

[ADKMax26]

I had thought about it and the dealer Logan’s in Copenhagen, NY recommend I check them to. I went through and checked them when it didn’t start. I also tested them out of position (faulted) when the tractor was starting. I found (I could be wrong here) if anyone of them was faulted the tractor’s fuel pump and dash lights still would come on when the key was in the middle position. They seem to only prevent the tractor from turning over and starting. I do appreciate everyone’s feed back and help so far. I am usually not one to post on forums although everyone I have talk about my issue seemed to think it was pretty weird. I figured if it seems to have a bunch of people stumped and I did not see the same exact post here this post may help someone in the future. Again I may have missed another post exactly like this one but I don’t think so. This forum has been great with lots of information and advice. I do appreciate all of the input and ideas. I am looking forward to rolling the tractor out of my garage and testing what I have done so far. Right now we have a winter storm coming today so I am keeping it inside so it will start. Also our temps have been on the cold side (-18 the other morning).

 

[ADKMax26]

The last try did not work. It got cold enough one day that the tractor wouldn’t start inside the attached garage. I pulled the key switch out of the dash and while holding it in my hand and trying it a few times it finally started to show lights. I am still leaning towards the relays. I removed the switch completely and took it inside for a few weeks while I was running wires and installing switches for work lights. I am hoping that letting it heat up and hopefully drying out fixes the issue. Thinking of adding a volt meter into the dash in line with the key switch to always monitor the switch and the batteries voltage.

 

[Carmyne]

Re: 2016 max 26 hst won稚 start

what was the final conclusion? I'm having the exact same problem. Thanks in advance, Brian

 

[ADKMax26]

Re: 2016 max 26 hst won稚 start

what was the final conclusion? I'm having the exact same problem. Thanks in advance, Brian

I should have reposted forgive me on that. I went to the dealer to look at a tractor that we purchased at work and while there the young mechanic said that he has seen the relays in question freeze up. Here is a link to a post with a wiring diagram.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...387749-max-26xl-electrical-diagrams-wire.html

I believe that my issue was with the "load relay" which I believe is the left one under the hood while looking at the fire wall. You should be able to switch the two of them around. I would pull the main fuse or the negative battery cable before doing so though. In theory I believe switching the two would give you dash light but the tractor may not start since if the relay is bad the safety circuit would not be satisfied. I believe the relays are like $14 dollars a piece or so. They should pull straight up. I used a small pick set from harbor freight to pull them hence pulling the fuse or disconnecting the battery. I have changed mine but the temperature has not dropped enough for the issue to pop back up with me. So you have no dash lights as well? I would also check out the battery cables. I have had issues with mine a few times also. Good news for me is most of my connections now have dielectric grease in them after troubleshooting issues. If your tractor isn't more than two years old I would call the dealer to see if the issue is covered. I believe it is bumper to bumper for 2 years. Mine was older at the time the issue popped up.

 

[Carmyne]

Re: 2016 max 26 hst won稚 start

Thanks for the quick reply. Mine turned out to be a bit more simple. I went through everything I could think of, cleaning battery terminals, safety switches, fuses, etc.
And on roughly the 400th time i turned the key with little hope of anything the lights popped on. Realizing if i pulled back slightly on the key after i turned it the lights would come on I figured it had to be in the ignition wiring. I took off the dash and found a huge mouse nest and sure enough one of the wires had broken off at the crimp connection. I haven't heard of this issue before (and I've done a lot of reading on the starting issues) but worth a look if you've tried everything else. Thank you again

 

[Molalla1]

Re: 2016 max 26 hst won稚 start

Thanks for the quick reply. Mine turned out to be a bit more simple. I went through everything I could think of, cleaning battery terminals, safety switches, fuses, etc.
And on roughly the 400th time i turned the key with little hope of anything the lights popped on. Realizing if i pulled back slightly on the key after i turned it the lights would come on I figured it had to be in the ignition wiring. I took off the dash and found a huge mouse nest and sure enough one of the wires had broken off at the crimp connection. I haven't heard of this issue before (and I've done a lot of reading on the starting issues) but worth a look if you've tried everything else. Thank you again

I hate those meeces to pieces . . . . so says Huckleberry Hound . . . :drink:

 

[AchingBack]

Re: 2016 max 26 hst won稚 start

Thanks for the quick reply. Mine turned out to be a bit more simple. I went through everything I could think of, cleaning battery terminals, safety switches, fuses, etc.
And on roughly the 400th time i turned the key with little hope of anything the lights popped on. Realizing if i pulled back slightly on the key after i turned it the lights would come on I figured it had to be in the ignition wiring. I took off the dash and found a huge mouse nest and sure enough one of the wires had broken off at the crimp connection. I haven't heard of this issue before (and I've done a lot of reading on the starting issues) but worth a look if you've tried everything else. Thank you again

In 14 years of ownership, I've never had a problem with mice chewing wires because I always leave my hood up while parked in the shed.