6500 no start

[flatrockfarm]

Hello.
Went out to start the 6500 the other day and got no crank- only clicks from the starter solenoid. Also noticed that the light for the intake heater did not come on as it should when the key is in run.
I figured dead battery, charged, boosted and cleaned grounds till I was blue in the face with the same results. Click, Click.
Shuttle shift is in neutral, PTO is not engaged, so it should not be safety-locked out. Battery is strong, headlights are bright and charger works. I know the starter is good, as I was able to make it crank with my remote starter button.
I got to testing... and the relay for the cold start is not sending power to the intake heater. The relay has power, and is energized when the switch is turned, but is not sending juice out. Could the failure of the cold-start relay prevent the engine from cranking? Or do I have a multiple-issue? Has anybody else run into this?
I only have around 100 hours on the machine, but it is off-warranty so no help from the dealer. ("we could come and pick it up"...$$$) Any ideas would help
Thanks
Jake

 

[Tim_in_IA]

what is a remote starter button?

If you hear the solenoid clicking then that tells me that everything is telling it it is ok to start. So I would suspect the solenoid. I don't know what a remote starter button is though. If there was a sensor that was telling it not to start I suspect you wouldn't hear a thing.

 

[George2615]

It sounds like your on the right track.

1) It does crank using your remote starter button. (indicates starter is OK)
2) Starter solenoid clicks but won't make starter turn. (indicates bad soleniod or a bad connection) Check the output side of the solenoid to starter wire for voltage when you hear the click.
3) Intake heater relay has power but not sending power to heater. (could be a bad relay, wire to heater, or bad ground wire on non hot side of heater)

I'm not familiar with the wiring schematic diagram of a 6500 but wouldn't expect the intake heater to be wired in series with the starter solenoid although its possible. Does the intake air preheat heater normally work all the time (in cold or warm weather) or is it only cold temperature related? I think the tractor should run without an air intake heater active all the time.
I think its multiple problems such as a bad ground for the intake heater and either a bad starter solenoid or connection.

For Tim, a remote starter button is a jumper wire type device with a momentary contact switch that connects from a battery hot lead to the starter terminal and operates via a push button switch. It is used to bypass the solenoid to test the starter.

 

[flatrockfarm]

OK.. Got it sorted out.
Got the starter warm with a portable heater and it started right off. I think I had frost in the relays and starter. Once I got everything warm and dry it all worked beautifully.
Combination of alternating high humidity and sub-zero weather had frost growing all over the engine. It is now parked in the shop, and I do not expect to have these problems again.
Even without the cold-start system working, the tractor started instantly when it first cranked today, despite the fact that it was 4 degrees outside. I had a ceramic heater pointed at the starter for 1/2 hour or so, and the 'ol girl just hopped to life. Wish my other diesels were that easy...
Thanks
Jake

 

[msgeh06]

Had same problems with starter 2nd one with 200 hours on engine. Replaced starter with a Hi Torque IMI -2500224017BL2.5 KW no more problems. The lowest temps we have are 5 to 20. Even had problems starting in summer weather and the problem was the solenoid. The intake heater still does not work. The light is good but no power when the key is turned on. No help from my dealer or any of the local dealers. I purchased this starter from an Automotive electric dealer. Mahindra needs to step up to plate and help their customers if they value the business.