Max 25 Starting Issues

[Utah Smitty]

I have a 2012 Max25. It's been a great tractor overall, but it recently has had problems starting--not every time, just intermittently.

I turn the key to the Run position, and wait for the glowplug light to go out. When I turn the key to start, there's a loud click, then nothing. When I return the key to the run position, there's a fast clattering sound. If I let it sit overnight, it generally will start with no problems. it will work fine for several days, then it does it again.

I checked and the 2 12 volt relays by the fuzes block are what's chattering. I replaced them both, but it still chatters.

Any ideas where to check next?

Thanks,

Utah Smitty

 

[Roadworthy]

I'd start at the battery. Check the voltage - it should be about 12.6 with a full charge. Continue to monitor the voltage while somebody else tries to start the tractor. Check voltage on battery terminals as well as on cable ends. If you have good battery voltage through the process but low at cable ends clean battery terminals and cable ends. Replace and tighten securely. Follow ground lead to frame. Clean and tighten. When done you have a starting point for troubleshooting - unless it's fixed already.

 

[4570Man]

High chance it’s a battery. Check the voltage of the battery while someone else attempts to start it and and see if it drops under 12.

 

[doneill127]

agree with roadworthy
Had to replace the positive cable on my Max. It had really bad corrosion of the cable wiring under the insulation.
Also had an issue with the ground/frame connection. Had to remove and clean it up with some sandpaper.

 

[SimpleSimon]

Yup. I've had to clean the battery terminals twice during the 12 yrs I've owned mine. It's still the original battery (knocking on wood)

 

[Utah Smitty]

Thanks to all who offered advice. I took everyone's suggestion and looked at the battery. I had checked the terminals earlier, and they were clean and free of corrosion, so I didn't suspect they were the problem.
(I had replaced the terminal ends a few months ago with bolt on battery clamps since the original ends were so corroded---I've had to clean them several times since I bought the tractor.) When I replaced the ends I used dielectric grease to try and keep the corrosion at bay.

The rattling or vibrating noise even while just in the Run position of the switch also lead me to believe it wasn't the battery but that there was a problem with one of the electrical components.

Anyway, I found that the plate that bolts down against the bare positive battery cable was loose, and the cable could just slide in and out... obviously not making a good connection. I tightened it down real good, cleaned both battery posts and clamps, and she fired up without a murmur...

Thanks again to all...

Smitty

 

[308snpr]

I have the same problem I found if you pull back the handles on the 3 point and belly mower when when you turn the key it fires right up.