Max 28 won't start. Black relay box buzzes (sometimes) when ignition is turned.

[oafdawg]

My Max 28 won't start with the key. There's a black relay on the left side, looking from the front, of the firewall that will "buzz" when turning the key sometimes. I can start the tractor by jumping it at the starter and have been starting it with a remote starter switch that's jumped from the battery hot wire to the start screw post. Before I start throwing parts, like a new solenoid, at it I was just wondering if that black relay might be the culprit instead. Anybody have the same problem? New battery and ground wire this year and positive cleaned well.

 

[Roadworthy]

If you're sure the battery posts and connectors are clean be sure to tighten them securely. If you can move them they're not tight. Follow the ground lead to the frame. Clean and tighten there as well. No, I don't know what the black relay is but the buzzing may indicate it can't get enough current. If you've not done so I recommend a charge and a load test for your battery. An alternative would be measuring the battery voltage then monitor that measurement while you or a helper attempts to start the tractor with the key. A defective battery may measure twelve volts when sitting but not maintain that voltage under load.

 

[oafdawg]

If you're sure the battery posts and connectors are clean be sure to tighten them securely. If you can move them they're not tight. Follow the ground lead to the frame. Clean and tighten there as well. No, I don't know what the black relay is but the buzzing may indicate it can't get enough current. If you've not done so I recommend a charge and a load test for your battery. An alternative would be measuring the battery voltage then monitor that measurement while you or a helper attempts to start the tractor with the key. A defective battery may measure twelve volts when sitting but not maintain that voltage under load.

New battery along with a new ground cable with all freshly cleaned terminals and ground bolt several months ago as clearly stated in my post. And there's plenty of juice at the starter, as clearly stated, since it starts immediately when jumped with the remote starter.