won't start

[dismith550]

I have a Mahindra 3016 bought in 2011. I used it for moving snow several times this winter but went to start it one day and when I turn the key, after the heater light goes out - no response. I tried again a half-hour or so later and same thing at first, then, after a short (3-4 second) delay, it started and I moved my snow. A few days later, same thing only it wouldn't start. Battery checks out "good", emergency flashers work well, I cleaned the battery connections and posts, charged the battery anyway, still no sound when I turn the key. It sits outside under a tarp but dealers leave them outside for months. Any suggestions?
Associated question - prior to the Mahindra, had old Fords (8-N, 2-N, and 640) does anyone make a substantial tractor these days or are they all made with plastic, cheap steel, and thin sheet metal? I'm not smashing anyone, I have too much invested in the Mahindra and can't afford to change- I'm just curious of others' observations. Thanks

 

[wolftree]

I will follow this as well.

 

[Shift4200]

I have a Mahindra 3016 bought in 2011. I used it for moving snow several times this winter but went to start it one day and when I turn the key, after the heater light goes out - no response. I tried again a half-hour or so later and same thing at first, then, after a short (3-4 second) delay, it started and I moved my snow. A few days later, same thing only it wouldn't start. Battery checks out "good", emergency flashers work well, I cleaned the battery connections and posts, charged the battery anyway, still no sound when I turn the key. It sits outside under a tarp but dealers leave them outside for months. Any suggestions?
Associated question - prior to the Mahindra, had old Fords (8-N, 2-N, and 640) does anyone make a substantial tractor these days or are they all made with plastic, cheap steel, and thin sheet metal? I'm not smashing anyone, I have too much invested in the Mahindra and can't afford to change- I'm just curious of others' observations. Thanks

Consider checking the safety switch on the seat. I've not had this issue but have read many threads that point in that direction. I'm sure you'll find one or two if you poke around.

-J

 

[madmax12]

When I had that happen, it was the HST pedal not exactly in neutral position.

 

[Browneyesvictim]

When I had that happen, it was the HST pedal not exactly in neutral position.

This exact same thing happened to me. I thought it was the seat switch, but it checked out. I checked with the schematic to see what other switches are interlocked. It led me to this and found the adjustment for the HST was off. Actually, the bracket was out of alignment for the bump stop to trip it. It was a quick fix, and hasn't happened again since.

Also, it will not start if you have a PTO lever engaged. That one has fooled me a couple of times too. Clutch has to be engaged too. (Switch there also)

 

[arrow]

I have a Mahindra 3016 bought in 2011. I used it for moving snow several times this winter but went to start it one day and when I turn the key, after the heater light goes out - no response. I tried again a half-hour or so later and same thing at first, then, after a short (3-4 second) delay, it started and I moved my snow. A few days later, same thing only it wouldn't start. Battery checks out "good", emergency flashers work well, I cleaned the battery connections and posts, charged the battery anyway, still no sound when I turn the key. It sits outside under a tarp but dealers leave them outside for months. Any suggestions?
Associated question - prior to the Mahindra, had old Fords (8-N, 2-N, and 640) does anyone make a substantial tractor these days or are they all made with plastic, cheap steel, and thin sheet metal? I'm not smashing anyone, I have too much invested in the Mahindra and can't afford to change- I'm just curious of others' observations. Thanks

I can't find in your post if you have a hydro or shuttle. On my shuttle and when in neutral, (has to be there to start) if the shuttle shift is not in just the right spot, it will not turn over. Makes no sound at all. I have to "jiggle" the shift to get it to start. On mine, must have something to do with neutral start positioning switch engagement. It seems to be getting worse so I expect a changeout soon. Mine is a 2012. That it started when you went back could be about what Shift stated about seat position sensor or a bad main ground contact.

 

[dismith550]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check them all out in the next few days and once I figure it out, I'll post the solution. P.S. It's a shuttle but I've jiggled and re-jiggled, placed the transmission in N, worked the clutch in and out multiple times - nothing has worked but I'm persistent. I don't know how to check the safety switch under the seat - I actually thought of that but I haven't tried to pursue it yet. Something good about Mahindra - the grill/lights assembly is easy to remove to provide access to the battery for cleaning/removal/servicing.
Thanks again,

 

[dismith550]

In another part I have been communicating back and forth with an individual who has provided lots of good advice and encouragement. Following is a post I placed there.
Thank you for taking the time to respond and to give me some additional clues to think about. Yesterday I ventured forth and took the cowls under the steering wheel off and eventually got the dash off - nothing like working on a Ford 640. When the cowl came loose, some hickory nuts fell out. Clustered around the hydraulics tubing cluster, was a pocket of perhaps 15 hickory nuts along with other stuff - no wires here except for switch. Once the dash came loose I found a mouse's nest the size of a softball all snugly encased by the dash hump - lots of wires here. In one harness leading from a plug/socket approx. 5/8 in. X 2", there were about 12-15 wires leading from various places to spots behind the dash face. Of the wires there, five (5), f-i-v-e! were gnawed through. I'm going to splice the cut wires with butt connectors and I believe I can find out if I am successful prior to actually putting the dash back together. It took a good hour of effort to get the dash apart and I'm guessing a couple more hours to splice the wires, test it, and reassemble it. I'm still looking for gnawed places - I had to quit due to darkness and to watch KY lose to Uconn . If my splices do not work, I found a place online in TX where I can buy wiring harness, however, I've never tried to attach wires to a dash face - I hate the thought of having to pay a dealer hundreds of dollars.
OEM Parts
They are outrageously high ($54.00 for a negative battery cable like I paid $8 to Auto Zone.) I'll repost my success when I get back from doing some fishing in Lake Cumberland.
Thanks to everyone who took time to respond - I'll follow up when I get it done.