Mahindra Emax 20S won't start or run

firerepeller1132 · Dec 21, 2023

I was using the loader to move gravel the other day and the tractor stalled out. I tried restarting it, but it would not turn over. The starter was turning, but it would not catch. Since it was close to dark, I left it where it was in the yard. I went out this morning to try to get it to start, but no luck. I then noticed that the dash lights and sensors are not coming on. I started to check the fuse box, etc. One of the 30A fuses was blown which I replaced. Still no luck. The starter will crank, but it will not catch. the glow plugs, or at least the indicator lights, will not come on unless I turn the key to the left and hold it.

Any ideas or is it time for a trip to the dealer because it is messed up?

thanks in advance for any help

Robin Veerman · Dec 21, 2023

Fuel in the tank?

firerepeller1132 · Dec 22, 2023

Robin Veerman said:
Fuel in the tank?

Yes 1/2 a tank. That was the second thing I checked. Thanks for taking the time to help.

RjCorazza · Dec 22, 2023

What exactly does "not catch" mean?

arrow · Dec 24, 2023

RjCorazza said:
What exactly does "not catch" mean?

I think he means that it won't turn the engine. If that's the case, he has spun a gear in the starter motor, or has a hydro lock from the stall out or has fried a safety switch among the many, or his starter relay is shot (just switch the two with each other on the firewall and see if it starts) Or a bad fuel pump solenoid not allowing fuel to the injectors. Check ground wire as well.
There was a reason to blow a 30 amp fuse someplace.

Robin Veerman · Dec 24, 2023

We need the OP to describe what the tractor is or isn’t doing…..or we’re all just guessing and not getting anywhere.

firerepeller1132 · Dec 26, 2023

RjCorazza said:
What exactly does "not catch" mean?

the starter will turn/crank, but the engine will not start. The engine is not sputtering or anything. the only sound/vibration is from the starter

the dash gauges are still dead. the glow plug indicators and the warning indicators do not come on when you turn the key

Robin Veerman · Dec 26, 2023

Ok so the starter cranks….but is it cranking the engine? If so is it cranking the engine fast as usual or does it seem slower? If slower, maybe have the battery load tested, replace if it’s determined to be weak. Diesel engines require strong batteries, especially when the weather turns colder…

arrow · Dec 27, 2023

Check your battery terminal ends.
You may have corrosion there causing insufficient voltage for start up and lighting

camshawn · Dec 27, 2023

Check the fuse at the + battery terminal. If it cranks, there is some power getting to the solenoid for the starter. You also need power to the fuel shut off. your symptoms point to an electrical issue. Trace from the battery to the fuse links to the main fuse block to each individual fuse.

RjCorazza · Dec 30, 2023

I recommend you take your tractor to the dealer for repair. Is never going to be correctly diagnosed and repaired at this rate.
I'm out.

arrow · Dec 31, 2023

Robin Veerman said:
We need the OP to describe what the tractor is or isn’t doing…..or we’re all just guessing and not getting anywhere.

I disagree. I think the op has sufficiently described the situation and the hypothesis given thus far will definitely lead to a solution.
A fuse mostly blows because of a short. He blew a 30 amp. That should relate to false electrical path that could be caused by a fray someplace within that particular circuit.
H should check his battery terminals.
These things have a propensity for failure there.

Robin Veerman · Dec 31, 2023

Good advice. However, maybe you could explain how his starter still works with a blown fuse, although he never did say which fuse.

Several posts advising him to check cables/connections.
We haven’t had any updates so I’m assuming he’s got it figured out, or he gave it away…

arrow · Dec 31, 2023

Robin Veerman said:
Good advice. However, maybe you could explain how his starter still works with a blown fuse, although he never did say which fuse.
Several posts advising him to check cables/connections.
We haven’t had any updates so I’m assuming he’s got it figured out, or he gave it away…

Decent enough question with the answer being his starter is not on that electrical circuit.

If a fuel pump or injection system is, then this tractor will never start. The clue here is that his dash has also been affected and 30 amp is a large fuse to blow so it is either protecting a multiple circuitry or carries a large electrical draw.
Of course the pertinent question is what made the fuse blow and that is usually a short or overload And l have seen faulty relays do this But very uncommon since the fault causes an open circuit most of the time.
l still wnder if that stall out caused a diesel reciprocating reversal.

l certainly hope he does return because it is the resulting fix as opposed to the question that helps everyone out.
This should not be hard to fix beyond spotting the mystery.

firerepeller1132 · Jan 1, 2024

Thanks to all who contributed. I checked all the wiring that I could see. In addition, I was continually popping the 30 amp fuses by the dash and the starter was not cranking the engine enough for the engine to start. I gave up and took it to the shop. Loading a dead tractor on a flatbed is kind of a convoluted process. Thankfully the shop had a forklift to help lift the bucket when be pushed it off the trailer.
I apologize for not getting back sooner, but holidays and some older relatives needed other help that took time away from working not the tractor/internet.

Robin Veerman · Jan 1, 2024

No worries. Family is important, way way more than a big hunk of steel and rubber. Please come back with a report for us…

JustGeorge1254 · Feb 9, 2024

firerepeller1132 said:
I was using the loader to move gravel the other day and the tractor stalled out. I tried restarting it, but it would not turn over. The starter was turning, but it would not catch. Since it was close to dark, I left it where it was in the yard. I went out this morning to try to get it to start, but no luck. I then noticed that the dash lights and sensors are not coming on. I started to check the fuse box, etc. One of the 30A fuses was blown which I replaced. Still no luck. The starter will crank, but it will not catch. the glow plugs, or at least the indicator lights, will not come on unless I turn the key to the left and hold it.

Any ideas or is it time for a trip to the dealer because it is messed up?

thanks in advance for any help

I'm new to this forum experience and not sure how to use it but thought I'd ask since you have the same tractor as I do. I have a dash light that came on and no idea what it is for, it's red and above the Glow Plug light, next to the battery Light and it kind of looks like a fan with an arrow that appears to be a rotation direction.
I cant find this light anywhere using google or youtube, any idea what it might be? My fan seems to be working fine as far as I can tell.

Robin Veerman · Feb 9, 2024

Have you checked the owner’s manual?

JustGeorge1254 · Feb 16, 2024

Robin Veerman said:
Have you checked the owner’s manual?

I bought it used and didn't get one. Since that post I did contact the dealer and she didn't know either... after a couple days she got back to me, it was indicator that the PTO was turning. Which is odd because I hadn't engaged the PTO and it wasn't turning, and I couldn't get it turning even by engaging it, so now that's a new problem.
Hoping it's a fuse issue for when I need the PTO now.