Maxwell Engine Start Module

It will have some sort of choke on it. Probably to prevent batteries from discharging too quickly, possibly overheating wires, etc. It's strictly a safety feature.

 

Omaha Truck Center (Freightliner) quoted around $1036 today to my carrier when I asked them to go thru their buying and see what it would cost. So, I could pick it up thru my carrier for a little less.

 

When I bought mine in Davenport I asked if I could get a fleet discount. The carrier price was actually higher than buying off the shelf by a couple hundred bucks. Have to say I'm baffled by the huge differences in price. Maxwell needs to get their ##### together if they really want to market this thing.

 

I tried to start my truck on a cold day, 15 degrees, without the block heater plugged in. Wouldn't start on the first crank and showed a low voltage error code ( I had stupidly left some accessories running over night). I still have my 4th battery in the side box so I was able to recharge with jumper cables. I'm still happy I installed this thing but you have to learn to work with it's limitations.

 

I am not sold on yet that it is worth $800+ and almost would rather have 3 extra dedicated starter batteries for less money that will crank it a few more times on a charge.

The ESM really should not cost more than $500 to $600 as it`s true worth. Somebody is gouging the public on this product.

 

One thing is key switch starting power is off your main batteries, and that key switch may have to trigger a solenoid or relay, depending on your setup. If you have a modern starter you can usually run power straight from the keyswitch to the magnetic switch on the starter, the amperage draw on those are very low. Older starters had 50+ amp draw and needed a truck solenoid. I'm dealing with that right now - I only have 9.5V at the solenoid so I'm going to run straight from the key switch to the starter since it's a modern starter. It's entirely possible the truck solenoid is drawing more amps than the key switch judging by the wire gauge. I have a feeling this was probably your problem previously. Running a bigger wire or bypassing the relay/solenoid would increase starting reliability in low voltage situations. This may be more necessary with an ESM setup when you drain down the main batteries.

The best would be to somehow have the ESM power triggering the starter also, not just powering it. But that could require some serious effort.

 

My Maxwell took a crap on me. Went to start the truck over the weekend with the block heater on for 4 hours. Cranked slow, wouldn't start. Pushed the test button got solid green flashing red. 13 volts on the batteries. Cleaned up the terminals and and checked again, same error message. Had to get loaded next morning so I ended up putting the starter cables on the batteries. I checked several times over the next couple days and still got an error message. Got myself a load to the quad cities and Truck Country exchanged it over the counter with no hassles (good folks there). New one works fine, but needless to say I can't give this product an unqualified endorsement.

 

Thanks for that update! I was still on the fence as to whether to put one in. May wait a while longer.

 

Hi, I am a Senior Applications Engineer for Maxwell Technologies. Currently, thousands of ESM's are being successfully employed across North America in both on/off road applications with large fleets and individual owner/operators. I can answer any questions, concerns or issues you may have about the Engine Starting Module (ESM). Let me know and I will reply ASAP...

 

Thank you Sean.

And thank you for taking care of my problem with mine ASAP. Great customer service with an overnight replacement. Good to know your company stands behind it`s product 100%.