By Craig Vahle on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I just bought a new MAX IV. I am a little confused about the proper way to start the vehicle. The manual says that I should be in reverse with the levers pulled backwards. These are the same instructions as for making the MAX IV go backwards. What do you guys do when starting???

Also, when I pull back hard on one of the levers to make a sharp turn, I hear sometimes a sort of grinding noise - like gears grinding. Is this typical?

By Brandon Price (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hearing the grinding noise is perfectly normal. It will probably stop doing it once you get it broke in. The tranny will make lots of different noises, but as long as it goes forward and backward there is nothing wrong with it.
When starting, the manual says to put it in reverse, but do not pull back the levers. This makes it so when you start it, you don't go anywhere. You are able to start the Max in any gear. I normally just start mine then change the gears because it is easier.
I'm sure you are really enjoying your new Max, I know I enjoy mine.

By Marty Wellman (Nevada6x) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I just got a new MaxII as well (5/99). I noticed that in the reverse gear and the levers in the naturally forward position, the trans brakes are applied and the machine will not accidentally take off. Otherwise I like to start in neutral with the parking brake on. As far at the grinding, noticed that too. Seems to be a point between engaged and braking position. After I changed my tranny oil it didnt seem to do it much. It may be part of the brake in? Look for metal on your magnetic vent plug.

By Ernie Savinsky (Lucky45) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Marty:

Did you change trans oil before the recommended 60 hrs. Where is this magnetic vent plug?
Are you refering to the upper or lower trans drain or filler level plug? Break-in is after using 3 full tanks of gas ; a good full 3 days
( 8 hr each) running .Assume you are somewhere between there and 60 hrs?

By Marty Wellman (Nevada6x) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Ernie, I changed my tranny oil after the same break in period (8hrs)of the engine. After hearing the noises I thought I would take a look and replace the oil as well. I found some very fine (looked like moly grease) metalic particles on the drain plug. Probably normal brake-in debrie.
My mistake the vent plug is not magnetic, it is the lower drain plug.

By Don Harrington on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I just bought a Max IV. I find it very very difficult to shift the transmission. Is this an adjustment problem? Also, how do you check the transmission oil level without removing the engine which is on top of the transmission?

By Brandon Price (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Don it will get much easier to shift your tranny when you get it broke in. Read the manual, it tells you the easiest way to shift. Mine has about 20 hours on it and is easy to shift.

I have a Max II so I don't know how to check the fluid in a Max IV. Don't worry about it when its new hopefully RI filled it correctly.

By Brad Weiss on Unrecorded Date: Edit

If anybody is experiencing grinding noise in the tranny it is normal. But every new Max I get (about 7 in the past six months) I immediatly put in Goodwrench Limited Slip Differential Lubricant Additive part no. 1052358 a 4 oz. bottle and no more!!! It all but eliminates the grinding noise your hearing. It lubricates the bands but do not put in any more than the 4 oz. because after all the bands purpose in the tranny is to grab. Recreatives will also endorse this practice.