Outrigger Not Deployed or Pin Switch Open

Common Symptoms

• Operator panel displays fault code 13 and the tower will not raise
• Tower mast stays down even after engine starts and you press RUN
• Yellow or red fault indicator lights up on the LED fault display
• Engine runs normally but hydraulic mast lift function is locked out
• Outrigger deploy indicator lamp does not illuminate after you pin the outriggers
• Unit appears fully set up but controller still shows the outrigger fault
• Fault clears temporarily but returns after you cycle the power OFF and back on

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

• Outrigger safety pin not fully inserted or missing in one or more outrigger legs Very Likely
• Outrigger pin limit switch dirty, corroded, or out of alignment so it does not register the pin Very Likely
• Broken, cut, or chafed wiring harness between the pin switch and the controller Likely
• Pin switch connector loose or corroded at the plug body near the outrigger leg Likely
• Failed pin limit switch (switch internally open, no longer closes when pin is inserted) Possible
• Controller input circuit fault causing it to misread a good switch signal Less Likely
• Outrigger leg not fully extended to the correct deployed position before pinning Possible

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

1. Start with the obvious. Walk all four outrigger legs and confirm every safety pin is fully inserted and the clip or hairpin is secured. A pin that is in halfway will not trip the switch. Pull it out and push it back in firmly until you feel it seat.

2. With the unit powered off, find the pin limit switch on each outrigger leg. It is usually a small plunger-style or magnetic reed switch mounted near the pin hole. Inspect each one for physical damage, mud packing, or corrosion on the switch body and connector.

3. Clean each switch and connector with electrical contact cleaner and a small brush. Reconnect the connector firmly. Power the unit back on and check if code 13 clears. This alone fixes many field calls.

4. To test a switch without a specialty tool, unplug the switch connector and use a basic multimeter set to continuity or resistance. With the pin removed, the switch should read open (OL). Insert the pin and the switch should read closed (near zero ohms). A switch that reads the same both ways is failed and needs replacement.

5. Inspect the wiring harness from each outrigger switch back toward the control box. Look for pinch points, rub-through on metal edges, and connectors that have pulled apart. Tug gently on each wire at the connector to check for a broken wire inside intact insulation.

6. Measure voltage at the switch connector with the pin inserted and the unit powered on. You should see the supply voltage the controller sends to the switch (typically 5 VDC or 12 VDC depending on controller version). If you see supply voltage in but no return signal, the wire or switch is the problem. If you see no supply voltage at all, the wiring between the controller and switch is broken or the controller input is dead.

7. If all four switches test good and wiring is intact but code 13 still shows on the Magnum CONNECTED controller LCD or operator panel LED fault display, the controller input channel may be faulty. At this point, contact your Magnum regional service rep or rental fleet support because reprogramming or controller replacement requires factory-level access.

8. After any repair, cycle the unit fully OFF, wait 10 seconds, then power back on. Deploy and pin all outriggers, confirm the fault does not return, then attempt to raise the mast.

Frequently Asked Questions