We have a 1990 U225 with an Onan 7500. Our generator would not come on today. (we've been using it fine for the past month). We tested everything and there is power and fuel. Is there a kill switch somewhere that we don't know about? The RV wouldn't start either and all the batteries are at 12.16. Your help would be appreciated.
Read the voltage while you try to start it. I think you have dead batteries.
All batteries are reading over 12.
Salesman's Switch?
May be wrong, but I don't believe the S.S. controls power to the engine.
Nubian, more details:
1) did the coach ever start?
2) what happens if try to start the generator? Nothing? Thunking noises?
3) did you test voltage while attempting to crank?
If the engine won't crank the chassis battery is dead.
If the generator won't crank the house batteries are dead.
Suggestions:
1) You will need to connect to shore power and charge the house batteries and flip the boost switch to also charge the chassis battery.
Or
2) Get a jump from someone to start your engine. This will charge both chassis and house batteries.
Or
3) Connect to someone nearby with a generator and do number 1.
you may have bad connections at the battery posts etc. 12.1 6 is not that good as that may be about 50% charge(I would like 13+) but if connections are bad shape then it will drop fast and not crank.
JohnH
Check ground wires first, bad ground bad results
As John said, your batteries are at about 50%.
We need more info.....
Does the generator try to start? Turn over slowly or not at all? Does the start solenoid pull in on the generator?
Will the engine turn over at all? Can you hear the starter solenoid pull in or "click" "click" "click"?
With low batteries or loose connections that 12.16 V could drop drastically when a starter solenoid is engaged.
Remote trouble shooting is difficult without lots of info to go on.
No need to do anything until you have batteries that are 12.6 which is fully charged. 12.1V is dead, dead, dead.
here is an idea of state of charge
JohnH
Jump the coach from your toad. Connect for about 10 to 15 minutes at a fast idle and then start it. You need to find the reason your battery voltage is down. Yes, check the switch by the entry door.
This is the exact reason I installed digital voltmeters on the dash. I can see problems coming and not have to wait until more drastic action is needed.
You didn't leave the boost switch on for an extended period did you?
Pierce
I inspected a coach a while ago, which was hooked-up to shore power. Would not start. Tried the "boost", nada. Got the techs down, ALL NEW BATTERIES! ^.^d
Weird that they would all (both sets) DIE at the same time. Think I'd wanna know why.
Could be weird, but we don't know one important fact-- how long had the coach sat be between "it all worked" and now.
Batteries do self discharge, there are parasitic loads, etc.
Were you parked with the BOOST switch ON?? If so the good batteries will drain down via the bad ones.
As has already been said, get a jump to the engine batteries, and once running it will charge the rest.
Speedbird 1.
No Update on the Nubian Nomads?
Maybe they are using the cellphones and computers to charge the motorhome batteries through a USB and the cigarette lighters.
Earth to Nubian Nomads... Earth to Nubian Nomads...
John, thank you very much for posting that chart. It highly useful.
One way of checking batteries when you don't have a volt meter is to turn on the headlights and start the engine. If the lights go out
and the engine is not turning over the batteries are dead.
Good for checking the chassis battery. But, the generator should be wired to the house battery unless someone changed it.
Also, I would question that a U225 has a 7.5 KW Onan. Suspect propane 6.5/6.3 KW.
We really need to hear from the OP!