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Topic: Generator not starting/stopping from dash switch (Read 308 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator not starting/stopping from dash switch

1998 U320, the Powertech generator is not starting or stopping using the dash mounted switch. It will start and stop via the panel mounted switch outside. The gauges were replaced at some point in time, is there a connection somewhere that may have come apart or maybe was not reconnected after some work was performed?

Re: Generator not starting/stopping from dash switch

Reply #1 –
Have you tried to start/stop from the bedroom switch? Check to see if it is hung. Easy stuff first.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Generator not starting/stopping from dash switch

Reply #2 –
On the back of the start/stop momentary switch is an input and output.  Verify you have 12V to the input and that when you press the button, you see 12V on the output.  The output goes to a latching relay next, so if you have 12V going out and the gen doesn't start, it could be a relay issue.
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: Generator not starting/stopping from dash switch

Reply #3 –
Which set of batteries does the generator start from? I noticed the engine was slow to crank today. Also the outlets when running off the inverter, no generator or shore power, were only reading 94VAC. When I flipped the dash switch, I could hear a click come from the generator area. I'm wondering if the batteries are just dead.

Re: Generator not starting/stopping from dash switch

Reply #6 –
My generator starts off the coach battery. When my chassis battery was on it's way out and wouldn't turn the motor I fired the generator off the coach.
88 Grand Villa 36' ORED 3208 (throwaway)Cat.
 Build # 3150
Happiness is the maximum agreement of reality and desire.

Re: Generator not starting/stopping from dash switch

Reply #7 –
White,

1. On your age coach '98 the generator starts off the house batteries UNLESS a previous owner has changed it.
2. If your inverter is only putting out 94vac either the house batteries are low/dead, bad inverter, or possible bad connection in transfer switch.
3. The clicking may just be the fuel pump running.
3 a. You should be able to here it (fuel pump) run also if you start the gen. from the start button on the gen. control panel also.
4. When you start the generator from the gen. control panel will it run for an extended amount of time like at least till your transfer switch swaps over?
5. Did you check your AC voltage while on gen.?
6. By the way you talk in first post this has been going on a while. Is this correct?
7. What gauges are you talking about being replaced?
7a.  How long ago?
8. It could be like Kieth has mentioned someone left a wire off the or miss wired the dash start switch.
9. Is your dash switch a momentary switch or is it an on/off switch? That age/time frame it could be either. This info will help with which start control system you have. Not all have the same style latching relay system.
10. We started with the simple stuff now it gets more complex but with the knowledge here it can be fixed.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Generator not starting/stopping from dash switch

Reply #8 –
If the inverter is not pure sine wave the meter may not be able to read properly.
1999 U270 36, no slide

Re: Generator not starting/stopping from dash switch

Reply #9 –
Dang it, house is correct.  I was jumping my completely dead coach this time last year - now I remember I charged house to get the generator started.
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'