Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Generator "green light" (Read 874 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator "green light"

On my 1997 U295 10KW generator the green light does not come on when I depress the preheat switch.  I hold the preheat switch down for 10-20 seconds then depress the start switch but I have to hold the start switch down after the generator is running till the green light comes on then I can release the start switch. The generator runs fine after this procedure.  Does the oil pressure switch control the green light.  My genwiz will not work because of this problem.
Terry and Cheryl Brown
1997 U295 36'
Build #5066
2006 Jeep TJ Rubicon
1993 BMW R100 GSPD

Re: Generator "green light"

Reply #1 –
Terry:

My Onan 7.5KW generator must be started in the identical sequence to yours: The green light will not come on or stay on until the engine is running smoothly.  I don't have an oil switch light or a "Genwiz", whatever that is. :-(
Don Hay
'92 Grandvilla, U-280
The Hayfever Express
Build #4055
'97 GEO Tracker
Life is like licking honey off a thorn.

Re: Generator "green light"

Reply #2 –
Our coach is 1997 U295 with Kubota 4 cylinder 10KW generator. Startup is the same procedure. Green light illuminates when generator is up to speed. If there is not much ambient noise, I can hear the electric pump running while holding the preheat switch.

Genwizard was removed from our coach before we bought it. My understanding is that the Genwizard was not a reliable system. I installed a Magnum autostart module. It seems to work fine. It hooked into the existing switches. We've not used the autostart in "real life mode." It has passed the diagnostic tests.

The Magnum unit did start the generator one time while I was starting the coach. I had left the Magnum switch in "Autostart" position. I used the Boost switch when starting the engine. The voltage at the sense point dropped enough to fire the autostart sequence. The lesson learned was, "Don't leave the Magnum in the "Autostart" mode when you use Boost to start the big engine."
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Generator "green light"

Reply #3 –
The problem is now worse.  I have to hold the start switch after the generator starts for 5-10 seconds then release the switch and quickly depress it again for a second to get the green light to stay on and the generator to continue running.  Could the oil pressure switch cause this?  If so what is the part # and where is it located on the generator?
Terry and Cheryl Brown
1997 U295 36'
Build #5066
2006 Jeep TJ Rubicon
1993 BMW R100 GSPD

Re: Generator "green light"

Reply #4 –
Terry, You probably have the 3 Cylinder Isuzu.  on One like that that gave me problems I found a loose wire in the box that contains the ES52 module. After I tightened the screw it was OK, its been a while since this incident but I believe that it was a ground wire near the left rear corner of the box, seems that I had to remove the ES52 module to find, just blind dumb luck on my part.  Dave M may be better educated on what to look for.
Gary B

Re: Generator "green light"

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Gary Bouland –
Terry, You probably have the 3 Cylinder Isuzu.  on One like that that gave me problems I found a loose wire in the box that contains the ES52 module. After I tightened the screw it was OK, its been a while since this incident but I believe that it was a ground wire near the left rear corner of the box, seems that I had to remove the ES52 module to find, just blind dumb luck on my part.  Dave M may be better educated on what to look for.
Gary B

My is the 4 cyl kubota, I don't know if that makes a difference.
Terry and Cheryl Brown
1997 U295 36'
Build #5066
2006 Jeep TJ Rubicon
1993 BMW R100 GSPD

Re: Generator "green light"

Reply #6 –
Terry, sorry I assumed it was the three cylinder from the year of the coach. Since it is a Kubota It does not have the ES52.
I would still check for wire connections in that control box.  I have the Kubota and at one point it would run erratically and I found a ring connector loose in the control box.
Gary B
Gary B

Re: Generator "green light"

Reply #7 –
Why don't you talk to the people at Power Tech.
See what they think about it?
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Generator "green light"

Reply #8 –
Quote from: John Duld –
Why don't you talk to the people at Power Tech.
See what they think about it?

I called powertech and talked to Jeff in customer service.  He said the generator would not run if the oil switch was bad and suggested that a wire might be broken in the control box.  The generator runs fine after I double tap the start switch while cranking.  Jeff also asked about the led indicators on the outside of the control box, I told him that there are no led lights on the outside of the control box.  I  guessed that stumped him as he did not have any suggestions after that.  Any other ideas????
Terry and Cheryl Brown
1997 U295 36'
Build #5066
2006 Jeep TJ Rubicon
1993 BMW R100 GSPD
 

Re: Generator "green light"

Reply #9 –
Terry, I would suggest that you get in the control box and look for wires loose, especially at ring connectors and terminations.
Gary B