Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Generator Running when it shouldn't?? (Read 746 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator Running when it shouldn't??

I have a Powertech 12 KW Generator. About 4 years old. (671 hours)
This morning my generator was running and I don't know why?
While I had it set on "Auto" but we were was plugged into power and still had power.
Move to manual and tried turning on and off, still runs
I checked the Progressive surge protector and it didn't show loss of power.
Batteries are high.
I turned the auto off and generator stayed on.
I "start" button was in off mode. I turned on and off, no change generator kept running.
I went out side and tried same outside, same result.
I then turned the main with off and generator stopped.
I rechecked all switches Auto off and in manual in off mode.
Turned main with to on and generator starts again
Powertech says something inside coach calling for generator.
Any ideas?
Where should I look?
Eric & Nancy
1999 36 Ft. U320 WTFE
2016 GMC Terrain

Re: Generator Running when it shouldn't??

Reply #2 –
Some AGS modules, in addition to triggering on battery state of charge, will start based on internal coach temperature in order to run the AC.  Could be that you have that feature activated?

Re: Generator Running when it shouldn't??

Reply #3 –
This was what happened when my ES52 module failed.  Only way to shut off generator was to flip the manual ON/OFF switch on the generator front panel.
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: Generator Running when it shouldn't??

Reply #4 –
Mine did this about a week ago. I had some how disabled the charger function on the inverter. Sure enough at about 12.1 volts the generator cranked up,  re set everything and all is right in my world again.  8)
2002 U320 40Ft  MC # 15759
Coach # 5995
Previous coaches
2002 U320 coach  #5941
1996 U270 coach #4808

Re: Generator Running when it shouldn't??

Reply #5 –
After looking at specs, talking to "experts"(Powertech, etc.) I started tracing the system. Turned entire system off and then back on, disconnected the module, was about to go behind generator, but checked one more time. Found that Nancy when she got up early and turned the  alarm off also turned ON the generator start switch (over the bed). Problem solved.
Such a simple fix, that I didn't think of.
 I am self reporting in case anyone else has the same problem.
Eric & Nancy
1999 36 Ft. U320 WTFE
2016 GMC Terrain

Re: Generator Running when it shouldn't??

Reply #6 –
It takes a brave man to admit his wife did something wrong☺
Steve & Sandy
2003 U320 4220 WCDS, build#6160
Motorcade #17794
USMC '67-'71

Re: Generator Running when it shouldn't??

Reply #7 –
Eric,

I disconnected the overhead start switch after I inadvertently started my generator. 

Richard
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: Generator Running when it shouldn't??

Reply #8 –
The generator start switch over the bed should be a momentary contact switch just like the one on the dash.  Maybe it was stuck.  After starting the generator in the middle of the night fumbling around for a light a couple of times, ours got disconnected as well.

Glad you figured it out.  Susan always reminds me in a very gentle way to start with the most simple solution possible. 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Generator Running when it shouldn't??

Reply #9 –
I placed a piece of tape over the gen switch and the outside docking lights switch over the bed when we bought our coach. Easy to peel the tape if we need either one.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Generator Running when it shouldn't??

Reply #10 –
Hmmm, maybe "progress" isn't always improvement. Our 1993 has two sets of switches inside the coach to start the generator: one on the dash and one on the wall by the other bedroom switches - FAR away from the bed. Docking lights are controlled only by the two switches on the dash - none in the bedroom.

Re: Generator Running when it shouldn't??

Reply #11 –
Quote from: AC7880 –
gen switch and the outside docking lights switch over the bed
LOL!... I just went out to the coach...  Guess what I learned today..!
'02 40' U320t  4010WTFS Build 6036 1 slide
Motorcade # 17841
SKP 151920
Retired truck driver
 5 million miler
Still have itchy feet for travel