Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Auto-start (Read 670 times) previous topic - next topic

Auto-start

Our 2001 U270 has a 10 KW generator and Auto-start. We replaced the old Prosine inverter/charger with a Xantrex system about a year ago (Freedom SW 815-3012). We went on vacation about 4 weeks ago and left the couch connected to our 50-amp RV receptacle with the Auto-start on. I also turned off the 12-volt switch at the door entrance.  When we returned yesterday the generator was running and the volt meter showed 13.5 volts.
I immediately shut generator off and turned Auto-start off.  After a few minutes I turned Auto-start back on and generator did not come on.  I checked the hour meter and surmised that the generator had run for around 90 hours. I know that there was no power failure during the 4 weeks as we have a clock that always blinks when that occurs.  There was no fault light on the inside panel.
Left Auto-start on overnight and generator never turned on again.
We never had this problem with the old Prosine inverter/charger and I'm thinking that the new one might have something to do with this. It's owner's manual mentions that this system has an auto-start function.  Not sure how the Auto-start switch on the dash board interacts with the new Xantrex system.
Suggestions?
Thanks,
Robert
Rob & Di
2001 U270 34'

Re: Auto-start

Reply #1 –
The autostart on mine is a separate box that controls when it comes on at a certain voltage. 12.2 I believe... Maybe when you turned off the 12v switch you turned off the inverter charger? only a guess.

Re: Auto-start

Reply #2 –
Nope ... we always turn off 12 volt switch.  Inverter switch is on the panel.

Robert
Rob & Di
2001 U270 34'

Re: Auto-start

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Rob & Di –
Nope ... we always turn off 12 volt switch.  Inverter switch is on the panel.

Robert

Who replaced it? You? are you sure it was connected the exact same way? Is the inverter tied into the generator with its own auto start? Have you left before in the last year and the generator has not come on with auto start (after the inverter change out)?

Could be a gremlin and the auto start is doing what it wants..

Re: Auto-start

Reply #4 –
If OE autostart still working, I suspect autostart feature on new inverter/charger not hooked up, unless that was specified or done at install Was going to add quite a few $$$ to my install price at AM solar, so I went with leaving OEM one in place.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Auto-start

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Tim Fiedler –
If OE autostart still working, I suspect autostart feature on new inverter/charger not hooked up, unless that was specified or done at install Was going to add quite a few $$$ to my install price at AM solar, so I went with leaving OEM one in place.
We did the same as Tim. OE autostart still in effect, Victron not hooked up.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Auto-start

Reply #6 –
MOT installed the inverter and we have every confidence in them.  To our knowledge the auto-start has not come on since we had the inverter replaced except for this incident. 

Went on a trip to Michigan in June for several weeks and everything seemed to work properly.  We have left for multiple weeks (in July) and had no problem.  It is a real mystery to us.

Thanks for your replies.

Diann

P.S.  We are leaving for a week or so and will check generator hours when we return.
Rob & Di
2001 U270 34'

Re: Auto-start

Reply #7 –
Did you have your coach leveled?  On mine, the level air pump was worn out and running too much. The auto start trigger voltage was too close to the charge set point.  When the air pump would came on, it would trigger the auto start.  Generator would run for 4 hours and shut down. When I replaced air pump, the problem went away n
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Auto-start

Reply #8 –
Did you rebuild or replace the pump? If you replaced what did you replace it with?
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: Auto-start

Reply #9 –
I've been checking the hour meter often since the incident. The generator has never come on by itself. I'm still perplexed but don't plan to do anything about it unless the problem recurs. A belated thanks for all your help.
Robert
Rob & Di
2001 U270 34'