Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Troubleshooting Generator (Read 596 times) previous topic - next topic

Troubleshooting Generator

When I finished installing the new ES52 controller on my generator, it stared right up. I let it run for a while, went into the coach, and the display showed correct voltage to both legs. Life was good
I tried to use it today. It started right up, runs well. The land line breaker is "off". I let it run, but I never got display of voltage on my monitor.
I shut it down, and turned on the land line power. Display is good.
How do I troubleshoot this problem?
I will open the transfer switch and fire up the generator. I will test, at the transfer switch, to see if any juice is coming in
This is not my area of expertise
Any guidance will, as always, be appreciated
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Troubleshooting Generator

Reply #1 –
When I had that same issue, I had to replace the transfer switch at the foot of the bed.  Someone with more knowledge can walk you through how to check it.

2000 GV320 4010 build #5712  2019-?
1999 Bounder 2000-2008
Bardstown, KY
🥃The Bourbon Capital of the World🥃

Re: Troubleshooting Generator

Reply #2 –
Yup, you need to open the ATS and check for power IN from the generator and power OUT to the breaker box.

You also have breakers on the generator itself and the connection between generator wiring and coach wiring that goes to the ATS that can be checked.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Troubleshooting Generator

Reply #3 –
My bad....
Guess I wasn't very clear
I need more than generalizations
I am requesting a " how to " mentality, for someone unfamiliar with troubleshooting procedure for this, particular, problem
Any chance ?
Do I start at the generator, while running?
Transfer switch?
Get the picture?
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Troubleshooting Generator

Reply #4 –
First check if the generator cooling fan is running when the generator is running. If not check the circuit breakers on the generator. If the fan is running go to the ATS and check for input voltage from the generator. If you need more details on how to determine which ATS ask more questions.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Troubleshooting Generator

Reply #6 –
Quote from: GleamB –
When I finished installing the new ES52 controller on my generator, it stared right up. I let it run for a while, went into the coach, and the display showed correct voltage to both legs. Life was good
I tried to use it today. It started right up, runs well. The land line breaker is "off". I let it run, but I never got display of voltage on my monitor.
I shut it down, and turned on the land line power. Display is good.
How do I troubleshoot this problem?

When you fired it up and it was good, were you unplugged from shore power?

Did you then plug into shore power and stay plugged in?  When you say "land line breaker is "off"", is this the breaker at the pedestal or the main breaker at the foot of the bed? 

Have you looked at the front of the generator to see if the 2 45 amp breakers are on or off?
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Troubleshooting Generator

Reply #7 –
Quote from: GleamB –
The land line breaker is "off". I let it run, but I never got display of voltage on my monitor.
I shut it down, and turned on the land line power. Display is good.
How do I troubleshoot this problem?

Please define "Land Line Breaker."

All power comes through the breaker box, no matter the source. There should be an automatic transfer switch before the breaker box to determine which power feed goes to the box.  Turning off the main breaker, then turning it back on again may have been all the troubleshooting you need.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Troubleshooting Generator

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
Please define "Land Line Breaker."

All power comes through the breaker box, no matter the source. There should be an automatic transfer switch before the breaker box to determine which power feed goes to the box.  Turning off the main breaker, then turning it back on again may have been all the troubleshooting you need.

ASSUME he means the CG breaker is off, so no shore power. Same as unplugging shore power cord.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Troubleshooting Generator

Reply #9 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
ASSUME he means the CG breaker is off, so no shore power. Same as unplugging shore power cord.

And at your age too Brett.  Nope.  Assumptions get people hurt.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Troubleshooting Generator

Reply #10 –
MDF....major dummy factor
Too much tequila???
Michelle, Brett, all were  correct.
My " logic" was way off. I was only trying to exercise the generator, after changing the control. We have been turning off the main breaker, at the foot of the bed, every morning, in order to save $$$ on steep electricity charges. With THAT breaker off, the generator power coming through the transfer switch couldn't pass through to the coach. Duh......
When I read Michelle's post, before going to bed last night, I knew that was the issue
I am happy to report that it works just fine
Thanks for humoring me
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Troubleshooting Generator

Reply #11 –
Quote from: GleamB –
MDF....major dummy factor
Thanks for humoring me

By the way: Congratulations on successfully changing out the control board.

Art
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.