Auto Gen Start

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Auto Gen Start

February 04, 2021, 01:39:03 pm

I have the Magnum ME-RC Remote .
It is set to have the generator come on at 12.2 v
It has ALWAYS come on when the batteries are low.....( that is another issue)
Twice, recently, the inverter quit during the night, due to low battery with red light on display
The generator USED to come on, automatically
I called Magnum for help. We made sure the inverter was reset, then went over my settings on the remote.
I tried to " run down" the batteries using my microwave, but after a while, got " cold feet", and stopped
I had asked the tech what to do if problem continued
He said look for the Auto Start Module on the generator, pull the 8 pin connector, to " reset"
Problem is, I have NO IDEA where this module is
Does anyone out there know where to find it, if the problem continues?

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #1 – February 04, 2021, 01:47:33 pm

Glenn mine is under the center dash lift up cover. Right behind the front wall is a lift up and out tray with it is on.
Just pull it up and it will slide out. You may have to move one of the heater duckting hoses out of way to get it out.

Johnh

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #2 – February 04, 2021, 03:25:31 pm

Quote

Just pull it up and it will slide out.

Here's a photo of what John is describing.
jor

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #3 – February 04, 2021, 03:36:28 pm

Thanks, guys
Much appreciated, but I just looked, and see nothing like that
Additionally, I have reviewed the Magnum manual a few times to try and understand where to set the AGS... auto gen start, if that even works, and
The LBCO...low battery cut out...to save batteries
I will admit that I don't feel that I fully understand what I should do, and the PO wasn't too helpful with his knowledge
The issue, at hand, is that the auto gen start USED to come on when the batteries ran down while boondocking, but has not come on in about four times when the batteries were "low", and the inverter shut down
I always hoped I could park next to someone how knew how to properly set it up
Twig couldn't help me.......darn it

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #4 – February 04, 2021, 05:14:40 pm

Glen,

It sounds like you have the networked ME-AGS-N Automatic Generator Start Module | Magnum Dimensions it should show up in your ME-RC settings menu. If so, you should be able to locate it by following the network cables from the inverter or RC. Alternately, and depending on how the installer wired it, you could probably find it by tracing the wires from the factory dash mounted generator switch. If it is wired to the factory dash switches, check that the Auto/Manual switch is set to Auto.

Greg

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #5 – February 04, 2021, 05:21:13 pm

Tell Twig no happy hour today.

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #6 – February 04, 2021, 07:01:25 pm

Just spent some time behind the dash and under the coach.
Still can't seem to find it
Surely someone with my year/ model coach could help me locate it. The auto switch is on.
Any help on proper settings at the remote would also be welcome.

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #7 – February 04, 2021, 07:10:58 pm

Quote from: GleamB – February 04, 2021, 03:36:28 pm

The issue, at hand, is that the auto gen start USED to come on when the batteries ran down while boondocking, but has not come on in about four times when the batteries were "low", and the inverter shut down

Is the AUTO switch functional now?

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #8 – February 04, 2021, 07:20:48 pm

^[1]

Here is what you are looking for. I do not have the magnum AGS module. I use the Foretravel one. It's beneath the floor in the center cabinet under the drawer with the crappy cup holders.

It's the box on the left. See if you have it. I have all that room in there because I removed the Javelina box.

Furthermore if you go to your MERC and hit meters. Scroll to #4 ags. If it says "no ags present" then you have what I posted in that photo.

Dave

¹↵

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #9 – February 04, 2021, 08:26:58 pm

Wonderful advice!
Found it, and as the tech said, if the red light is on......needs reset?
I will do as he instructed and unplug/ replug connector
Thanks....never would have known to look there

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #10 – February 04, 2021, 09:02:51 pm

Bummer......
Red light still on after a few attempts to reset, as instructed
When I first encountered generator problems, the first indication I had was low battery notification on my Magnum remote
I couldn't figure out why the auto gen start didn't come on, as it always had done before
Then, when I tried to manually start the generator......nothing
If you read my previous post, I had to replace the ES52 control box
It now starts manually, but I want the auto start function
Do I have to, now, replace it, also
Yes, I checked the fuse
Where would I purchase one, when I get back to the USA?

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #11 – February 04, 2021, 09:18:45 pm

Just checked it again....
Now even the red light is out???!!!
I have been watching videos about the module. They had one that discusses test of the system
When I pressed " test status" it says " no comm"
It was supposed to start the generator
Uh oh
I have searched for replacement, but they show a unit that is different than the one I have. Mine has the control plug and dip switches
Will I be able to buy a " plug and play" if I have to replace it....another $200!??

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #12 – February 05, 2021, 12:24:52 am

Glenn,

In your first post you said "I have the Magnum ME-RC Remote . It is set to have the generator come on at 12.2 v" The Auto generator start module pic in your reply #10 is the original DynaGen BCM-12 installed at FOT. It's a stand alone unit and has nothing in common with your Magnum ME-ARC. That's why your ARC reads "no comm" ...because there's no Magnum AGS connected.

That the red light on your BCM-12 module was on (set high voltage reached), and is now off (below set high voltage) indicates the module may be good. The relay may need to be replaced. You could try removing the relay, give it a few light wraps with a screwdriver handle, and see if that "fixes" it. Info for the relay is on page 6 of the attached manual.

If that fails to get it working, maybe get the Magnum AGS mentioned in reply #4. It won't be "plug and Play" but would be an easy swap, and will connect to your ARC through the inverter. The only additional wiring should be a network cable from your inverter to the AGS.

Greg

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #13 – February 05, 2021, 03:13:55 pm

Greg
Very helpful
So, there is no communication cable from the inverter to the existing module now?
How does it know when to start the generator, when it was working
Right now there is no " green" light on
I will look at the relay, as instructed
Thanks

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #14 – February 05, 2021, 03:38:21 pm

Quote from: GleamB – February 05, 2021, 03:13:55 pm

So, there is no communication cable from the inverter to the existing module now?

The two are not communicating with each other because each uses its own protocol. IF you had a Magnum AGS, the Magnum could talk to it, but it cannot talk to an ES52.

Quote

How does it know when to start the generator, when it was working

The inverter does not know, and didn't. It was the settings on the original ES52 auto gen start and battery monitor that did that. Did you match the DIP switches from the original ES52 to the one you just replaced? The ES52 also connects to a Dynagen battery charge monitor, and it is that connection (and set up of the battery charge module) that tells the ES52 to start your generator, not the Magnum inverter

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Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #15 – February 05, 2021, 03:54:49 pm

Thanks for those manuals
I believe that I set the ES52 dip switches correctly
After I look at the relay, I guess I can recheck my installation
The generator works fine on manual
It's the auto I seem to have problem with

I just smacked the existing relay....no green light
The relay is different from the ones on my old ES 52, so I'll have to try and find one here

Also.....the original ES 52 did NOT have dip switches....the replacement did
I set it up per the instructions, so I hope I got it right

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #16 – February 05, 2021, 06:45:43 pm

Quote from: GleamB – February 05, 2021, 03:54:49 pm

Thanks for those manuals
I believe that I set the ES52 dip switches correctly
After I look at the relay, I guess I can recheck my installation
The generator works fine on manual
It's the auto I seem to have problem with

I just smacked the existing relay....no green light
The relay is different from the ones on my old ES 52, so I'll have to try and find one here

Also.....the original ES 52 did NOT have dip switches....the replacement did
I set it up per the instructions, so I hope I got it right

As mentioned, the Magnum components and DynaGen BCM-12 are completely separate. The Magnum ME-ARC has nothing to do with automatic generator starting on your coach.

Since the generator operates properly using the manual run switch, you likely have the ES-52 set correctly. The problem could be the wiring to the ES-52 in the generator cabinet. Don't be concerned about your programming of the ES-52...sounds like you got it right.

Check the wiring connections at the BCM-12 and the Manual/Auto switch: With the dash Auto/Manual switch set to Auto, short the BCM-12 terminals 1 and 5 (+12V Start signal). DO NOT make contact with terminals 3 or 4! The generator should start after the normal warmup delay, and continue to run as long as terminals 1 and 5 are connected. If it starts, your under dash wiring to the BCM-12 and ES-52 is good.

When the manual/auto dash switch is in the auto position it sends +12V to terminal 7 on the ES-52. That signal is created by the contacts of the relay on the BCM-12. The relay should latch on, after a delay, once the green light comes on (low voltage set point) to start the generator. The generator should continue to run until the red light comes on (high volt set point), releasing the relay, and stopping the generator. The relay does not cause the lights to come on. Reaching the low set point (apparently 12.2V on your coach) causes the green light to come on, and that's what, after a delay, operates the relay.

You could try discharging you house bank to 12.2V and observe when the BCM-12 green light comes on. When the green light comes on, and after a delay, you should hear the relay "click", and have +12V on terminal 5. If the relay clicks, your BCM-12 control is likely good and you just need to replace the relay. If you don't hear that click the the control or the relay could be bad.

Greg

EDITED to replace bogus info with, hopefully, correct info.
EDIT 2: Deleted more bogus info so as not to mislead another unsuspecting soul.

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #17 – February 05, 2021, 06:57:56 pm

Thanks, once again
Will do

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #18 – February 06, 2021, 01:01:38 pm

Some of the info I posted in reply #16 is wrong.

I missed a wire on the BCM-12 wiring diagram that runs from the dash Auto switch to terminal 7 (Auto) on the ES-52. When the Auto switch is on it sends +12V to terminal 7 on the ES-52. That, apparently, changes terminal 10 (start stop) on the ES-52 from using a momentary start/stop signal (like the manual start/stop switch on the dash) to only running the generator when terminal 10 has +12V (from terminal 5 on the BCM-12). I verified this by jumping terminals 1 and 5 of the BCM-12 on our coach. The generator only runs so long as those terminals are connected (+12V at terminal 5)

Therefore, everything I said about the BCM-12 relay being switched momentarily is wrong. That relay should latch on, after a delay, once the BCM-12 green light comes on, and release after the red light comes on.

I'll correct the errors in my reply #17 and make note of that in the post, when completed.

Sorry for the inconvenience,

Greg

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #19 – February 06, 2021, 03:11:03 pm

Glenn,

I forgot about the the latching relay in the generator control cabinet where the ES-52 is located. That relay is how the momentary manual dash switch starts/stops the generator with a push on/push off. That prompted me to look at the factory generator Auto Start wiring diagram, as used with the original generator control you replaced with the ES-52. (see attached) This may be helpful. Because of the latching relay, the factory wiring is a bit different that the wiring shown in the Dyna-Gen diagrams.

Inside your generator cabinet, check that the BN/WH (brown/white) wire, and the PU (Purple?) wire, is connected to terminal 7 of the ES-52. The brown/white wire is the one that brings the +12V run signal from the BCM-12, terminal 5, through the dash Auto switch. The PU wire is the one that comes from the latching relay (manual control)

There may be nothing wrong with your BCM-12 control.

Greg

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #20 – February 06, 2021, 03:38:55 pm

Quote from: MisterEd – February 06, 2021, 03:11:03 pm

Glenn,

I forgot about the the latching relay in the generator control cabinet where the ES-52 is located. That relay is how the momentary manual dash switch starts/stops the generator with a push on/push off. That prompted me to look at the factory generator Auto Start wiring diagram, as used with the original generator control you replaced with the ES-52. (see attached) This may be helpful. Because of the latching relay, the factory wiring is a bit different that the wiring shown in the Dyna-Gen diagrams.

Greg - the copy you posted is for 97-99 coaches. There's also one in the Media library that is labeled as covering through 2001 (and is actually the drawing from our 2003). I'm sure it's the same drawing, just wanted to mention if you want a fresh copy

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Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #21 – February 06, 2021, 04:26:51 pm

Quote from: Michelle – February 06, 2021, 03:38:55 pm

Greg - the copy you posted is for 97-99 coaches. There's also one in the Media library that is labeled as covering through 2001 (and is actually the drawing from our 2003). I'm sure it's the same drawing, just wanted to mention if you want a fresh copy

Thanks. Our generator has the ES-52. I knew it was a replacement, but didn't know the original control was different until I looked at that drawing today. The drawing is a scanned copy of an original from our coach manual. We have a hodge podge of factory drawings in our coach manual, including DGFE, WTFE, Special, and U320-GV. Yup, it's a bastard ...and we love it.

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #22 – February 06, 2021, 07:21:25 pm

OK
A little confused
I'm sure the wiring wasn't touched when ES 52 changeover
I was going to jump the start at the module earlier today, but it became " big shopping day"
Sam's Club for Cape Cod Potato chips, Walmart, supermarket .......even bought a new relay for the module, just in case.......about $3.10 USD
Anyway, do I still want to do this test. Remember.....I was told the green light should be flashing " ready"

There is no green light
I will install the new relay, just for fun, but then do I jump it?

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #23 – February 06, 2021, 09:40:20 pm

Quote from: GleamB – February 06, 2021, 07:21:25 pm

I will install the new relay, just for fun, but then do I jump it?
[/quote

Parden Glenn? It may hurt you so be careful
Lol
Johnh

Re: Auto Gen Start

Reply #24 – February 06, 2021, 10:39:36 pm

Quote from: GleamB – February 06, 2021, 07:21:25 pm

OK
A little confused
I'm sure the wiring wasn't touched when ES 52 changeover
I was going to jump the start at the module earlier today, but it became " big shopping day"
Sam's Club for Cape Cod Potato chips, Walmart, supermarket .......even bought a new relay for the module, just in case.......about $3.10 USD
Anyway, do I still want to do this test. Remember.....I was told the green light should be flashing " ready"
There is no green light
I will install the new relay, just for fun, but then do I jump it?

I get the confusion... me too, until I looked at the factory wiring diagram..
The easiest thing to do would be to plug in the new relay, discharge the house battery to under 12.2V, and see if the green light comes on/generator starts. If the green light doesn't come on, IMO, it pretty safe to assume the BCM-12 board has failed. If it does come on, and you hear the relay click, check the wiring by doing the jump test to verify the wiring from the BCM-12 to the ES-52 is good.

Greg

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