Generator switch does nothing.

[jb1911]

I've run the generator dozens of times, at least an hour a month since I got this Vegas 25.2 2017. Never had a problem. I tried to start it today and nothing, not even a sound. The priming light comes on but no cranking. The house batteries are good. The Use/Store switch is in use (I know that's working because the 12v lights come on. It won't even start with the chassis engine running. Is there a circuit breaker or fuse that I need to check. Thanks for any info.

 

[Bob Denman]

Perhaps a loose cable to the starter?

 

[cavie]

I would start with a volt meter on the battery, at the on/off switch, at the starter solenoid.

 

[16ACE27]

Did you try starting it from the switch at the generator?

 

[phalexander]

Is your fuel tank above the cutoff level (about 1/4 tank)? Also, check the generator oil level. Either too high or two low will shut it down.

 

[dave.irwin.59@gmail.com]

I've run the generator dozens of times, at least an hour a month since I got this Vegas 25.2 2017. Never had a problem. I tried to start it today and nothing, not even a sound. The priming light comes on but no cranking. The house batteries are good. The Use/Store switch is in use (I know that's working because the 12v lights come on. It won't even start with the chassis engine running. Is there a circuit breaker or fuse that I need to check. Thanks for any info.

Two initial things I would check:
- be sure fuel is at least 25%
- there should be one (or two) breakers on the generator ... try resetting them.

 

[Bob Denman]

I think that it would still turn over: even if the fuel level was too low for it to get any...

 

[phalexander]

I think that it would still turn over: even if the fuel level was too low for it to get any...

I suppose it’s just a fuel tank tap on the side of the tank. I was thinking it might be a switch on the computer but of course that’s way too complicated! I guess I’d look for lose wires on the starter

 

[16ACE27]

Two initial things I would check:
- be sure fuel is at least 25%
- there should be one (or two) breakers on the generator ... try resetting them.

Neither of these would cause the OP's symptom of "tried to start it today and nothing, not even a sound. The priming light comes on but no cranking."

 

[dave.irwin.59@gmail.com]

I think that it would still turn over: even if the fuel level was too low for it to get any...

Ya. Your probably right about that.

Breakers maybe?

 

[16ACE27]

Ya. Your probably right about that.

Breakers maybe?

There is a DC breaker near the batteries that supplies power to the generator for starting which may be tripped, but I don't know if that also supplies the power for the fuel pump priming indication (probably does). The breakers on the generator only affect the AC output.

I suspect there is either a poor connection to the remote switch or a starter solenoid issue.

 

[cavie]

Is your fuel tank above the cutoff level (about 1/4 tank)? Also, check the generator oil level. Either too high or two low will shut it down.

PO stated " I tried to start it today and nothing, not even a sound. The priming light comes on but no cranking. "

 

[jb1911]

Update: it starts up fine using the switch on the generator. Here's the wierd part. It shuts down using the dash switch, the panel switch and the switch on the generator, but it will only start with the genorator switch. This tells me it's not the switches. I'm thinking it's a fuse ... but where is it?

 

[16ACE27]

I doubt it's a fuse. It's probably the connection where the remote switch wiring harness connects to the generator. This has been a known problem point with corrosion causing this type of problem. Take it apart, clean the connections, put it back together and try it.

 

[jb1911]

I doubt it's a fuse. It's probably the connection where the remote switch wiring harness connects to the generator. This has been a known problem point with corrosion causing this type of problem. Take it apart, clean the connections, put it back together and try it.

Thanks, I'll check that tomorrow.

 

[jb1911]

I doubt it's a fuse. It's probably the connection where the remote switch wiring harness connects to the generator. This has been a known problem point with corrosion causing this type of problem. Take it apart, clean the connections, put it back together and try it.

Pulled the connection apart, it looks brand new, no corrosion. I sprayed it with DeOxit anyway. Problem still exists.

 

[16ACE27]

By the chematic below it appears the starter solenoid always has +12 VDC applied and the start switches just complete the circuit by grounding the negative end of the solenoid. Since it works with the local switch it's time to break out the multimeter and jumper wires, start at that remote harness connection and work your way back to the remote switch (es).

This may help as well:

http://gmcws.org/Tech/dsimmons/onan/onan.html

 

[Bob Denman]

It sounds as if you've got a break in the wiring...

 

[jb1911]

We're frozen in in NW Indiana right now. If I find out what the problems is I will check back in.

 

[cbach]

I know you said no sound at all, but do you hear a faint click/click/click? Reason I ask is that I've found that ours, using the buttons in the coach, have started taking longer to engage the starter if the batteries are down a bit. Sometimes, after the faint click/click/click, have to hold for 5-10 seconds before it kicks over, while it will hit immediately with the button on the gen or using my Vega app on the phone.