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Old 07-28-2014, 06:41 PM   #1
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Generator won't start

Went to start my generator and it is completely dead, when I hit start button after priming it, nothing happens, doesn't even make a noise.it has worked like a dream until now. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I have 2012 airstream sprinter.
Thanks in advance
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Old 07-28-2014, 06:53 PM   #2
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Dead battery. Try starting up the van and then try the genny. Jim
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Old 07-28-2014, 07:53 PM   #3
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Put a piece of black tape over the "Prime" label as that is for gas powered generators. It has no function on the propane generators.

Make sure your 12 V Master Switch is ON.
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Old 07-29-2014, 04:40 AM   #4
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Make sure your propane is turned on.

We almost always have to turn on the ignition to get the generator to start.


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Old 07-29-2014, 05:11 AM   #5
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Possibilities include:

1 - house battery disconnect is off, in which case no power to the starter motor (even if batteries were low, you'd at least hear the click-click-click of the Bendix trying to engage the starter)

2 - low on oil, because there is an internal disconnect that prevents the generator from running (note that if you're not parked reasonably level that can trigger the low-oil disconnect as well). Onan generators tend to use oil when new; it's not uncommon to need to add oil in less than 25 hours of run time, but after they're properly broken in the excessive oil usage should stop.
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Old 07-29-2014, 10:40 AM   #6
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Where would I find the house battery disconnect switch? I am clueless, if you haven't already guessed
Thanks again
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Old 07-29-2014, 01:19 PM   #7
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The disconnect switch is actually a remote switch and its located on the wall behind the folding arm of the curb-side second row passenger seat.
If things are working fine, when the switch is in the on position, your coach electrics (lights, etc) should come on. That is assuming your coach batteries are not flat.
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Old 07-29-2014, 02:52 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by UKDUDE View Post
The disconnect switch is actually a remote switch and its located on the wall behind the folding arm of the curb-side second row passenger seat.
If things are working fine, when the switch is in the on position, your coach electrics (lights, etc) should come on. That is assuming your coach batteries are not flat.
My model isn't old enough to have that, but if memory serves the remote switch on the newer models just turns the big red switch under the sofa, which is still there even on yours.
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Old 07-29-2014, 04:53 PM   #9
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Generator won't start

Nancy has a 2012 so the switch is under the rear lounge seat, not by the 2nd row passenger seat.
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Old 07-29-2014, 05:57 PM   #10
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Could it have been the inverter switch?
I have been messing around , and it finally started ......thanks for all the responses .......this forum is the bomb
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Old 07-29-2014, 06:30 PM   #11
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Old 07-29-2014, 08:23 PM   #12
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Unless the house batteries were down, the inverter being on shouldn't affect the starting on of the generator. Just need the 12 VDC on to get the propane valve to open and the starter to work.

Glad you got it going.
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Old 07-30-2014, 01:01 PM   #13
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I have an 07 Interstate which has the propane powered Onan genset.
For an unknown reason and at random time intervals the 5 amp fuse in the generator starter circuit goes bad and so the symptoms are nothing at all happens when you push the start button. Crawl underneath and open the access panel and the 5 amp fuse is located to the right of the (other) start/stop switch located there. Hard to see but after a while one gets good at feeling for it. Change the fuse and all works normally -- that is until the next time.
I had the local Camping World look at it (at enormous expense) -- they checked everything -- even the draw amperage in the starting circuit while cranking -- it was 3.2 amps -- Several hundred dollars later I got it back and within a week the fuse had to be changed again -- Still unresolved -- If anyone has any answers to this would appreciate them. I keep a bunch of 5 amp fuses in the glove compartment and have got very good at changing out the burned fuse. Last time though when it needed changing it had lasted at least 6 months. Go figure?
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Old 07-30-2014, 03:51 PM   #14
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If these are the old glass fuses with the silver ends, they used to make a heavy duty, slow-blow version. If they are the more modern automotive fuses I don't know if they make a heavy duty or slow blow version. You might check at an automotive store to see if they do. I'm wondering if there is a draw that is too close to the 5 amps, once in a while.

Now that doesn't solve the problem of WHY but its a start.
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