Community Forums

dennismhamm · 04-22-2015, 02:18 PM

When we are traveling we run the generator so we can use the ac and now the generator shuts off for no reason while traveling. Any idea whats causing this would be appreciated. Note the fuel tank is full also so that cant be what causing it to shut down.

Czar Of Poop · 04-22-2015, 02:39 PM

Is your gen giving you any codes when it shuts down and does it turn off while you are seating still? Have you checked your low oil shut down?

dennismhamm · 04-22-2015, 02:55 PM

niceguy9605, how do you check for codes? The oil is full and the antifreeze is full too. The generator shuts down while driving.

Old Scout · 04-22-2015, 03:50 PM

Ref this forum--there is a known problem between onan genset and zantrax inverter while running the Cummins engine. Assume genset shutdowns only occur with the Cummins is running and you are starting the genset.....As soon as you start the Onan genset or Cummins engine, go to Zantrax control panel and disable the charger portion of the inverter--this will solve your issue.....

dennismhamm · 04-22-2015, 06:14 PM

Old Scout, thanks for the info. If i disable the charger will the coach still charge the batteries while traveling?

Old Scout · 04-22-2015, 06:52 PM

Yes--your batteries will be charged while driving. The inverter/charge is not involved in the charge cycle when not on 120VAC shore power or genset. Power from the alternator on your Cummins is diverted to your battery banks via the large solenoid in your bat compartment....
PS--if for any reason you shutdown the genset while driving, you will again have to disable the charger portion of the inverter as the charger has a default restart anytime 120VAC is introduced..

tiredvet · 04-23-2015, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Scout

Ref this forum--there is a known problem between onan genset and zantrax inverter while running the Cummins engine. Assume genset shutdowns only occur with the Cummins is running and you are starting the genset.....As soon as you start the Onan genset or Cummins engine, go to Zantrax control panel and disable the charger portion of the inverter--this will solve your issue.....

What code would be given from the genset in this type of shut down?

Old Scout · 04-23-2015, 04:30 PM

If memory serves me [probably not], its a code 33--three blinking lights, pause then three more. However, it could also be a 26, 27 or a 28????? Basic issue is that the Onan genset seems to get confused when it senses charging from the inverter and the Cummins alternator. Things like low diesel fuel level or genset oil/temp, or a bad cell in the house bank can also shut down the unit but the fact that this only happens to the OP when he is driving suggests the issue is with the two charge sources....There was a rumor going around that Onan or Xantrex had a firmware patch to fix this but I never heard of anyone actually curing it via a patch....

dennismhamm · 04-24-2015, 01:22 PM

well, drove about 100 miles after turning the charger off and the gen did not shut down so i do believe that corrected the problem.

Thanks

Old Scout · 04-24-2015, 05:58 PM

I believe you are right---cheers....

DougJames65 · 08-31-2019, 04:28 PM

We put a new onan 5500 generator in our 2006 Winnebago Voyage 38J and it worked great for 3 months, then we were at a park for 3 months without using the generator. When we left that park, the generator would not stay running. I now turn off the breakers on the generator when we are hooked up to shore power, start and run it for 15 minutes every week. Have no problems any more. You need to exercise your generator when not using it at least monthly.