Onan Marquis Genset turns on by itself in rain?

[Rvbiker]

Driving up the interstate in rain all day, our Onan Marquis generator turned itself on twice within a couple of hundred miles, March 2014. I read some posts from 2008 and some said it could have been due to water shorting out the switch or the batteries being low. Since we were driving when it occurred and the batteries check out fine, I'm going with the water doing it.

My coach is 2013 Itasca Sunova 33C. Anyone had the same problems recently, especially with this model? I'm going to the Winnebago Rally and might have it checked out while there. Any comments are welcome!

Thanks, Elliot

[94-Newmar]

Elliott, there is a wiring harness connector (4 wires) that connects your START/STOP switch(es) from inside the coach to the generator. That connector is right there either just outside the cover or just inside the cover of the generator. You can easily pull the connector apart and check for signs of water infiltration in the connector itself, such as any white powdery substance, rust stains, maybe even moisture still in there - It's supposed to be weatherproof.... Check for chafed wires on either side of that harness too. A bare wire rubbing against a frame somewhere could be the problem, and of course, when it's wet could exacerbate the problem.

[Rvbiker]

Thanks much, that would make sense, will give it a look.