Mystery start of Onan 8000 Diesel Gen

[pvm171]

While hooked to 50amp at NC campground, the gen started by itself sometime during the night. I have a 99 Magna Country Coach with a remote start in the cockpit and a remote start in the bedroom -neither of the remotes were touched. The running of the gen caused no harm, just money. Only happened one time - has anyone had this problem.

[Route 66]

We have several threads on this.

If it's not a programmed start from a low battery charge, then it's moisture in the remote start connector on the generator.

A search will fing the threads for you.

[pvm171]

Thanks for your help - it was raining at the time.

Best regards.

[RV Wizard]

It has also been found that animals can stand on the start switch on the generator. I found cat foot prints on one that had the problem. I also had to change out a control board on a 10k once.

[phays]

LIke Route 66 says. My Onan 7500 did this during a slow misty rain. Disconnect the connector, mine was on the passenger side of the generator, spray with cleaner, plug and un-plug the connector a few times and then apply a little dielectric grease. I never had the problem again but then I only had that coach for 3 more years after that.

[PlayItForwrd]

the Onan 4000 in our old '92 Winnebago started by itself several times, always when wet. Even though the secondary switch in the range hood was nowhere near any water, disconnecting the wiring to that switch solved the problem.

Had the same problem in our houseboat after installing 2 new ignition switches on our flybridge. First night it rained, the starboard engine started itself up in the middle of the night, scared the bajezzus out of us, we thought someone had broke in! Wasn't long afterward the OTHER engine started itself too. Water and electric switches don't mix!