Onan 8000 Diesel Error Code 46

[HR-TX]

Not sure if this is the correct forum... my apologies if incorrectly posted.

So here's the story.

Yesterday I installed a permanent mount surge guard. During the install I had everything turned off including both battery banks. After the install which went pretty well, I plugged in and started testing everything and all was well... except.

I had tested all the AC stuff on both 50A and 30A and everything was good. I then unplugged the AC and went to start the gen. When I did nothing happened and I realized I had not turned on the battery switches.

So I turned on both battery switches and hit the gen start button. It didn't even crank, just gave me the 3 flashes error code. I hit the stop button to read the 2nd level code and it gives me a 46 which is basically a low battery condition.

My batteries are good. I even checked the voltage on the 12V lugs on the gen and they are at battery voltage.

Anyone have any ideas? Unfortunately I did not start the gen prior to doing the install so can't be sure the problem didn't already exist. From all I can see, there is no correlation between the surge install and the 12V starting side of the gen.

Stumped!

[Mike Canter]

Check that battery voltage again on the generator lugs while trying to start the generator. If the 12 v drops way down while trying to start the genset then maybe there is a bad or dirty connection on a battery cable or a bad battery switch or a bad ground.

[ga traveler]

Mike Canter is right on the money. (Mike are you sure you were in the navy and not the army?) You have a DC problem that is not related to your AC install. First start your engine and build up your batteries, Then try to start the Generator. If the gen. starts, you have a low battery problem. If it still will not start, It is a connection problem. Some manuf. start the gen. off the house batterys and some start off the engine batteries. As Mike said, Start at the gen. and work your way back to the batteries, checking all connections for corrosion and tightness. You will most likely find a corroded connection. One quick tip. I would start with the Gen. ground first. It is the easist to check.

[HR-TX]

That was my thought too... but since I had just done an electrical change I was second guessing myself.

I did remove and clean the 12V terminals on the back of the gen. I am seeing 13.8V at the terminals and no change when I try to start it. It acts like it doesn't even try to crank now.

Is there a way to clear the code? Where is the control board located. I might try reseating the connectiors if I can get to it.

Thanks for your help.

[powerboatr]

defiantly an army problem vice navy

3rd the batteries and the terminals, if you turned off all 12 volts then i would say the switch or the solenoid is not connecting.
or its if a manual switch to kill power the contacts may be dirty

my coach the genny uses the chassis batteries as the main source

i made the mistake once and shut off the chassis batteries and found out after a few minutes of doing the freak dance in my head.

your surge gaurd has zero to do with 12volts.
i have one installed and it has worked flawlessly for many years

[Mike Canter]

Hey it sometimes takes a multiforce military to overcome the enemy.

[HR-TX]

Interesting test today... I turned off both battery switches and hit the gen start button... it did the exact same error code so I have to assume the 12V to the gen bypasses the cutoff switches.

[ga traveler]

Mike. Just poking fun. I respect all our military. the only people I really disrespect, are the people who think freedom is free. God bless America. God bless our Vets.