Community Forums

tom41 · 10-24-2013, 04:42 AM

How to go about testing the onan 4000 Emeral Plus solenoid with taking it out. I wanted to check this before removing the starter. Generator will not turn over but can hear the clicking sound . Awhile back had this problem, and after turning the generator a bit with a 3/8 allen wrench it started and ran and was ok for about a month now the problem has started all over but this time using the allen wrench does not help. any suggestions please

jmerritt · 10-24-2013, 12:31 PM

You will need a cable that can carry a lot of amps like a jumper cable. Touch each end of the cable to the large lugs on the solenoid and see if the motor turns over. If it does then either the solenoid is bad, you don't have clean tight connections or the ground and/or 12v circuit(s) is missing (the small terminals on the solenoid). Another possibility is the large 12v cable from the battery is bad or doesn't have a good connection. I would meter all of the connections at the solenoid to make sure I have 12v coming from the battery, 12v at one of the small connections on the solenoid when you press the start button, and a good ground at the other small connection on the solenoid. If everything checks out OK but it still won't start you probably have a bad solenoid.

John

tom41 · 10-24-2013, 02:07 PM

Thanks John, Will give your suggestions and advised a try. thanks again

ksg5000 · 10-26-2013, 08:53 AM

Also, to eliminate battery issues - try cleaning the connectors (including the grounds) and start the engine (should connect chassis and coach batteries) - then try to start the generator.

cvogt74 · 10-29-2013, 01:29 PM

I want to let you know that the starter solenoid can be bad but still click. This happened to me and I replaced the starter solenoid.

Easy way to check solenoid, is to check continuity across the terminals of the solenoid. Use a volt meter with the continuity function and place one lead on the incoming battery side and another on the starter side. Try to start the genny, if the meter beeps or says zero then the solenoid is fine. If not the replace solenoid.

Word to the wise do not replace the solenoid with an aftermarket unit, replace with genuine onan only.

jmerritt · 10-30-2013, 08:31 AM

One thing not mentioned is the possibility that the starter is bad. Jumping across the large lugs of the solenoid should turn the starter, assuming you have a good 12v from the battery and at the solenoid 12v solenoid connection for energizing the solenoid plus good grounds. You should be able to test the starter by using a heavy jumper cable type wire directly to the 12v lug on the starter just to see if it will turn over. If it does then you know the starter is good.

John