Community Forums

Chickadee · 09-04-2011, 07:46 AM

Hey, Newmar Wizards:

Do any of you have an idea why our generator would all of a sudden start up all by itself. We run an 08 Ex and were plugged into 50 amp service with our Surge Guard in line and EMS Auto Gen Start set in the "off" mode. Yet, there we were, sippin morning coffee two days ago, weather was clear, sun coming up, watchin TV, and all of a sudden we felt a quick, momentary lurch, and were wondering what "that" was when, about a minute later, the gen kicked on and began running. That initial lurch seemed, in fact, to be the gen exhibiting a quick effort to turn over, then, after that minute, it actually started. Immediately began checking things. Power from outlet was on, Surge Guard lights were on and seemingly o.k., amps read 13.3, checked Auto Gen Start and it was off, checked Energy Control Screen showing L1 and L2 at 121 and 122 even after shutting gen off, and, from that point on, we've just been wondering what-n-the-heck could have caused this.

Any ideas out there???

Thanks.

Steve & Lynette

bluepill · 09-04-2011, 08:01 AM

Auto gen start is controlled by a COMPUTER.......................

Need I say more?

Seriously, if there is a way to de-power the AGS system to force a system reboot, I would try that first. I recently had some weird problems with my cell phone. Tech support said try turning it off and then on again. That fixed the problem.

Norm4015 · 09-04-2011, 08:39 AM

The Onan generators have a know problem of self-starting. Mine has done it and several of my friends have had the problem. There is a connection between the generator and the inside generator wiring that gets corroded and causes the problem.

Look at your generator and on the left side you will see a cable coming out. Trace it a foot or so and there is a plug. Disconnect the plug and spray it with contact cleaner and after it dries coat both ends of the connector with di-electric grease and reconnect the plug. Problem is fixed.

Dr4Film · 09-04-2011, 08:52 AM

Many people have experienced the same when moisture has gotten into the cable connector on the side of the Onan Generator that controls the communication between the remote panel and the gen-Set.

This can happen after heavy rains or high humidity conditions. Keep the connector contacts clean and sealed.

Using a good contact spray cleaner with the DI-electric grease is a good remedy.

Dr4Film ----- Richard.

"007" · 09-04-2011, 06:40 PM

Haven't heard this one for couple of years its almost like the mysterious slides moving out that had everyone scratching their heads.

Maybe it just coming around again as in cycles.

Chickadee · 09-05-2011, 06:47 AM

THANKS TO ALL !!

Really appreciate the help and WILL clean, dry, and seal the connector you've described...provided I find it.

I kinda think you guys hit er on the head regarding moisture affecting the contacts, since this episode occurred a couple days after I had been back flushing the forward downspout hoses running from the roof gutters down the front corner posts through the gen. compartment. I'm pretty sure I caused the problem. There I was, back flushing and re-back flushing these downspout tubes, when I noticed the layer of dust atop the gen. Yup, you guessed it, this dummy just had to shoot the hose quickly over the top of the gen to rinse off this dust, and although I didn't flush it alot, I probably was the cause of moisture in the connection.

Some day I'll learn not to do dumb things. THANKS AGAIN you guys.

Steve