Automatic Generator Start

[Kjon]

How can I tell if my new 33AL is equipped with AGS?

[TiffinUser]

I had the same question on my '19 37BA. I downloaded the manual for the remote inverter control that is located above the driver seat. Somewhere in the menu settings is a list of versions. I found a setting showing version for AGS = 6.1 so if you find that then presumably you have AGS.

And I goggled for "MD-AGS ME-RC remote". That gave me among other hits, 3 youtube videos on setup, testing, etc. In the section on setting up auto start I set the parameter so that it would quickly reach the limit and start the generator. The generator is set for a 2 minute wait before starting.

And it worked just fine. There was nothing in my owner documentation to indicate that I have AGS.

I then reset the parameters as required for my use. It's easy to mess up the settings on that remote so keep good notes.

[BradS]

Ever since my MH was new (about 2 years) there has been occasions where I find my generator running without being manually started (like AGS has kicked in). I researched the AGS and confirmed that it is completely OFF and everyone says there is no way the generator could be auto-starting.

It has even happened when the RV is plugged in at home. Figure that out... The last time it happened we had just driven 6 hours to get home and I parked the RV in the driveway temporarily to make room to park it. The batteries should have been fully charged. The residential fridge was on, but I was surprised to find the gene running again.

If I want the gen to run, I will start it. Any ideas?

[2cyber71]

Most Energy Management Systems has a AGS setting with a on/off setting too.
My Winnie has it in the Firefly unit, the main screen in the MH.
I can turn it off, or set it for (inefficient shore power, low battery voltage, or HVAC demand)
I can even adjust at what voltage I want it to come on, I usually set it at 12.2.
The AutoGen set needs to be turned on by 2 steps, (turn on at the firefly and I must turn my ignition key to on with in 2 minutes to engage the AutoGen.
I’m sure most DPs have similar set ups

[TiffinUser]

Originally Posted by BradS

If I want the gen to run, I will start it. Any ideas?

If you have the Magnum ME-RC remote unit above the driver's seat, then: "When the gen control setting in the remote is in the OFF position, all generator autostart functions are disabled and the AGS module’s STATUS indicator will also be off."

Press the AGS button on the remote unit. Then press the round "select" knob & rotate it to status. It should display status = off if AGS if off. If it does not say off then rotate knob to Control Menu & select off.

HTH

[dwaugh10]

Look in the compartment where the inverter is located. The AGS is mounted in front of the inverter near the compartment door.

David

[bsedor]

I had my generator start once with similar circumstances. Tiffin suggested that it could be moisture in a harness that is right in front by the generator. I unplugged it, applied some dielectric grease and made sure that I used good electrical tape to reseal it.

Let me know if you want a picture of the harness.

[jkorn]

AGS can be optioned to start either by low battery voltage AND OR inside temperature.

[BradS]

Originally Posted by dwaugh10

Look in the compartment where the inverter is located. The AGS is mounted in front of the inverter near the compartment door.

David

Here is my AGS... right where you said. Note it is ready, but the status is not lit.

[BradS]

Originally Posted by TiffinUser

If you have the Magnum ME-RC remote unit above the driver's seat, then: "When the gen control setting in the remote is in the OFF position, all generator autostart functions are disabled and the AGS module’s STATUS indicator will also be off."

Press the AGS button on the remote unit. Then press the round "select" knob & rotate it to status. It should display status = off if AGS if off. If it does not say off then rotate knob to Control Menu & select off.

HTH

Here is my Magnum Inverter Remote Control showing the AGS status as OFF

[BradS]

Originally Posted by jkorn

AGS can be optioned to start either by low battery voltage AND OR inside temperature.

I guess I need to check those items when I find the gen running. I checked now (using the TECH menu) and it indicated TS COLD temp and battery was 13.7 (charging). I have these options turned off as well.

[BradS]

Originally Posted by bsedor

I had my generator start once with similar circumstances. Tiffin suggested that it could be moisture in a harness that is right in front by the generator. I unplugged it, applied some dielectric grease and made sure that I used good electrical tape to reseal it.

Let me know if you want a picture of the harness.

Thanks for your reply. I got this same message from Tiffin. I checked the plug and it seemed sealed and dry. I live in a dry climate (but it does rain sometimes).

Since it is a diesel generator, I must hold the start switch (on gen or remote) for up to 14 seconds to get it primed and the glow plugs hot. Then it will start. Seems unlikely a random short could be doing that. Also this happens very infrequently. Have you had it happen since you "fixed" it?

[BradS]

Originally Posted by 2cyber71

Most Energy Management Systems has a AGS setting with a on/off setting too.
My Winnie has it in the Firefly unit, the main screen in the MH.
I can turn it off, or set it for (inefficient shore power, low battery voltage, or HVAC demand)
I can even adjust at what voltage I want it to come on, I usually set it at 12.2.
The AutoGen set needs to be turned on by 2 steps, (turn on at the firefly and I must turn my ignition key to on with in 2 minutes to engage the AutoGen.
I’m sure most DPs have similar set ups

Thanks for you post. I was hoping for something like this. My RV uses the Spyder system. There is a lot with that that, and nobody understands it, or their just not saying.

[Kjon]

You might try the Spyder Controls website.
Customer Support | Spyder Company


The Uid is: Tiffin
The PW is: Motorhomes


Hopefully you will find what you need.