2004 Onan Generator does not turnover

[ppatman]

Hi,

Looking for some help. I have a 2004, gasoline powered Onan Generator which will not start. When I try to start it up, all I hear is the solenoid "clicking". The starter batteries are fully charged and I have cleaned the terminals on batteries and at the generator itself. Fuel tank is full, and oil levels are where they should be. Any thoughts on where to look?

Thanks.

[al2ride]

Could be that your starter went bad. Jump 12v over to the starter motor bypassing the solenoid to see if it turns. Is the genset new to you? Did it run before?

[AFChap]

Welcome to the forum!

When you say the "starter batteries" are charged, are you meaning the chassis batteries? ...or the house batteries? Normally the house batteries are what powers the generator. And most motorhomes have a "battery boost" switch in the cockpit that will tie both battery banks together as long as the switch is held down. That will "boost" the dead batteries allowing you to start the generator. (It also works in the other direction to start a dead engine battery). If the batteries are totally dead (as it sounds) you may need to hold the boost switch down for a minute or so after the generator starts in order to keep it running.

Knowing coach brand would allow someone to give assistance specific to your coach.

[Dennis4809]

Recently my house batteries were so low that the generator would not roll over. Tried holding the boost switch but still didn't help. Four house into two chassis transfers enough to start the Cat but two chassis into four house didnt do the job. Jumper cables and time allowed me to start the gen set.