Community Forums

Bondad · 12-13-2011, 05:26 PM

So here's the problem - I went to drive around and run and genset for an hour for my monthly winter routine. I connected the house battery (which IS being replaced this spring) and it was D E A D dead. So I was not able to start the generator.

What is the procedure for starting the generator if your battery goes dead?

BTW, after driving around for 30 minutes or so the battery was charged enough to start the generator but I'm hoping there is an easier way.

RickO · 12-13-2011, 05:29 PM

Do you have a "booster/emergency start" switch that connects your house and coach batteries via a momentary switch? If so, that should do it.

Rick

Bondad · 12-13-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO

Do you have a "booster/emergency start" switch that connects your house and coach batteries via a momentary switch? If so, that should do it.

Rick

I do have a switch that will start the engine with the house battery if the engine battery is dead. Will this work the other way - start my generator with the engine battery if house battery is dead?

RickO · 12-13-2011, 05:50 PM

I do believe it will. My understanding is that pushing the switch just temporarily connects both battery banks together.

Rick

GaryKD · 12-14-2011, 02:50 AM

Hi Bondad,
Yep, the switch connects the two battery banks. It should work either way. FYI, I keep a portable starting battery, fully charged, handy.

Dr4Film · 12-14-2011, 04:14 AM

That specific switch will connect both battery banks together, HOWEVER, if the one battery is dead DEAD or worse yet shorted out, the defective battery may suck all of the amps away from the good battery. In those cases, simply remove the cables from the dead battery before using the Battery Boost Switch.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

dons2346 · 12-14-2011, 10:49 AM

I would use jumper cables from my toad to the house battery

wa8yxm · 12-14-2011, 11:08 AM

Regarding the Aux/Emergency/Boost start switch.

Some do indeed work both ways, MINE does,, Some do not. You won't know till you try.

Starting the main engine will also work..

HINT: Once the generator starts,, KEEP the switch/button pushed or the main engine running UNTIL the house lights brighten when the converter kicks in.. Else.. it will die when it looses 12vdc.