Onan generator won't start

kyle4501 · June 01, 2006, 04:40:32 PM

OK, this is a question that could apply to busses, but is asked about a Freightliner chassis Airstream motor home. (I know it's sticks & staples, but at least it has a 330 HP CAT & a 6spd Allison)

My dad is an airstreamer, so to keep from getting kicked out of the club, he had to get an Airstream motorhome. (He'd rather have a bus, but.........)

It is a 2000 model year with the factory Onan diesel generator in it. All was working fine, but today when he went to start the generator, it would not start (no activity at the genset at all) & the control board light says it is on.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
kyle4501

PS today is the first leg of their annual 2 month traveling adventure.

Nick Badame Refrig/ACC · June 01, 2006, 05:26:38 PM

Kyle,

Is it the 7, 10, or 12.5 KW diesel gen?

Nick-

Nick Badame Refrig/ACC · June 01, 2006, 05:34:37 PM

Kyle,

My manual on my 12.5 has no fault codes for steady light on!!

I would try holding the start rocker down to off, that resets any faults.

Than try to restart!

Hope this helps
Nick-

kyle4501 · June 01, 2006, 06:02:45 PM

7.5kw is the one he has.

He tried holding the button in the off position to no avail.

Dad is going to look for a service center, I'll keep ya'll posted.
Please keep the ideas coming.

kyle4501

Nick Badame Refrig/ACC · June 01, 2006, 07:01:52 PM

Kyle,

The fault codes stop blinking after 5 min, mabe he didn't catch it!
Press stop 3 times within 5 seconds to restore fault code, the latest fault code will display!

Nick-

TomC · June 02, 2006, 06:58:22 AM

Try disconnecting the battery cable and reattaching. Might make for a "fresh" start. Good Luck, TomC

kyle4501 · June 02, 2006, 02:56:20 PM

It is fixed

Thanks for the ideas & suggestions

Dad had to take it to the shop anyway as he couldn't get it going

The Onan service center was able to get him in quickly & worked over to fix it

It isn't mounted on a slide, so that cost more

It turned out that water had gotten into the unit & ruined the main control board

Dad was surprised that we got good ideas so quickly. I told him that this board is one of the best thing about being a bus nut. The best is having a bus & a plan!

Thanks again!
kyle4501