Generator not Starting

[Bill Heffernan]

My generator is not starting, turns over but will not run. I am also seeing a low battery warning on the dash. Could this be related and which battery system is the warning related. Since purchasing the coach 3+ months ago we've been on shore power. Although I did start the generator a couple weeks ago ago without any issue. Any recommendations?

[Frank Bergamo]

Bill,

Is your fuel tank above 1/4 full. Genny fuel pickup does not go to bottom of fuel tank. Also, did you try priming the genny by holding down the stop side of the start/stop switch. When starting, use battery boost switch to combine batteries. Hope this helps.

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Bill,
Geni start should be supplied by the chassis batteries. See pg 79 of 07 Marquis wiring in Coach Assist.
Steve

[Bill Heffernan]

Thanks guys. I have no idea why, but even though I had used the battery boost before, this time it started right up using it. Fuel is good at over half. Thanks again!

[Eric Maclean]

Bill
As Steve pointed out the gen set starts from the chassis batteries .
The chassis batteries will discharge over time 3 to 6 weeks because of the perasitic load from the engine ECM.
This is usually not a problem when hooked to shore power as the inverter should be charging the coach  batteries and the B.I.R.D and big boy solenoid should be combining the chassis batteries with the coach batteries so every thing gets charged.
First check to see that the inverters charger is turned on and working.
Next check to see if the B.I.R.D is controlling the big boy solenoid to combine the two battery banks when there is a charge present.
There is a troubleshooting page in the coach assist to help you with the diagnosis of the B.I.R.D AND BIG BOY solenoid.

Hope this helps
Eric

[Joel Ashley]

Might Bill’s Big Boy be carboned up and not charging through to the chassis set?  If he’s not been driving it much, the alternator’s efforts may not have been adequate over 3 months.  Bill, as a starting place check the chassis set with a voltmeter, both on pedestal power and with it unplugged for an hour.  Let us know.

Joel

[Eric Maclean]

Bill
Joel brings up a good point the big boy solenoids are known over time to gett dirty contacts .
There is a good article on this and how to repair it in the common problems section here in the technical section of the forum.

Hope this helps
Eric