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cbelize's avatar
cbelize
Explorer
Mar 20, 2017

2005 Southwind Generator runs just fine but no power

Left for dry camping on Friday evening. Pre checks included running the generator and verifying all AC outlets worked. I even ran the AC for abut 5 mins. Low and behold once at the camp site needed to run the microwave for a couple mins, turned the generator on started up no issue. I looked at the main panel on the wall next to the bathroom, I see nothing happening on the panel. Normally a green LED light would move around in a clockwise motion and then I would hear a clicking at the main circuit breaker panel as it checks all the breakers, once that is done I would see the LED on the panel lit up next to 30 AM or 50. Well the generator started up but nothing was lit up on the panel.. it was dark, and no power no none of the AC outlets. So I started at the generator, ONAN 5500, reset the two 30 AMP breaker,, no change, I reset the breakers at the main circuit breaker panel in the bedroom, no change, I pulled and verified all 3 fuse at the inverter under the fridge, no change...I reset the GFI AC outlet in the bath room. no change.. so at this point I am out of options. Now back home, I hook up to shore power all works.. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. In addition to that the panel that show water levels, LP, Battery AUX and MAIN reading is completely dead.. no reading when the buttons are pushed... I appreciate your help.

17 Replies

  • Can you locate the transfer switch? Both shore power and genset power will merge there. Take the cover off the box, leave the shoreline unplugged and crank the genset. Being careful not to electrocute yourself....you can use a meter to test if the genset is putting out voltage at that point. If you get voltage at the transfer switch, then most likely your switch is not engaging and transferring the power from the genset to the house.
  • We had the same problem a few years ago. It turn out to be the voltage regulator.
  • thanks gang for your responses. I flipped the 2 breakers at the generator about 10 times since Friday no change. Theres no shore power cord for the generator. No outlets on the generator itself for testing.
  • Do you have any outlets directly on the generator itself or a way to test if you have power output @ the generator without going through coach wiring?
  • Common causes include:

    1. Output breaker(s) on the generator tripped. Some breakers don't look different when tripped, so flipping off and back on is a good plan.

    2. If you do not have an ATS, you forgot to plug the shore power cord into the generator output socket.

    3. Something is broken: ATS, wiring connections to generator, EMS, generator itself, ....