Forum Discussion

bullydogs1's avatar
bullydogs1
Explorer
Dec 26, 2015

Auto gen start issue using Voltage setting

OK.we are dry camping with my wife's relatives in NJ...batteries are 8 month old Interstate GC2s Four of them....everything works but when the generator is cold over 4 hours of so and the auto gen is supposed to kick in....you see it lst light up.then it tries to preheat and then you hear a kick sound from the gene for a split second and that's that..no start..you use the switch and it kicks on no problem....using 12.1 and 12.2 v as the start level so we are going 6 hours or more between starts....if gene is warm, then starts...with autostart..autostart wont start it when cold.anyway to fine tune this? Magnum Inverter working fine...with Magnum system...for auto start.
Class A
  • bullydogs1's avatar
    bullydogs1
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2016
    Follow up on this...I got to Magnum and we did a full diagnostic on it..all is as it should be with the system..then we did a start test while the gene was cold, right up...we noticed that during start up the voltage dips for a split microsecond into the 11's ..he suggested I check the 8 month old batteries to see if I had a bad cell...checked specific gravity..all of them in the green on the specific gravity device..I also had voltage setting at 12.1 or 12 rather than 12.2 which is the highest I can set for a voltage start...The temp sensor start works fine...batteries show good on the measuring device...if I am ever in this situation again, I will set to 12.2....my concern is the temp start for the bullies...life is too short to worry about this...especially the one time a year I'll be dry camping in NJ (RV and northern NJ don't mix) and if faced with this type of scenario again, just be mindful...Magnum suggested equalizing but didn't want to boil the batteries besides I have a de sulfator hooked up there..and the specific gravity in all cells showed good...Happy new Year to all..
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2015
    You must not be giving a long enough pre heat signal from the AGS. Probably a programming issue.
    Did this used to work correctly or is this a new set up. If it's new it could be a wiring issue too.
  • YC_1's avatar
    YC_1
    Nomad
    Dec 26, 2015
    Find the manual online and go to page 14. There is a section on AGS. You can run a test from the panel. If this forum would allow attachments I would post a pdf with notes. PM me with your email and I will send it to you.
  • jorbill2or's avatar
    jorbill2or
    Explorer II
    Dec 26, 2015
    There is also a setting, I seem to remember reading, that tells how long to pre heat and crank. If the setting is not right it wont start . Sorry I don't have more Knowledge other than reading Monaco had some special setting
  • dons2346's avatar
    dons2346
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2015
    There is something in the manual about how long the voltage has to stay low (in your case 12.1 to 21.2)before it will start.The voltage has to stay low for a period of time so if your voltage drops to 12.2 for a couple of seconds because something drew a startup current this might not be long enough. This is in the manual so take a look. You might try auto gen start based on SOC and see if that helps.

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