Cummins generator

It sounds like the OP was plugged into shore power, the converter was powering the 12v system, but the house batteries were not turned on....... I did this on my C class one time. Could not figure out why I only got clicking out of the starter solenoid. Finally realized the house batteries were off. Switched them on and it worked fine.

Charles

Our Onan starts from the house batteries; sounds like yours does too. After the first night after buying the rig, when we dry camped, the generator wouldn't start in the morning. We had to start the rig's engine to start the generator--house batteries shot!

Wandering view wrote:
Off until light went on still no engage. The solenoid rapidly clicks but no go.

A single click or rapid clicks from the starter solenoid indicates low voltage at the starter. This could be from a weak battery OR it could be from loose/dirty connection anwhere between the battery and the starter.

OK, now its time for some more information.. What RV are we talking about, the Manufacturer and make, and the year. By external power, do you mean "Shore Power"? Aux battery, do you mean the "house batteries"? If you are plugged in to shore power, you should probably leave the batteries on, as the AC will use the converter to charge the house and chassis batteries. Again, it may depend on brand and year of the RV.

batteries need to be float charged or they do go down over time. The only way to get a correct battery voltage level is if unconnected and let sit for several hours to stablize.

Thank you. I disconnected the external power and turned the aux battery switch on and the generator started immediately. My question is when I have the aux battery off,will external power charge them or do I have to leave the aux switch on to get external power to charge them OR is the engine the only way to charge the aux batteries.

Check for battery voltage when cranking AT THE GENERATOR. Check between the positive lug on the generator and generator frame or generator end of ground cable.

In addition to a dying battery, you could have a loose or corroded connection. Be sure to check ground side connections as well.

Ya, sure sounds battery. The meter is only giving you surface voltage

Read the battery level while someone else is trying to start the genset to get an accurate reading.

Off until light went on still no engage. The solenoid rapidly clicks but no go.