Forum Discussion

Cheryl_B's avatar
Cheryl_B
Explorer
Mar 26, 2023

Genny won't start a/ trying to turn on while on shore power.

I went to look at a 2000 Winnebago Adventurer 37G today and while it was plugged into the home's electricity, he tried to start the generator to show me that it worked. It wouldn't start but while he held the button down, the lights inside the rig were flickering.

We checked fuses and such but found nothing wrong, but now the generator won't start at all, even when shore power is disconnected. Generator makes zero sounds.

Can you guys help me figure out what this could be? I bought said rig and there is a mobile RV mechanic that is going to take a look at it and I'd really rather not incur that cost. (Frankly, he should be the one paying that but we'll see what it ends up running.)

I wish I could remember what the generator was. I think it was a "green" something or other and was 5000 watts. Hope you can help me figure this out. Really hope no real damage was done.
  • Yup, a battery or connection issue between house battery and generator.

    The lights dim because battery voltage drops when trying to start the generator.

    I would start by checking battery voltage at the battery "at rest" and then while cranking the generator.
  • I would first off like said make sure the battery disconnects are in the correct position. When you pushed the switch to start the gen. did you hear it try and start or was there no sound at all?

    Start the engine and while its running try starting the gen. I could be wrong on this but I think the gen. gets started with the engine batteries not the house.

    You may also want to go over to the Winnebago Owners forum for some good info also. https://www.winnieowners.com/forums
  • Make sure the battery disconnects are on. Suggest cycling to off then back on.
    Could be bad battery(ies) or just need charged.
    Green genset would indicate Onan, probably 5500.