Jump Start Onan 4000 microquiet Generator?
Greetings! I am having problems getting my generator started. It is flashing a 32 code, low cranking power. I believe I may need new house batteries. In the meantime, I need to run my air condit...
Forum Discussion
If your genset starts from the house batteries, you usually have two alternate sources of 12V power: the engine alternator, and the converter/charger.
If I start my engine and have someone hold down the accelerator to a fast idle RPM, I can get more power to the 12 volt side than I can from the pair of house batteries or from the converter. Similarly for the other sometimes high-load problem, moving the slideouts.
Not every motorized RV is rigged to send 12V power from alternator to 12V house circuits, but most are, so long as the starting battery is in good shape and the alternator is putting out enough to trigger the isolating circuits that protect the starting battery.
If I had to use an emergency-start jumper, I would try connecting it directly to the terminals on the generator. Some of these, however, want to see a healthy partially charged battery on their connection, to avoid damage by shorting the jumper out.
If I start my engine and have someone hold down the accelerator to a fast idle RPM, I can get more power to the 12 volt side than I can from the pair of house batteries or from the converter. Similarly for the other sometimes high-load problem, moving the slideouts.
Not every motorized RV is rigged to send 12V power from alternator to 12V house circuits, but most are, so long as the starting battery is in good shape and the alternator is putting out enough to trigger the isolating circuits that protect the starting battery.
If I had to use an emergency-start jumper, I would try connecting it directly to the terminals on the generator. Some of these, however, want to see a healthy partially charged battery on their connection, to avoid damage by shorting the jumper out.
