Generator clicks once instead of starting

From your description I am going to guess that this generator is in a motor home. If this really is the case then that means there is more than one place to crank and start the generator from. That means an outside location at the generator. Normally the switch is a rocker style switch. Push one way for on and the other way for off. The exterior switches get gummed up with dirt and grit and any other junk floating around, especially when on the road. The gummed up switch may not return to the neutral position when it is used and can cause a couple of different aggravating conditions like even allowing the unit to start from another location but then causing it to die when the switch is let up after starting. After you have cleaned up all connections and battery terminals take some electrical cleaner and spray the rocker switch located at the generator and work it back and forth. The interior switch(s) might need a cleanup to.

Bobbo wrote:
Bad battery, dead battery or bad connection between battery and generator. When mine did that, it was a bad connection.

Yes most likely but there is an outside chance that the engine (or starter) is physically locked up.

Bad battery, dead battery or bad connection between battery and generator. When mine did that, it was a bad connection.

You failed to state if you have a motor-home, or a trailer.

if you have a MH, then start the engine first which will allow alternator to charge the house-batteries. This also supplies around 14.5 volts to the 12v, dc, circuit allowing much for voltage than batteries alone (12.8 volts or less).

When checking connections you need to check all grounds near batteries, solenoids, and the generator.

The clicking sound usually means not enough current to run the starter. Depending on age the generator may have a dead spot or corroded, loose, connections internally. The control board may be bad, or bad connections.

my vote is bad battery .............

my vote is bad battery .............

I would back your tow car next to the genset and jumper directly from your car to the starter and ground. If it starts you know it is either your battery or the connections. What is the resting voltage of your batteries? You can also use your button on the dash to combine the chassis and your house batteries together to see if that will turn your eng over. Again if it does you know your problem is either the batteries or connections.