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jimh406's avatar
jimh406
Explorer III
Jul 13, 2023

Has anyone replaced a switch for their Onan generator?

In the past few years I've had a few occasions that my builtin Onan 2500 LP generator wouldn't start by the switch inside. It "remedies" itself later. It feels like it's pretty loose to me. The connectors are absolutely solid.

I'm wondering if I should jut bite the bullet and replace it. Fyi, the total number of hours is just less of 52 over 17 years although much of that time is just a few minutes to run the microwave. The switch price is about $160 from what I can tell.

Have you replaced yours or do you have a different idea about what could be wrong?
  • Jimh406: You might test it with an ohm meter after you remove it from the wall and disconnect the wires. May be able to work some contact cleaner into the switch itself. The prime is not needed on the propane generator like the gas ones. Just start and stop. Might have to do multiple starts if propane has been turned off a while. I wait ~30 seconds between start attempts.I take it always works fine from the switch on the generator itself just not so handy! I have the same setup on my Lance TC.
  • I did this once,
    But I took the rocker switch out of the switch panel, when to the local surplus hobby electronics store and got a replacement $3 Rocker Switch to replace the old one,
  • Just to follow up, there is a multiwire connection plug above the generator in the generator compartment at the very top/back. It's hard to notice unless you are very low. Anyway, it seemed a bit loose although still attached.It's a standard type automative connection. I added two tie wraps through the wire to snug the tow parts up.

    So far, the generator has worked. I will report back if we have the intermittent start again. My guess is that connection vibrated a bit loose from time to time. That seems more plausible than the switch being worn out.

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