Finally fixed my Kohlar 5CKM21 genset and works fine from start switch on genset itself. Neither the dash remote switch or the remote start switch above the stove will start the generator. Both will work to stop the generator but no start on either. Because both switches don't work I figured the problem was not the switch itself and thought I would check the connections at the genset itself for corrosion or loose wiring first. I can see where the wires from the genset start/stop switch plug into the control board then saw 4 wires coming into that plug from another harness up front. Removed plug and re plugged several times but still no start. Any other ideas?

If you can determine that the plug you removed is indeed the remote start buttons, and you are certain what wires are what, short out at the control board and see if it starts. If that works, get a long two wire piece of cord and try taking the cord to the switch and connect first one wire in parallel with the existing one to see if it makes a difference. Then test the other wire. If one of those cause things to work you are a lot closer to the answer.

The stop portion of the switches uses a grounding circuit. The start switch uses a 12v input. The onboard switch is independent from the remote switches and that's why it functions as normal. Look for a 10amp fuse on the remote switch circuit within the generator cover. More than likely tucked within the wiring loom near the front panel. Hope this helps. Keep us posted.

MountainAir05 wrote:ohm out the switches. My next steep was to remove the wires from the back of the dash switch and see if it will start by touching the wires together. If so then I know the switch is bad. I just think that both switches being bad at the same time is unlikely although possible and the problem is elsewhere.

Had the same issue. Drove me and others nuts. Ran new wires from gen to dash switch. Problem solved. Must have been shorted wired between the two. Don't dare call for a schematic. Manufacturer did know what that was. That's the industry.

Remote switches not working on Genset | Good Sam Community

MountainAir05
Explorer II
Aug 29, 2018
ohm out the switches.
Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
Aug 29, 2018
If you can determine that the plug you removed is indeed the remote start buttons, and you are certain what wires are what, short out at the control board and see if it starts. If that works, get a long two wire piece of cord and try taking the cord to the switch and connect first one wire in parallel with the existing one to see if it makes a difference. Then test the other wire. If one of those cause things to work you are a lot closer to the answer.
MySuncoastRV
Explorer
Aug 30, 2018
The stop portion of the switches uses a grounding circuit. The start switch uses a 12v input. The onboard switch is independent from the remote switches and that's why it functions as normal. Look for a 10amp fuse on the remote switch circuit within the generator cover. More than likely tucked within the wiring loom near the front panel. Hope this helps. Keep us posted.
Gjac
Explorer III
Aug 30, 2018
MountainAir05 wrote:
ohm out the switches.
My next steep was to remove the wires from the back of the dash switch and see if it will start by touching the wires together. If so then I know the switch is bad. I just think that both switches being bad at the same time is unlikely although possible and the problem is elsewhere.
Dennis12
Explorer
Aug 30, 2018
Had the same issue. Drove me and others nuts. Ran new wires from gen to dash switch. Problem solved. Must have been shorted wired between the two. Don't dare call for a schematic. Manufacturer did know what that was. That's the industry.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Aug 30, 2018
Since both switches do not work, perhaps the problem is with the generator ground connection. Of course this is assuming that both of the generator switches have power going to them.
An easy way to check the generator ground connection is with a jumper cable clamped on from the coach frame to the generator frame.
F4Jock
Explorer
Aug 31, 2018
Had the same problem. Wires at the remote start plug on the genny were corroded. Rewired. Fixed it.
Gjac
Explorer III
Aug 31, 2018
rgatijnet1 wrote:
Since both switches do not work, perhaps the problem is with the generator ground connection. Of course this is assuming that both of the generator switches have power going to them.
An easy way to check the generator ground connection is with a jumper cable clamped on from the coach frame to the generator frame.
This was a good thought, I used my battery jumper cables to try this but still no start.
Gjac
Explorer III
Aug 31, 2018
F4Jock wrote:
Had the same problem. Wires at the remote start plug on the genny were corroded. Rewired. Fixed it.
That was the first thing I checked. There was a connection from the board to the inside of the genset electronic box, then another on the outside of box, then I saw a series of wire splices going to the out side plug. From there I assumed the wires went to the remote switches. Thinking one of those 4 connections was bad I checked continuity from each splice to the control board plug and all was good.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Aug 31, 2018
All of the switches should be wired in parallel. Since you have voltage to the switch at the generator, then the issue should be the 12 volt feed to the other two switches. Using a voltmeter you should measure power on one side of each switch. If you do not, then you need to trace back to where the power stops. There might be a fuse in the hot line that has blown. I would expect the power to both switches to be coming from the same 12 volt source.