Hello,I am new to the forum and tried to do a search for my issue but could not come up with anything.So I have a Generac/Onan Generator on my Carson Rebel. So basically sometimes when I start the generator I have power in my RV and other times it just does not work. So if I was to go out to my RV which has been sitting and startup the generator I will have power. I can let it run for 15 mins or however long I need. Once I shut the generator off and if I want to start back up generator will run but no power. Basically at that point I shut down the generator and if I let it sit for 30mins or an hour and start it back up I will get power. I cannot figure out why sometimes I get power and others I don't. I dont know if I have a bad ground some place or not. With an issue like this what are somethings that I should look at first?Generac Primepact 50 with Onan controls is my setup.Thanks in advance for any info.Matt

Matt,Do you have an ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) or do you have to plug shore power cord into generator output outlet?

Shut down, with no power output on restart, sounds like a, bad control board in the generatorYes it could be an ats failure but that seems less likely to meAts failures are often stuck contracts, there is no shore power mentioned and if the contracts we're stuck it should be stuck in the generator input mode

Check the output leads from the generator before the transfer switch or your just guessing . Should be 120 volts . If thats test good then check on the output side of the ats .

I have to plug the generator into a socket to give power to the RV. Matt

Generator and Electricity Issue | Good Sam Community

Tom17
Explorer
Oct 09, 2014
You're welcome. Hope it helps. Try 3 seconds and go from there. Your pushing start after it's running may be the best work around for you. If it's still inconsistent, install the kit for a permanent fix.

You weren't doing it wrong, I was doing the same thing. One would expect start to mean start and produce power.

Spent hours going through the trouble shooting steps in the service manual multiple times, then stumbled on the fix at ziller. Just an undocumented feature with these Generac units.
wilson86
Explorer
Oct 09, 2014
Thanks for the info Tom. One thing we did do was start the generator and continue holding the start button but still did not get any power. How long do you think I should hold that button when starting to build the current? If this is how Generac works then this is good news and I am just doing it wrong. Which is a simple fix.
Tom17
Explorer
Oct 08, 2014
The exciter current is only applied when the start button is pushed. When cold you probably have to hold it longer to start and the current has a chance to build the field for power generation. When warm the engine starts quickly, you release the button, and there hasn't been a long enough current for the field to build so no power. Pushing the button again gives it the additional current to build the field. Generac has a kit consisting of a diode, resistor and associated wiring that can be installed to provide a constant exciter current regardless of how long the start button is pushed. I installed one in mine and have not had an issue since with power coming up.

Here's where I bought mine and also a link that has a link to PDF instructions:
http://www.apelectric.com/0H07850SRV-Generac-Guardian-field-boost-uplift-k-p/0h07850srv.htm
http://www.zillerelectric.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1378
wilson86
Explorer
Oct 07, 2014
Now if the generator does sit off for a long period it sill start up and generate power from the get go. If we shut off and give it 30secs or 5 mins it will start but not generate power.
wilson86
Explorer
Oct 07, 2014
One thing we did was start the generator both using the Onan controls and the start button on the actual generator. Both buttons will preform the same exact function. Start it up and press again and will start making power.
Bird_Freak
Explorer II
Oct 07, 2014
Could it be the Onan controls on a Generac generator?
wilson86
Explorer
Oct 07, 2014
I finally was able to get some assistance with troubleshooting the generator. One thing we found out is if we start the generator and its not producing electricity if we hit the start button (while engine is running) again the generator starts producing electricity to the trailer.

Has anybody seen something like that? I think the brushes are fine on the generator. So it may just be one of the electric boards.
wilson86
Explorer
Jan 27, 2014
Generac PrimePact 50 - 02010-2
http://www.manualslib.com/manual/60443/Generac-02010-0-04164-0.html
Thanks for the help!
Generator_Jim
Explorer
Jan 26, 2014
Wilson 86

You may have dirty slip rings or sticking brushes on the generator armature, and the voltage regulator or the field flash circuit can't push through the high resistance coating to get the voltage started. Please list the make and complete model number of the Generac so we can tell you how to access the brushes.

If you hold the start switch to ON, it will energize the field flash circuit and might eventually build up voltage. Cleaning is better.

JimL
2oldman
Explorer II
Jan 25, 2014
EAKOCH is a troll.

Forum Discussion

Generator and Electricity Issue

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Electric issue

Electrical Issue

Electrical issue

generator issue

Generator Issues