Has anyone replaced a switch for their Onan generator?

[jimh406]

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]

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.

[MrWizard]

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,

[vern_kelly]

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.

[jimh406]

joebedford wrote:
It probably won't start because you don't have enough hours on it

It actually starts fine when the button works. ;). Funny though. I have used synthetic oil from the beginning.

[joebedford]

It probably won't start because you don't have enough hours on it (supposed to exercise the generator for a half hour every month).

[camper19709]

I replaced my interior remote switch years ago. Don't remember the price. Basically plug and play. Just make sure you have the correct part #. Only the plastic button was a little different due to the coaches year. it is a 5500 gas onan with 5,000 hours on a 06 motorhome.

[jimh406]

RLS7201 wrote:
The remote switch wiring is plugged into the generator. That connection probably needs cleaning.

Richard

I'll check.

[RLS7201]

The remote switch wiring is plugged into the generator. That connection probably needs cleaning.

Richard

[bgum]

1 800 800 3317 Electric Generators Direct. Saw some in $60-70 range. Not sure about shipping. You should know your part number or model before calling.

[jimh406]

bgum wrote:
Where did you get that price? I see some for $52. More description may provide better reply.

Here's one. Note: it has a prime as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Cummins-Onan-Generators-Components-300-5332/dp/B00I8S0Z2O/ref=asc_df_B00I8S0Z...

I haven't verified if this works with my model. It's just an example.

[bgum]

Where did you get that price? I see some for $52. More description may provide better reply.

[jimh406]

mleekamp wrote:
I have not replaced one, but a few years ago on our Class C, the inside switch didn't work. Since we were camping, I used the switch directly on the gen. The next morning, as i was trying to figure out why the sw didn't work, it did. And continued for few more years. Who knows.

Sorry, not helping with your issue, but it's FYI

Yes, kinda of a weird situation for me, too. It helps to know that others have experienced it as well.

[mleekamp]

I have not replaced one, but a few years ago on our Class C, the inside switch didn't work. Since we were camping, I used the switch directly on the gen. The next morning, as i was trying to figure out why the sw didn't work, it did. And continued for few more years. Who knows.

Sorry, not helping with your issue, but it's FYI