Forum Discussion

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?
  • mleekamp's avatar
    mleekamp
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2023
    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
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Jul 13, 2023
    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.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2023
    Where did you get that price? I see some for $52. More description may provide better reply.
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Jul 13, 2023
    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_B00I8S0Z2O/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312228202241&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9315542114090398293&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021394&hvtargid=pla-642341093027&psc=1

    I haven't verified if this works with my model. It's just an example.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2023
    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.
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    Jul 14, 2023
    The remote switch wiring is plugged into the generator. That connection probably needs cleaning.

    Richard
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Jul 14, 2023
    RLS7201 wrote:
    The remote switch wiring is plugged into the generator. That connection probably needs cleaning.

    Richard


    I'll check.
  • camper19709's avatar
    camper19709
    Explorer
    Jul 14, 2023
    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.
  • joebedford's avatar
    joebedford
    Nomad II
    Jul 14, 2023
    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).
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Jul 14, 2023
    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.

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