Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-26-2022, 05:31 AM   #1
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 38
Angry New Cummins Onan® Diesel generator does not start

We just took delivery on our 2022 Winnebago View 24D. After taking delivery, I had about a 1.5 hour drive to get it home. On the way, a large storm moved in. So I pulled into a Chevron/McDonald's combo that had spaces for trucks and RVs. I got some food and hunkered down.

Being in Florida, it as around 90 F. I decided to try out the more efficient 3,200-watt Cummins Onan® Diesel generator (https://www.cummins.com/generators/onan-qd-3200) to run the A/C rather than leave the MB engine running.

I pushed the display button, waited, and then held down the Start button and it started right up. I turned the house A/C on and everything was great! I turned off the MB engine and sat down and started to eat (much needed after the delivery process took over 5 hours to complete).

About 15 minutes later, the A/C stopped and the generator just died. On the panel it said "Generator Alert". I tried a few more times and it wouldn't start (it would crank, but not start up). I gave up and turned back on the MB engine to keep cool for the rest of the storm.

The next day, I checked the generator. The oil was clean and 3/4 full, within the recommended range. The "Generator Alert" no longer displayed, but it still could not be started. I checked breakers and didn't see anything flipped. I read through Cummins manuals, watched 20+ YouTube videos, read the Winnebago View 2022 manuals, etc.

The only thing that I found that seemed relevant was in the Cummins online manual (not provided with the RV), where it explained that there are only three causes of the "Generator Alert" message (see attachment).

It doesn't look like any of these are things that I can/should try to address myself. Am I missing something here?

Did I really run into an issue that requires a Cummins service call and technician after less than 1 hour of taking delivery?

I'd appreciate your feedback. Thank you.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Screen Shot 2022-06-26 at 07.25.54.png
Views:	32
Size:	214.2 KB
ID:	183317  
Splaktar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-26-2022, 05:44 AM   #2
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 25
I don't know about the gen problem but idling the Mercedes engine is a bad idea. Idling with the Mercedes emissions system can lead to many problems. The engine needs to be under load and rpm up.
However it is your Rv and you can do as you want with it.
dajo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-26-2022, 06:05 AM   #3
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 38
Yes, I would like to avoid that, but I need a working generator to do that.

I am on shore power now at my house, so there is no need to idle the MB engine.

It also got a good 45 minutes more of driving after the storm passed.
Splaktar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-26-2022, 07:08 AM   #4
Winnebago Owner
 
theSane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Arizona
Posts: 238
Checking all of the wire connections between the panel and the Generator would be my first step, followed by calling the dealership and asking them to take a look at it under warranty.
__________________
-- I must be the last optimist on the planet
2018 Winnebago Intent 31P
Roadmaster anti-sway bar Front/Rear, Safe-T-Plus, SumoSprings-Front/Rear
theSane is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-26-2022, 08:27 AM   #5
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Pflugerville/Austin, Tx
Posts: 7,371
One thing that can sneak up on us is "possible" if you are not aware. How was the fuel level? Many RV gensets are set so that we can't totally run out of fuel and they stop at about a 1/4 left.
Any chance you have less than 1/4 tank left?
__________________
Richard
Why no RV year, make and floorplan on MY signature as we suggest for others?
I currently DO NOT have one!
Morich is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-26-2022, 08:41 AM   #6
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by Morich View Post
One thing that can sneak up on us is "possible" if you are not aware. How was the fuel level? Many RV gensets are set so that we can't totally run out of fuel and they stop at about a 1/4 left.
Any chance you have less than 1/4 tank left?
That's a good thought, but in this case, I had just filled up. I don't know if it's an issue that I stopped at Love's Truck Stop and their Diesel (#2) had BioDiesel in it. I will avoid their truck stops in the future if I can find diesel in Florida that doesn't have BioDiesel.
Splaktar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-28-2022, 07:17 PM   #7
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 38
I checked all of the connections that were accessible to me, including unscrewing the panel and checking the connection to it. Everything looked good. Plus it primes the generator and cranks just fine, I would assume that wouldn't be the case if the connection to the panel was bad.

I talked to a local Cummins repair shop today. They went through a lot of the same questions posted above. In the end, he said that they will have to take a look at it under warranty. He said that they will have to take the generator out, plus the wiring harness, and the panel so that they can test and get to the bottom of the issues.

I know that RV quality these days is really poor, but I never seriously thought that it was so bad that I would need to take my brand new generator in for a warranty repair that involved taking apart my RV, with only 1 hour on the generator...
Splaktar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-28-2022, 08:11 PM   #8
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Pflugerville/Austin, Tx
Posts: 7,371
That sounds pretty extremeto say they will have to take it and the controls out to look at it and before they even look at it! Kind of sounds like taking a car engine out to test it??

I don't know how thw warrenty part works, etc but I might consider checking with some other places, perhaps even an RV shop that might be more agreeable to just looking at a few things before going extreme.
There are times when we get really bad stories, just because folks are not really interested in working on RV as they can seem really hard if not used to all the little quirks that come with RV.
You do seem kind of hung between two bad choices, though!

But just as a simple idea,since it was running fine and then quit, it sounds more likely just some connection fell off? Does your generator have a switch on the generator itselfthat lets you start it there? Possibly trying that switch to see what it might do---if you have one. Not at all sure on the new ones but olderhad one that was pretty obvious to use at just inside the door where you check oil, etc.
__________________
Richard
Why no RV year, make and floorplan on MY signature as we suggest for others?
I currently DO NOT have one!
Morich is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-28-2022, 08:18 PM   #9
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 38
Thank you for the response.

This shop is a Cummins warranty repair shop that specifically handles RV repairs. They had some good reviews related to RV generator repairs on Google Maps. My other option is going twice as far in the other direction back to the dealer, who wants me to wait 45 days for service, and who I generally don't trust. I need the generator working here in hurricane season and can't wait 35 more days.

I'm sure that they will look at it before just ripping it out, but no this generator doesn't have any way to start it other than the panel.

I'm certainly hoping that it's just an internal connection in the generator that they can get to and fix w/o taking it out.

However, in looking at the 3 options, 2 of them don't seem to be possible (1 and 2) and the only remaining option seems to be a faulty generator inverter. I don't think that this can be replaced/resolved w/o taking it out and taking it apart.
Splaktar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-28-2022, 09:58 PM   #10
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 222
If I understand it your generator will turn over but not start? That indicates a typical ignition or fuel problem with the engine, not a generator problem unless there is some monitored fault that prevents it from running. Perhaps with new ones there is some fault code that gets set and must be reset before it will run, can't say about that.

That's what I dislike about some of the new stuff. Simple things become complicated. I can't imagine anyone thinking the unit has to be removed to resolve what is usually a simple problem.
__________________
1998 Winnebago Minnie 31WM
BarryLS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-28-2022, 10:29 PM   #11
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 38
It's not showing the "GENERATOR ALERT" message anymore.

It turns over but never starts. I don't get any kind of error code or info atm.
Splaktar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-28-2022, 10:47 PM   #12
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 222
Hey sorry, I just reread your original post and missed the diesel part earlier.

Diesels don't have ignitions like gas engines, but have glow plugs or heaters for the incoming fuel for the initial cold start.

So, if it's a warm day and it still doesn't start I'd say you have a fuel issue. But that is much more complicated as I assume you have an electronically controlled injection system. Might be worth checking to make sure you have fuel getting there, but care is required when working on fuel systems like this. The fuel might be under high pressure...
__________________
1998 Winnebago Minnie 31WM
BarryLS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2022, 07:44 AM   #13
Site Team
 
creativepart's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Spring Branch, TX
Posts: 7,783
Quote:
Originally Posted by Splaktar View Post
I know that RV quality these days is really poor, but I never seriously thought that it was so bad that I would need to take my brand new generator in for a warranty repair that involved taking apart my RV, with only 1 hour on the generator...
It’s really a shame that you’re having this issue. And I hope you get this fixed quickly and easily. But, when thinking RV quality has “really gone down lately” it’s best to remember that Onan built your generator, not Winnebago. And, for the most part Onan generators are super reliable.

They are complicated machines and as such can have problems even though brand new. It seems what you are experiencing is a bit of bad luck in that your RV got a generator installed in it that has a bad problem. No doubt once this is fixed things will start looking up.
__________________
2017 Winnebago Adventurer 37F
2016 Lincoln MKX Toad
creativepart is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2022, 08:11 AM   #14
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Pflugerville/Austin, Tx
Posts: 7,371
One of the big things that we all see is that we are getting far more problems with things we buy.
But one of the things we also need to keep in mind is that what we are buying if often far more complex than we bought even 20 years ago!

I drove a 53 Ford for years and never had trouble with the stereo, door locks, air conditioner, power steering, power brakes, power seats, or power windows.
I never had trouble with any of that stuff but I did have lots of trouble keeping the ignition points cleaned, keeping the mirrows pointed the right way when people bumped them and I always had to take my keys out of my pocket to unlock the doors and had to get out to even open the trunk!

I even had to get a paper map out to find St. Louis!

Some days I wish life were that simple again! I never had trouble with a generator till I got an RV!!! Even the windows in the tent camper were easy to fix!

Yup! They need to build things better but I want them to give me more options next time. It's such a drag to get up to turn the lights on!
And my wife is beginning to fuss when I want a cold drink. Wish I had a remote for that !
__________________
Richard
Why no RV year, make and floorplan on MY signature as we suggest for others?
I currently DO NOT have one!
Morich is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2022, 10:15 AM   #15
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 38
I took the generator to the local Cummings authorized shop on June 29th, 2022. It took quite a while, but they finally did get it out of the RV (using a forklift since they didn't have any RV lifts). Thankfully, they didn't rip out the wiring harness.

But unfortunately, that meant that they had to order the control panel and wiring harness from Cummings to debug the issue. I thought that would be no problem and only take a week or so. It's not possible to debug/test work with these new Onan diesel generators w/o the panel and wiring harness. There are very few functions accessible directly on the generator itself.

It turned out that the control panel didn't arrive until July 22nd and the wiring harness didn't arrive until August 12th.

So now it's been 1.5 months and the local tech is finally in a position to start investigating the problem. But his entire staff is currently out with Covid-19, so things are being delayed longer.

On August 13th, I got this update:

Quote:
I have connected the harness and control.
The set wakes up. Goes through fuel prime and pre-heat. It will not send the open signal to the internal fuel solenoid.
We now have more than we did but there is more going on.
Then later that day I got this clarification:

Quote:
I think the solenoid is good.
As soon as I can restore some order in the shop my intents are:
- Perform a detailed study of the switching logic on the engine harness.
- The tech manual is vague at best but that's just another day at the office.
- Gather notes and form a presentation for myself.
- If it does not jump right up and I say " oh I'm a dummie", I will at least have coalesced the required data to send up to Cummins Engineering.

They are great guys and I clearly understand to gather basic data before submitting.
They are working through a couple of other machines with me right now.
So I've been without a generator in my RV for almost 100% of my ownership time so far and during hurricane season. Thankfully it's been quiet so far, but something will likely change soon. This has limited us from taking any leisure trips here in Florida during the summer since just parking for an hour or so will heat it up over 120 F w/o the generator and A/C.

At this point, I'm still holding out hope that he can repair this w/o having to order a part that is back-ordered for multiple months...
Splaktar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2022, 05:00 AM   #16
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 38
So I just heard back, and I guess it's good news, at least hopefully.

Quote:
The tech manual is not detailed enough and there is work going on to get that fixed soon.

The writers did not realize your set's spec F is far more complex than the original spec. They copied and pasted old info into the new manual.

The earlier set used an on/off fuel valve.

Your set uses a fuel actuator that operates from pulse width modulation.

We would have needed our meter set up for that and watching it.
So apparently the latest Onan QD-3200 F generator sets are quite new and the provided manual does not provide valid instructions for actually diagnosing issues.

Quote:
The Cummings engineer says the ECU is probably good, the actuator is probably good. Most likely there is a problem with the high-pressure fuel side.

The parts are all serialized to the engine. There is no parts inventory anywhere.

I have been ordered to buy a replacement generator set and do a warranty claim for compensation.
So it seems like these newer generator sets aren't very serviceable or at minimum, not until parts become widely available (maybe never).

Quote:
It will be brand spanking new zero hours. Same spec.
This issue has caused them to have to swap out several sets.
I asked if I would be getting the same set and spec. That appears to be the case. New generator sets seem to be more available than the parts. This also appears to be an issue that is starting to emerge as a repeated problem with these new QD-3200 F sets.

No ETA yet on when a new generator set can be shipped out here and installed. But hopefully it arrives well ahead of the next major hurricane.
Splaktar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2022, 05:48 PM   #17
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 10
Any update? I appear to have the same issue.
Jfedor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2022, 06:30 PM   #18
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 114
Very frustrating to have new unit with a factory defect that has taken six weeks and will likely be another 4-6 weeks to get fixed. On the other hand you are very fortunate to have an Onan dealer nearby for service.

We have the QD3200 diesel model in our 2021 24V. I have issues with hard to start a few times.
Sparky19053 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2022, 09:06 PM   #19
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 38
I asked this week for an ETA, all I got back was that they hope to ship it very soon.

So it's unlikely to even ship, 10 days after they concluded that it is defective and needs replacement. I will not be able to use my RV for any quick trip for Labor Day weekend.

Hurricanes are starting to brew in the Atlantic and peak hurricane season is almost here. I just hope that this gets resolved before we need to evacuate.
Splaktar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2022, 07:37 AM   #20
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 10
I’m sorry to hear that. I’m doing more troubleshooting and hopefully will find a center to look at it Monday.
Jfedor is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
cummins, diesel, generator, onan


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Onan LP generator will not start LinWinn13 Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 9 04-15-2021 05:54 AM
Performance comparison 350 Cummins to 425 Cummins buford Winnebago Class A Motorhomes 5 03-22-2021 10:37 AM
Generator failure '19 View with Onan 3200 diesel generator jl12345 Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 8 08-10-2019 10:22 AM
For Sale: Cummins Onan Diesel Generator QD3200 3.2kW fourgonbound Parking, Parts & Accessories For Sale & Wanted 18 02-25-2018 11:31 AM
Cummins Onan 5500 Generator artgpo Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 6 06-13-2014 08:18 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Winnebago Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:30 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.