Gen set self start??

[1953m38a1]

I have a 2008 Itasca Suncruiser 38T with an onboard Onan gen set. On 2 recent occasions while driving I saw the "Green Gen Set ON" at the rocker switch at the dash display. I did not start the gen set, but it was in fact, running. I pushed the switch to off and no further activity was had. In order to start the set, you must hold the switch in an "on" detent position, so a casual "bump" would not explain the "ghost start". Any suggestions appreciated? All other electrical functions appear normal.

[cbeierl]

Check for moisture in the control cable connection plug near the generator. That's been known to cause uncommanded generator starts. Perhaps some dielectric grease in the connector would help.

[Wayne M]

So you have a programmable thermostat that someone could accidentally set to Auto mode and the program started the Gen?

[1953m38a1]

Thanks for the suggestions...I'll check both the connector and auto start therm...let you know

[dkoldman]

You didn't say if your genset was in Auto or manual mode?

My Generator has EC-30 which has a log. It tells you the last 10 things or so the genset does and why. So if you have that; or similar, you can see why it started.

[1953m38a1]

I have neither a programable thermostat with the ability to set up an "auto"mode, or a compromised connection requiring sealing grease, my generator has no auto mode as such, just a switch on the dash and on the control panel on the galley wall, as well as at the generator itself. I have read thru the manual, and find no fault codes that would be applicable to this situation, nor any trouble shooting corrections pointing to the problem.

[cbeierl]

Here are several previous threads discussing this issue, in case it's helpful:

GenSet starts by itself

Why did my generator start on it's own?

Mystery Genset Start up...

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by 1953m38a1

I have neither a programable thermostat with the ability to set up an "auto"mode, or a compromised connection requiring sealing grease, my generator has no auto mode as such, just a switch on the dash and on the control panel on the galley wall, as well as at the generator itself. I have read thru the manual, and find no fault codes that would be applicable to this situation, nor any trouble shooting corrections pointing to the problem.

Good information and lot simpler to diagnose, but how do you know you don't have "a compromised connection requiring sealing grease" (dielectric grease)

You didn't say how frequently this occurs, but I would disconnect the remote harness when not needed to see if the problem goes away. If it does; and I bet it will, you can put the voltmeter on it to see if you have an issue with the wiring; or just clean it out make sure it is dry and use the dielectric grease and you should be good to go.

[Jim_HiTek]

I had a cat start mine a couple times. I jammed a toothpick under the rocker switch outside and that fixed it. So...any chance it was a critter trapped on top of the genset when you drove away from the last RV park you were at? A possum, a squirrel, a moose, the RV park owner's cat?

[1953m38a1]

I have noted the general response to my problem of "self starts" seems to lean toward uncoupling the multi pin connector and cleaning and an application of dielectric grease therein. I have done so and hope all will be well hereafter. All appeared dry and clean and my start switch is in a position vertically, ruling out the possibility of a cat(or?) random push to start. Thanks for all the suggestions

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by 1953m38a1

I have noted the general response to my problem of "self starts" seems to lean toward uncoupling the multi pin connector and cleaning and an application of dielectric grease therein. I have done so and hope all will be well hereafter. All appeared dry and clean and my start switch is in a position vertically, ruling out the possibility of a cat(or?) random push to start. Thanks for all the suggestions