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Three Most Common RV Generator Troubleshooting Tips
The following generator troubleshooting tips will help you solve the most common problems that can occur with RV generators.
Power failure when you're out in the middle of no where won't kill you but it could ruin a perfectly nice holiday.
Before you even leave home, it is advisable to check all fuel levels. That includes your gas or diesel and your oil. These should be checked when the generator is cool. Check your voltage output as well before you leave home.
In attempting to solve generator problems on your own, take extreme caution. There are hazards such as fire, burns, cuts and potential electric shock that may occur. If it's a gas or diesel model, be advised that exhaust fumes can be harmful.
Problem: The generator won't crank. This could be due to a blown 12 volt fuse located on the control panel. The reading on the voltage meter should be over 9.5 VDC. A fully charged battery will read 12.6 VCD. The battery may require replacing. You may possibly have a bad control board or the wiring on the connection may be loose.
Problem: The generator will crank but not start: Like a car, you could have corroded battery posts or bad cables which means there's little or no 12 volt power from the battery or the converter. Check your fuel level and look for clogging in the carburetor. Other problems may be a dirty air filter, dirty spark plugs or low oil. If your generator has been left unused for a few months, the float in your carburetor could be stuck or the jets may be clogged and sticky due to old fuel that has evaporated and turned to tarnish. This will interfere with fuel delivery.
Problem: The generator will start but won't run when start button is released: This could be due to low oil pressure or not enough oil. Again, check your fuel supply. You could also activate the prime switch for the length of time recommended by your instructions manual. The link to your choke may be sticky. Also have a look at the output of your generator's AC power output. If you feel it is indeed a voltage problem, follow instructions in your Operating Manual. If you do get your generator running, but it sounds really rough, that's indicative of dirty sparkplugs as well.
If any of the above instructions do not correct your problem, get in touch with your dealer for servicing.
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