Generator decided to start on its own

The other night we went to bed at 11 and both woke about 2 AM to a constant, loud noise.  We realized our generator was on even though we were plugged into shore power.  Neither one of us had turned it on, in fact we had the TV on the sleep timer while watching the news prior to falling asleep.  

After doing some research as to why a generator would self start we learned that it is a somewhat common occurrence on Onan generators given the right conditions.  Most sources indicated to check for any moisture around the plug-in connections from the generator to the motorhome.  In our case, we removed the cover for the GenSet and found a little moisture behind the wall.  

A few days earlier we were parked under a tree at a campground and we heard what sounded like a branch had fallen on the PC.  We inspected but couldn't find anything.  Having moved to a different location and encountering a rain shower we did a very close inspection of the roof above where the generator is located.  We saw that we had a slight separation of the roof caulk of the PC to the roof of the Cab.  We bought some Dicor-self leveling caulk, repaired the area and have not had an issue since.  After the tree branch falling and then movement of the PC it must have caused the very slight separation of the caulk since the roof inspected good prior to our trip.

Hopefully this will help others if their generator self starts.  Other RV folks have encountered this and fixed it by cleaning and sealing their connections and eliminating any possible source of moisture to those connections.

Never would have thought it possible so very good info to be aware of. I am disappointed however.  I'd much prefer it if the RV would wash and wax itself.

Joseph

With 9 inches of rain in January the PC nearly washed itself.

Barry

Sure wish we would get the rain in Southern Ca. Our lakes look like mud puddles.   

Barry and Sue, thanks for sharing this information.  I would never have even thought about the possibility of it occurring or the cause.  Wow. 

I drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee with keyless entry.  On three different occasions the remote start feature has activated unexpectedly.  Twice parked outside and once in our garage.  On at least one occasion, the rear hatch entry door has opened on its own accord.  The problem is, you push the key fob twice on those buttons (remote start and rear entry) in rapid succession and it happens.  Well, guys tend to carry more than one thing in their pockets and apparently other "stuff" like other keys, coins, etc., bounced against the buttons just right and .......started or opened.   This is dangerous and apparently without dismantling a bunch of stuff under the hood by an electronics guru, there is no fix.  It is amazing to me that there are not some steps an owner can take to disengage this remote junk. 

My wife has a 2014 Cherokee Trailhawk and carries her key in a small, hard sided plastic case to prevent this from occurring.   With at least two-thirds of a Walmart Super Center in her purse, it is probably a logical solution     Alas, I don't carry a purse but probably should given the stuff I like to carry in my pockets. 

In any event, I mention it hear as a cautionary tale to others that may have these keyless wonders. 

Thanks again for the post on the generator self starting.   Life was simpler when you started them with a rope, but sure wasn't as easy!

Paul

Thanks for sharing that Barry-Sue.  Like everyone here is saying, that is surprising.

That very good safety information.  As some of you know, we keep our PC in our garage which is under our bedroom.  If I ever hear a strange noise in the middle of the night, I'll be sure to take it seriously.  Not just go back to sleep.  I do feel the risk of genny self-startup is extremely low given the humidity levels are low in the garage, but still......

For you recent members, this is our situation at home.