I have a B Class, RT, 2012, 170. I start up the generator every couple of weeks. I went out yesterday and pressed the gnerator's start button...nothing...tried again...nothing! Even the monitor box wouldn't light up! I decided to start the van engine...and then the generator (why??) and the generator came to life!
Question: anyone know what's going on? I've never had to start the van engine before. I would have put this under tech. but wondered if this was a specific B Class problem. Thank you!
Here's what I think might be the issue. First, I would say that your coach batteries are dead, for whatever reason, perhaps some parasitic drain or they're just getting old and not holding a charge. At this point, your battery isolator would be disconnected, to prevent whatever load on your coach batteries from draining your engine battery. After starting your van engine, the voltage goes up over 10.5 volts, which is the typical cutoff voltage for the isolator. With the voltage above the cutoff voltage, the isolator couples your coach batteries and engine battery together, effectively on the same circuit, and you are then able to start your generator from the engine battery.
You should do a couple of things: Check the electrolyte levels in your coach batteries and also have them tested. I've read that some of the auto parts places will test them for free, but I don't know if that's true or, if so, which ones. Also not sure if they'll test them in place or if you have to pull them out and take them in to be tested. Perhaps someone can respond to that. Secondly, check for parasitic electric loads in your system. Remember that your CO and propane detectors will have a draw on your system which, over an extended period of time will drain your batteries.
Hope this helps.
Alan
2007 Roadtrek RS Adventurous
FMCA F386555
W1ALM
Grab your owners manual an re-read it. Even after four years I pull mine out for a refresher course and seem to re-learn something new. You have two sets of batteries as mentioned most likely and the rv side/bank of batteries went dead for some reason. Leaving a porch light on, compartment light etc. It takes very little to run down good batteries in two weeks let alone a set with any kind of draw. Optimally you should be able to turn the rv batteries off completely when unattended.
I have a RT 170, too. I have had to start engine in order to get generator going before, especially if the single house battery is low (would love to have a 2nd house baterry but....). Make sure you are getting generator serviced and the oil changed (I came very close to ruining my generator when the oil level was very low....). Also, in the summer, when I camp at high altitudes in the Sierras I have the generator adjusted from sea level to 8500 feet.
Just at a guess, you may have left the battery switch on the monitor panel in the 'on' pos'n. This leaves power on to several small loads like the detectors, and will draw the house battery down in a fairly short time if you're not plugged in.
Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com
I had that problem last year. This year it didn't start at all. Since yours is so new I suggest to check the batteries also. My problem was the circuit board.
Thanks everyone. I think once I plug it in, it will recharge the house batteries...only have 97 hours on the generator...but I will check the oil level.
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