Diesel Onan 8000 Start/Preheat Light

63corvette · 07-03-2021, 01:08 PM

We are at the Norwalk OH races and the last few days the preheat and run light on the start buttons no longer light up on the generator.
The generator starts and runs fine it is just the light on the start run never lights up on start or run on either of the buttons in the bedroom or at the kitchen area which is normally used.
Anyone have this issue before?
I did look at the 3 fuses on the DC circuits.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Rick Cates
Canyon, TX

Mike Pearson · 07-06-2021, 08:40 PM

Mine quit working on the inside switch. Still working on the outside one. Been that way for several years. Still works fine. Must be a lamp that burns out or vibration kills it

Robin Lawrence · 07-07-2021, 07:04 AM

Several years ago I was in Charlotte for the Points race and then the National Event the following weekend. At the points race my generator quit working. It would fire then die. It was flashing a code.

I found this web-site where there is a ton of knowledge for the Onan. After reading similar threads I tore the unit apart in KB's parking lot and replaced the rubber drive coupler that had cracked and broken from age. Lucky there was a Cummins dealer in Charlotte.

Might check these guys out.

https://www.smokstak.com/forum/forum...-generators.1/

Robin

Rich Biebel · 07-07-2021, 10:51 AM

The rocker switch lights routinely fail

Nothing is wrong with the generator, you just need to replace the rocker switch.

63corvette · 07-07-2021, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Biebel

The rocker switch lights routinely fail

Nothing is wrong with the generator, you just need to replace the rocker switch.

Thanks to all who responded.
I did check and the switch on the generator is still working and the generator still works just fine, just no lights on the two remote switches on the inside of the motor home.
Will the Cummings/Onan dealers have the rocker switches?
I am sure I can change the switch if I can get a direct replacement.
Thanks again to all who responded and I feel much better running the generator.
It is hot and humid and we need the generator and air conditioning here in Ohio.
Thanks again,
Rick Cates
Canyon, TX

Rich Biebel · 07-08-2021, 07:01 AM

If your remote panels/switches are ONAN items than yes you can buy the switch from Cummins-Onan or from some other suppliers.

It usually has one connector with all wires and only goes one way with a plastic retainer. Wall plate has to be pulled out.

Here is a link to the part number and a picture of the typical Onan switch.

Some were amber, but most now are red....

https://www.amazon.com/Onan-Cummins-...0BGSSXH7AZ38M7

63corvette · 07-08-2021, 08:13 PM

Rich, thanks for the info and the link.
Funny thing is when I started the generator this morning the light worked.
I looked at it a little closer and the light is actually in the Onan panel and shines on the amber cover of the switch.
That is on the panel in the coach entry. The one in the bedroom still does not light up.
We are headed to Topeka KS to a rv park for a few days until the Double Division race and I plan to pull the panel out for a look to see what it looks like.
I will post what it looks like and if I find an issue.
The generator still works fine thankfully as it is really hot and humid.
Thanks again for the response.
Rick Cates
Canyon, TX

63corvette · 07-16-2021, 05:25 PM

Update: I pulled the main panel near the entry door and inspected the wiring and connections. Everything looked good. I pulled the remote switch in the bedroom and the switch terminals were bent over to accommodate the placement in the cabinet.
That looked a little sad however, it did look like all the connections were good.
I ordered 2 new switches just to be sure I cure the problem.
Thanks to all who responded.
I appreciate all the help that is given on this site.
This is the best place to get trusted advice.
Rick Cates
Canyon, TX

07-03-2021, 01:08 PM	#1
63corvette Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Canyon, Tx Posts: 543 Likes: 124 Liked 314 Times in 94 Posts	Diesel Onan 8000 Start/Preheat Light We are at the Norwalk OH races and the last few days the preheat and run light on the start buttons no longer light up on the generator. The generator starts and runs fine it is just the light on the start run never lights up on start or run on either of the buttons in the bedroom or at the kitchen area which is normally used. Anyone have this issue before? I did look at the 3 fuses on the DC circuits. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Rick Cates Canyon, TX

07-06-2021, 08:40 PM	#2
Mike Pearson VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,377 Likes: 570 Liked 1,756 Times in 537 Posts	Re: Diesel Onan 8000 Start/Preheat Light Mine quit working on the inside switch. Still working on the outside one. Been that way for several years. Still works fine. Must be a lamp that burns out or vibration kills it __________________ Mike Pearson 2485 SS

07-07-2021, 07:04 AM	#3
Robin Lawrence Sponsor Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Galesburg IL. Posts: 168 Likes: 235 Liked 660 Times in 112 Posts	Re: Diesel Onan 8000 Start/Preheat Light Several years ago I was in Charlotte for the Points race and then the National Event the following weekend. At the points race my generator quit working. It would fire then die. It was flashing a code. I found this web-site where there is a ton of knowledge for the Onan. After reading similar threads I tore the unit apart in KB's parking lot and replaced the rubber drive coupler that had cracked and broken from age. Lucky there was a Cummins dealer in Charlotte. Might check these guys out. https://www.smokstak.com/forum/forum...-generators.1/ Robin __________________ STK 308 SS 3088 Last edited by Robin Lawrence; 07-07-2021 at 07:06 AM.

07-07-2021, 10:51 AM	#4
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,307 Likes: 25 Liked 537 Times in 211 Posts	Re: Diesel Onan 8000 Start/Preheat Light The rocker switch lights routinely fail Nothing is wrong with the generator, you just need to replace the rocker switch. __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479 Stock 147R

07-08-2021, 07:01 AM	#6
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,307 Likes: 25 Liked 537 Times in 211 Posts	Re: Diesel Onan 8000 Start/Preheat Light If your remote panels/switches are ONAN items than yes you can buy the switch from Cummins-Onan or from some other suppliers. It usually has one connector with all wires and only goes one way with a plastic retainer. Wall plate has to be pulled out. Here is a link to the part number and a picture of the typical Onan switch. Some were amber, but most now are red.... https://www.amazon.com/Onan-Cummins-...0BGSSXH7AZ38M7 __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479 Stock 147R

07-08-2021, 08:13 PM	#7
63corvette Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Canyon, Tx Posts: 543 Likes: 124 Liked 314 Times in 94 Posts	Re: Diesel Onan 8000 Start/Preheat Light Rich, thanks for the info and the link. Funny thing is when I started the generator this morning the light worked. I looked at it a little closer and the light is actually in the Onan panel and shines on the amber cover of the switch. That is on the panel in the coach entry. The one in the bedroom still does not light up. We are headed to Topeka KS to a rv park for a few days until the Double Division race and I plan to pull the panel out for a look to see what it looks like. I will post what it looks like and if I find an issue. The generator still works fine thankfully as it is really hot and humid. Thanks again for the response. Rick Cates Canyon, TX

07-16-2021, 05:25 PM	#8
63corvette Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Canyon, Tx Posts: 543 Likes: 124 Liked 314 Times in 94 Posts	Re: Diesel Onan 8000 Start/Preheat Light Update: I pulled the main panel near the entry door and inspected the wiring and connections. Everything looked good. I pulled the remote switch in the bedroom and the switch terminals were bent over to accommodate the placement in the cabinet. That looked a little sad however, it did look like all the connections were good. I ordered 2 new switches just to be sure I cure the problem. Thanks to all who responded. I appreciate all the help that is given on this site. This is the best place to get trusted advice. Rick Cates Canyon, TX