Few things are more frustrating than settling into a beautiful camping spot only to discover your generator won’t fire up. Knowing what to do when your RV generator won’t start can save your trip and prevent costly emergency repairs. Whether you rely on it for air conditioning, charging batteries, or simply brewing your morning coffee, your generator is essential. Understanding the most common causes of generator failure and how to troubleshoot them will help you get back to enjoying the road.
Check the Basics First
When your RV generator doesn’t start, begin by checking the simplest things first. Is there enough fuel in your tank? Most onboard generators won’t operate if your fuel tank is below a certain level—typically around one-quarter full. Also, inspect the battery powering the generator. If it’s low or dead, the generator won’t crank. Try charging the battery or using your RV’s chassis battery if applicable.
Before diving deeper, ensure that all fuses and breakers related to the generator are intact. A tripped breaker or blown fuse could easily be the culprit. If you’re unsure how to locate these components, the technicians at Daisy RV can walk you through the process or inspect your system for you.
Listen for Clues
When pressing the start button, listen to how the generator behaves. Does it click? Does it try to start but sputters out? If you hear nothing at all, you might be dealing with a dead battery or disconnected wiring. A sputtering generator, on the other hand, may indicate issues like old fuel, a clogged carburetor, or a dirty fuel filter.
Sometimes the generator will start and then immediately shut off. This could be a safety sensor issue—perhaps low oil, overheating, or another fault the generator is trying to protect itself from. These clues help narrow down the source of the issue.
Inspect Fuel Quality and Airflow
If your RV has been sitting for a while, old or contaminated fuel could be causing problems. Gasoline begins to degrade in as little as 30 days. Try draining the old fuel and replacing it with fresh, clean gasoline. You may also want to add a fuel stabilizer to keep fuel fresh in the future.
Another common reason your RV generator won’t start is a blocked air filter. If airflow to the engine is restricted, it may choke or not start at all. Remove the air filter and inspect it for dirt and debris. Replace it if needed. A clean filter ensures efficient combustion and better generator performance.
Don’t Forget the Oil
Generators are designed with low-oil shutoff sensors to prevent damage. If your oil is low or dirty, the generator may refuse to start as a safety precaution. Check the oil level and top it off with the recommended type. Changing the oil entirely might also help if it looks dark or gritty.
At Daisy RV, we offer mobile service that can come to you—whether you’re parked at a campground or preparing for a long trip—to check oil, filters, and electrical connections.
Look at the Spark Plug and Carburetor
Spark plugs wear out over time and can cause weak or nonexistent ignition. Remove and inspect the spark plug—if it’s blackened, oily, or worn, it’s time for a replacement. Be sure to gap the new plug correctly before installation.
Carburetors can also become clogged with varnish or debris, especially if the generator hasn’t been used for months. In many cases, a clogged carburetor needs to be removed and cleaned. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, our RV repair specialists can handle it quickly and safely.
Use the Manual Start Method (if available)
Some generators allow for manual pull-starts or alternative ways to test if the motor itself is functional. If the electric starter isn’t working but the engine starts manually, the issue likely lies in your starter relay, solenoid, or battery—not the generator motor itself.
Call in a Pro If All Else Fails
If you’ve tried these steps and your generator still refuses to start, it may be time to call in a professional. Generator problems can stem from electrical issues, faulty sensors, or worn-out internal parts—all of which require a trained eye and the right diagnostic tools.
The team at Daisy RV specializes in diagnosing and repairing RV generators. We offer on-site mobile service, so there’s no need to tow your RV to a shop—we come to you.
Conclusion
Figuring out what to do when your RV generator won’t start can feel overwhelming at first, but many issues are simple fixes. From checking fuel levels and batteries to cleaning air filters and replacing spark plugs, a little troubleshooting can go a long way. With the right help from a reliable RV repair service like Daisy RV, you’ll be back on the road—or enjoying your campsite—in no time.
