2016 Seneca Generator

[VTseneca]

We just purchased a slightly used Seneca. The generator has 145 hrs on it. It will run at idle continuously as long as the main power switch is turned off. when main power switch is turned on with or without load generator will only run for a minute or two shuts off and the read high temp. but generator is actually not overheating. All fluids are full. We cannot get the panel to read autostart and will not go into autostart mode? The onan generator manual is useless and does not give any helpful troubleshoot advise

[Robbbyr]

That is an odd presentation.

Our generators have a known issue with the coolant temperature sensor giving erroneous readings causing a shutdown, but it usually would happen in the first 5 minutes or so of operation. And it might not happen again for a number of restarts. I have a new sensor myself, just waiting for a good stretch of weather to drop my genny down to change it. Not enough room with genny installed to remove the cover to get to it! So relatively big job for a single sensor.

Another item to check. You mentioned fluids are okay but did you actually remove the cover by the start switch, pull up the radiator cap assembly, and (when generator cold) remove the cap and check and ensure the engine side is full? The coolant recovery tank needs to also be at least to the "Cold" mark.

Does your unit have the Cummins Onan EC-30 remote control? My 2014 does, but at some point Jayco stopped using that system on Senecas. The EC-30 manual explains operating and programming where the generator manual does not. I will attach here in case you don't have it.