Cummins/Onan P1700i troubleshooting: 43 symptom-cause-remedy entries from the manufacturer's own service documentation.
Cummins/Onan P1700i — full specs, parts & maintenance.
All Cummins/Onan fault codes →
| Symptom | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Engine fails to start | Engine switch is not in its proper position | Turn engine switch to "CHOKE" position |
| No electricity is generated at receptacle | DC circuit breaker is turned OFF | |
| No electricity is generated at receptacle | Overload Lamp is turned ON (Red) | |
| No electricity is generated at receptacle | AC receptacle and DC terminals have loose connection | |
| No electricity is generated at receptacle | Engine starting was attempted with appliances already connected | |
| Engine fails to start — engine switch not in its proper position | Engine switch is not in its proper position | Turn engine switch to "" (CHOKE) position |
| Engine fails to start — fuel level low | Fuel level is low/empty | If empty, refill fuel tank making sure not to overfill |
| Engine fails to start — generator connected to an appliance | Generator is connected to an appliance | If connected, turn off the power switch on the connected appliance and unplug |
| Engine fails to start — spark plug contaminated | Spark plug contamination | Remove spark plug and clean electrode |
| Engine fails to start — engine oil level low | Engine oil level is low | If the engine oil level is low, add the oil to the upper level line on the oil gauge |
| Engine fails to start — loose spark plug cap | Spark plug cap is loose | If loose, push spark plug cap back into place |
| No electricity is generated at receptacle — DC circuit breaker turned OFF | DC circuit breaker is turned OFF | Depress the circuit breaker into ON position, after making sure the electric appliances are in the normal condition |
| No electricity is generated at receptacle — Overload Lamp turned ON (Red) | Overload Lamp is turned ON (Red) | Stop the engine and check the appliances and/or generator for overloading |
| No electricity is generated at receptacle — loose connection at AC receptacle and DC terminals | AC receptacle and DC terminals have loose connection | Secure connection if necessary |
| No electricity is generated at receptacle — engine starting attempted with appliances already connected | Engine starting was attempted with appliances already connected to generator | Turn off switch on the appliance, and disconnect cable from receptacle. Reconnect after generator has been started properly |
| Fails To Crank | Low battery. | Check battery fluid level. |
| Fails To Crank | Bad battery connection. | Clean & tighten all battery & cable connections. |
| Fails To Crank | Blown fuse. | Replace fuse on control panel. |
| Cranks Slowly | Low battery. | Check battery fluid level. |
| Cranks Slowly | Bad battery connection. | Clean & tighten all battery & cable connections. |
| Cranks Slowly | Incorrect oil viscosity. | Replace with recommended viscosity oil. |
| Cranks Slowly | Load connected. | Disconnect load before starting. |
| Cranks But Won’t Start | Fuel below generator pickup level in tank. | Add fuel. |
| Cranks But Won’t Start | Fuel supply shutoff valve closed. | Fully open fuel supply valve. |
| Cranks But Won’t Start | Carbon deposits on spark plug(s). | Remove spark plug(s) and replace. |
| Cranks But Won’t Start | Low oil level. | Add oil. |
| Exhausting Black Smoke | Dirty air filter. | Replace air filter. |
| Exhausting Black Smoke | Choke stuck or misadjusted. | Contact an Cummins Onan Authorized RV Service & Parts Dealer. |
| Unit Runs Then Stops, Or Stops When Driving Around A Corner | Low fuel level. | Add fuel. |
| Unit Runs Then Stops, Or Stops When Driving Around A Corner | Low oil level. | Add oil. |
| Unit Runs Then Stops, Or Stops When Driving Around A Corner | Excess oil. | Reduce engine oil level. |
| Unit Starts And Runs, Then Stops When The Start Switch Is Released | Low fluid levels. | Check & bring all fluids up to the appropriate levels. |
| Unit Starts And Runs, Then Stops When The Start Switch Is Released | Possible overheating. | Check for blocked air flow or other possible causes of overheating. |
| Unit Starts And Runs, Then Stops When The Start Switch Is Released | Other functional problem. | Contact an Cummins Onan Authorized RV Service & Parts Dealer. |
| Unit Starts And Runs, Then Stops When The Start Switch Is Released | No AC output. | Contact an Cummins Onan Authorized RV Service & Parts Dealer. |
| Unit Runs Then Surges | Loose or worn spark plug leads. | Check spark plug leads at spark plug & ignition coil. |
| Unit Runs Then Surges | Defective ignition coil, wiring, or control components. | Contact an Cummins Onan Authorized RV Service & Parts Dealer. |
| Unit Runs Then Surges | Faulty spark plug. | Remove spark plug & clean or replace. |
| Unit Runs Then Surges | Governor out of adjustment. | Contact an Cummins Onan Authorized RV Service & Parts Dealer. |
| Unit Runs Then Surges | Combustion air pre-heat malfunction. | Contact an Cummins Onan Authorized RV Service & Parts Dealer. |
| Unit Runs Then Surges | Carburetor icing. | Move carburetor pre-heater to the winter position. |
| Unit Runs Then Surges | Carburetor varnishing. | Try fuel system cleaner and contact dealer if no change. |
| Circuit Breaker Trips | Overloaded circuit. | Turn-off some of the electrical load, and reset the circuit breaker. |
Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.
Documented causes: Loose or worn spark plug leads.; Defective ignition coil, wiring, or control components.; Faulty spark plug.; Governor out of adjustment.. See the table for the matching fixes.
Documented causes: DC circuit breaker is turned OFF; Overload Lamp is turned ON (Red); AC receptacle and DC terminals have loose connection; Engine starting was attempted with appliances already connected. See the table for the matching fixes.
Documented causes: Low battery.; Bad battery connection.; Incorrect oil viscosity.; Load connected.. See the table for the matching fixes.