When using my Cummins Onan P4500I generator with the red power switch turned on, the electric push button did not work nor did the remote start or stop the generator, but I could hand pull start the motor without problem.
So I called Cummins, Avondale, on my way through Phoenixand they said YES they service it with a minimum charge of $432.
I had a few alternatives other than to leave it there for them to service as it was a Cummins service centers.
Seven days later, the end story is I paid over $400 with the service tech telling me that they did not have part numbers for the three items that any/all could be causing the generator to not start using the electric start, which is something I knew when I dropped the generator off. And to better identify the faulty part could cost another $450 service fee + part(s) that apparently aren’t available.
I’m blown away that a business like Cummins would offer service on a generator, knowing that Part numbers and parts are not available. They should’ve put a sign out front that said pay us over $400 and will give you your generator back in a week but don’t expect any results from us.
My advice to you all is check for qualified service and parts availability before you buy any generator from any brand and especially Cummins, which I am 100% disappointed and will never spend my money on anything Cummins in the future.
Hope you get better service that I received.
Have a great day, everybody!
On April 1, 2026 I asked Service Manager Gerry to do a full service maintenance, oil change & filter, spark plug, fuel and air filter, Gerry said I would have to agree to sign a contract for 2-hours of technical diagnostics at $216.00/per hour, a total of $432.00 to find out why ONAN 2.8HGJBB wouldn't start and won't keep running.
Eric, the technician of 45-years at same Cummins location Avondale, claimed in writing, that the oil was full, which it was not, in fact it was so low that after Eric replaced everything else, he never checked the oil, which was as black as ink and so low that the oil sensor continued to shut the generator down, putting me out of hot water and electricity to run my appliances and charge my devices.
Eric claimed the carburator was a throwaway and needed to be replaced.
The cost of carburator $1095.60, fuel filter $18.16, air filter $18.62, spark plug $4.04, Labor $1425.60, taxes $100.00: Total Amount $2662.02.
Eric checked many things according to Cummins paperwork and made a number of adjustments. He came out to the waiting room to show me the fouled spark plug and the new one he installed.
I doubt this was all necessary. My initial request was a full service oil change, spark plug, filters, that's all. The price absolutely outrageous cost. and then in St. George another ~$600 to complete the job that Eric was unable to correctly diagnos and perform.
FYI the huge parking lot was empty except for two bus size overnight RV's and two flat bed trailors and behind the 5-6 double garage doors were empty.
One of the RV bus owners told me why the place was empty, he had been there before, no one trusts these people anymore and their prices are too high.
The 2-hour $432 diagnosis and the lack of diagnosing the fouled oil and the leaking fuel lines, indicate the circular come back for more diagnoses appears to be a scam to get more revenue. Gerry said when I asked, that before any repair will be done the 2-hour fee must be paid.
A total rip-off IMHO and the paperwork reveals much that was checked was unnecessary.
Missing the low black oil and the leaking fuel is simply an unacceptable error I cannot accept.
On April 15, 2026 I located a Cummins certified generator repairman in St. George Utah. The first thing he checked was the oil, which was as black as ink, and so low that the oil sensor would shut off the generator every time. Proving Eric failed miserably.
For 15 days and nights I was without generator to heat water to take a shower, cook/toast my food and charge my devices, that Eric claimed in writing that the oil was full, no one touched anything between April 1 and April 15.
Once the technician in St. George had drained the black fouled oil out he installed fresh 15/40 oil, started the generator and was sprayed with fuel from the outlet/top of the new fuel filter. He immediately removed the old squeeze clamp and installed a Maddox mini fuel injection hose clamp, I suggested he check the inlet pipe clamp and sure enough it was leaking fule as well so he installed a Maddox mini fuel injection fuel clamp on it as well.
My recommendation:
Find a local generator repairman who has taken the Cummins ONAN generator course and has reviews that reflect his dedication to quality work and totally avoid the disaster I've gone through having to deal with Cummins of Avondale.