When your generator fails to start during an outage, panic sets in. But many issues have simple causes and fixes. Here are the most common home generator problems and how to troubleshoot them before calling a technician.
1. Generator Won’t Start: The most common cause is a dead battery. Standby generators use a battery to start, and batteries wear out over 2–4 years. Check the battery charge and connections. Also check the fuel supply—is the gas on? Is the propane tank empty? If the unit won’t start after these checks, call a pro. For maintenance that prevents battery issues, see generator maintenance.
2. Generator Starts but Shuts Off Immediately: This often indicates low oil pressure or a clogged air filter. Check the oil level and air filter. Also check for overload—if the generator is trying to power more than its capacity, it may shut down.
3. Generator Runs but No Power to Home: This usually points to a transfer switch problem. The transfer switch may not have engaged, or a breaker in the switch or panel may have tripped. Reset any tripped breakers. If the problem persists, a technician is needed.
4. Generator Surges or Runs Rough: Dirty fuel, a clogged fuel filter, or stale fuel (especially in diesel or gasoline units) can cause rough running. For diesel, fuel conditioning is critical—see fuel options for details.
5. Error Codes on the Control Panel: Most standby generators display error codes that correspond to specific issues. Consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s support line. Your installer should also provide support—see how to choose a licensed installer.
When to Call a Professional: If you’re not comfortable diagnosing electrical or fuel issues, call a licensed technician. For cost expectations of repairs, see our installation and cost guide—many repairs are less expensive than you fear. And for understanding your generator’s expected lifespan, see how long generators last.
Leave a Reply