My generator shows switched to OFF, how do I put it back into AUTO?

When a Generac home standby generator is set to OFF, it will not start automatically during an outage. Units are often taken out of AUTO for maintenance or testing. This article explains how to return the generator to AUTO based on the control panel and what to do if it does not switch back. 

Environment

This article applies to Generac air-cooled standby generators.

• For Power Zone 200 control panels, see here.
• For Evolution and Sync control panels, see here.
• For Nexus control panels (2017 to present), see here.
• For Powerpact generators, see here. 

How to switch back to AUTO mode

1. Open the generator enclosure lid to access the control panel. Keys may be required; see Where Can I Get a Replacement Key for My Generator?
2. See below for the control panel-specific instructions. 

Important: If the generator is switched to AUTO while the power is already out, it will make a brief loud cranking sound as it starts, then begin powering the home. 

 

Power Zone 200 control panel

1. Open the generator enclosure lid to access the control panel. Keys may be required; see Where Can I Get a Replacement Key for My Generator?
2. Press the orange AUTO button. 

 

Evolution or Sync control panel

1. Open the generator enclosure lid to access the control panel. Keys may be required; see Where Can I Get a Replacement Key for My Generator?
2. Press the green AUTO button. 

 

 
Nexus control panel

1. Locate the rocker-style switch labeled AUTO / OFF / MANUAL. 
2. Move the switch from OFF to AUTO.

 

PowerPact

1. Open the control panel lid on the side of the generator. 

  

2. Press the green AUTO button. 

Why if my generator won't go back into AUTO mode?

This indicates the generator is in an error state.
 

• First, attempt to clear the error from the control panel (Evolution control panels): How Do I Clear an Error or Alarm Code On My Home Standby Generator?
• If the error still does not clear, try performing a hard reset on the generator: How Do I Perform a Hard Reset on a Home Standby System?
• Note that some generators have two auxiliary shutdown switches, if you are receiving an error 2800, then see this article: What Does It Mean When My Generator Displays an Error Code: Auxiliary Shutdown, Code 2800?