Read the manual thoroughly and understand all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, or contact Generac Customer Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or www.generac.com with any questions or concerns.

Troubleshooting guide: Navigating home standby generator issues during an outage

If your generator is not working during an outage, following the troubleshooting steps below may help identify the root cause. Homeowners should only perform these steps if they are comfortable doing so. It is strongly recommended to consult a Generac Service Dealer whenever possible.

Environment:

This article refers to air-cooled home standby generators and common scenarios for troubleshooting during an outage event. The term "outage event" refers to a scenario where the home loses utility power and switches over to generator backup power for an extended period of time.

Common Scenarios

• The Generator is NOT running and has a RED or YELLOW light
• The Generator is running but NOT supplying power to the home
• The Generator is running and supplying power but has a YELLOW light
• The Generator is running and supplying power continuously for 24 hours or more
• The Generator is running even though utility power was restored

Before calling a dealer homeowners may try the following troubleshooting steps.

Clearing alarm, then allow the generator to start in Auto mode:

• How Do I Clear an Error or Alarm Code On My Home Standby Generator?

Perform a HARD RESET:

• How Do I Perform a Hard Reset on a Home Standby System?
  
  

Scenario 1: The Generator is NOT running and has a RED or YELLOW light

Step 1: 

• Locate the generator's control panel or open the Mobile Link app.
• Note the E-Code or error message displayed on the control panel or in the Mobile Link app - the E-Code will help identify the specific issue.

Step 2: Identify E-code condition

Possible lean fuel condition.

• 1100 Overcrank - The engine cranks but will not start
  • Mobile Link message: "The generator has experienced an overcrank alarm. Please contact a dealer."
• 1200 Over Speed - The unit is producing high RPM's
  • Mobile Link message: "The generator has experienced an overspeed alarm. Please contact a dealer."
• 1900 Undervoltage - Drop in output voltage
  • Mobile Link message: "The generator has experienced an undervoltage alarm. Please contact a dealer."

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify that the fuel line shutoff valve is ON and adequate fuel supply levels (e.g. Propane Levels, if applicable).
2. Clear the alarm.
   
   • For Evolution control panels: Press OFF, ENTER twice, then AUTO.
   • For Power Zone 200 control panels: Hold the OFF button for 3 seconds.
3. Put the generator into AUTO mode.
4. If it does not start or starts hard and runs rough, press OFF and contact a Generac Service Dealer.

Possible low Oil Levels

• 1300 Low Oil Pressure

Troubleshooting steps

1. Check oil levels.
2. Contact a Generac Service Dealer if the oil levels are correct.

Note: Do not overfill oil. This can lead to engine damage.

Possible low battery

• 1500 RPM Sensor
  • Mobile Link message: "The generator has experienced a no crank RPM Sensor alarm. Please contact a dealer."

1. Clear the alarm.
   
   • For Evolution control panels: Press OFF, ENTER twice, then AUTO.
   • For Power Zone 200 control panels: Hold the OFF button for 3 seconds.
2. From MAIN menu on control panel, navigate to the BATTERY MENU (if your generator has a Power Zone 200 controller, use Mobile Link to view battery information).
   • If the battery condition displays GOOD - contact Generac Service Dealer.
   • If the battery condition displays CHECK BATTERY - Consider replacing the battery if it tests bad.

For more information on checking the battery condition, see: How to view your home standby generator's battery voltage

2750 Low Battery - The battery needs to be charged. In Mobile Link, this displays as "The battery charge level has fallen below the acceptable level. Please inspect or replace the battery. If necessary, please contact a dealer."

1. Allow for a complete 24-hour charge cycle.
2. Ensure the generator is in AUTO mode.

Note: The generator requires a minimum of 12VDC to start. If the unit attempts to crank during the battery charging cycle, the cycle starts over.

2800 AUX Shutdown - The system detected the auxiliary shutdown switch is engaged. In Mobile Link, this displays as "The generator has been stopped via emergency shutdown. Please reset the shutdown switch or contact a dealer."

1. Locate Aux Shutdown Switch(s).
2. Reset the button to the ON position and clear the code.
   
   • For Evolution control panels: Press OFF, ENTER twice, then AUTO.
   • For Power Zone 200 control panels: Hold the OFF button for 3 seconds.

See full error 2800 guide. If the controller is frozen, a hard reset may resolve: How Do I Perform a Hard Reset on a Home Standby System?

Scenario 2: The generator is running but NOT supplying power to the home

1. Check that the generator's main line circuit breaker (MLCB) is in the ON position.
2. Check the Transfer Switch Position.
3. If the transfer switch is in the Utility Position (UP Position) perform a manual transfer only if you are comfortable doing so and have consulted your generator's user manual. How do I manually operate an automatic transfer switch?

Scenario 3: The generator is running and supplying power but has a YELLOW light

If the generator is running and supplying power but has a yellow light, this means that either:

• A maintenance reminder is present
• There is an issue with the battery or battery charging circuit

Scenario 4: The generator is running and supplying power continuously for 24 hours or more

When your generator runs continuously for 24 hours, shutting it down for at least 30 minutes is essential. This downtime allows the unit to rest, oil levels to be checked, and a visual inspection to be conducted. Performing these steps proactively can help catch any potential issues early and maintain the longevity and reliability of your generator.

• Running your generator for extended periods during a major outage

Scenario 5: The generator is running even though utility power was restored

If your generator is running and you have confirmed that utility power is present in your home, follow these steps:

1. Check the generator's control panel or Mobile Link for error codes or alarms: Where can I find a list of error codes for my generator?
   • If there is an error code, turn the generator MLCB to OFF. Allow it to cool down for 5 minutes with no load applied. Then, attempt to clear the error code:
     • For Evolution control panels: Press OFF, ENTER twice, then AUTO.
     • For Power Zone 200 control panels: Hold the OFF button for 3 seconds.
   • If the error code returns after clearing, follow the recommended troubleshooting to resolve it. Some error codes require attention from a service dealer: What Error Codes Do I Need to Call a Dealer For?
2. Verify the utility service disconnect is ON or CLOSED.
   • The utility service disconnect is the breaker immediately after the utility meter. This may be in the home's main panel, automatic transfer switch, or a stand-alone box.
   • If the above steps have been verified, but the generator continues to run and you have verified that utility power was restored, turn the generator MLCB to OFF. Then, turn the generator to OFF at the control panel.
   • For next steps, we recommend reaching out to a Generac authorized service dealer.

Additional Support Resources

Local Generac Service Dealers can be found using Generac's Dealer Locator.

• https://www.generac.com/home-standby-generators/dealer-locator/

Generac Customer Support is available 24/7 at 888-436-3722 if additional assistance is required.