Generator repair

Symptoms worth a call

Call for service if you see a red or yellow warning on the controller or app, if the weekly exercise stops happening, or if the generator starts and then shuts down. Rough running, unusual knocking, smoke, fuel odor or a generator that runs without powering the house are also reasons to call. The last one often points to a transfer switch problem rather than the generator itself.

Some problems only appear under a real load, so a unit that passes its weekly exercise can still struggle during an outage.

Safe first checks

Note any fault code on the display and take a photo of it. Confirm the controller is set to automatic. That is the limit of what an owner should do. Do not open the enclosure, the transfer switch or your panel. Those contain fuel, battery power and live electrical parts.

If you smell gas around the generator or in the house, leave right away and call 911 or the gas utility from a safe place. Do not try to start the generator.

Keep children and pets away from the unit until it has been checked.

What technicians usually find

Many repairs turn out to be routine. Some need parts and a return visit.

• A starting battery that has reached the end of its life
• A faulty battery charger or blown fuse
• Worn spark plugs or a clogged air filter
• Low oil, oil leaks or low oil pressure shutdowns
• Controller errors that need a reset or software update
• Transfer switch faults
• Chewed wires from mice or other animals

Repair or replace

Think about the unit's age, how well it has been maintained, and whether parts are still available. A repair that costs a small share of a new unit usually makes sense. A major engine repair on an older, neglected generator may not. Ask for both prices in writing, and ask whether a new unit would also mean a new transfer switch, a bigger gas meter or a new permit.

A second opinion is reasonable for a large repair.

Information that speeds things up

Have the brand, model and serial number ready, along with the fault code, when the problem started and when the unit was last serviced. Say whether the problem shows up during the exercise cycle, during outages or both. With that, a technician can often bring the right parts the first time, which saves you a second visit.

Preventing the next repair

Most repair calls could have been caught at a routine service visit. A yearly tune-up, a battery replaced before it fails, and a clear enclosure free of leaves and nests go a long way. If you know a storm is coming, check that the status light shows the generator is ready and in automatic mode. If it shows a warning, call for service before the weather arrives, not during it.

Questions homeowners ask