• There are several possible causes.

• First, check that there’s fresh gas and oil, that the fuel shut-off valve is turned on, and that the on/off switch is in the on position. Most often, the spark plug is damaged or malfunctioning and must be replaced. Fuel line damage is another possibility. The carburetor could be blocked or damaged. There might be compression issues.

• The problem could also come from the starter itself. Electric-start batteries can get drained out. Were electrical devices plugged into the generator prior to starting the unit? Generators need to stabilize and warm up before appliances can be applied. 

• If you can’t get your generator to start again, have a Generac Service Dealer check it out.

• For a Push Button Start generator, make sure the power switch is turned on before pushing the Push Button Start ignition.

• First, make sure everything is unplugged from the unit. Next, use a working appliance such as a box fan to test the output. Then, check your breakers. You might need to field flash your unit. Generators in storage can lose their magnetism and fail to produce electricity, even when the engine is running. 

• If the breakers are not tripped and field flashing did work, you might need to replace the brushes in a brushed alternator.

• Watch this step-by-step video to see the entire troubleshooting process.

• If you can’t get it working again, have your device checked out by a Generac Service Dealer who can diagnose the problem and provide resolution.

There are a handful of likely reasons. To resolve the problem, make sure it has enough fuel, check the air filter, set the valve and try other steps outlined in this video.

• How many loads are plugged into the generator? Overloading a generator beyond its wattage capacity can result in damage to the generator and connected electrical devices. Try unplugging loads and running the generator with fewer applied. 

• Is the fuel shut-off valve turned on? Without the fuel valve turned completely on, gas cannot get to the engine for proper function. If the fuel valve is on, check the fuel filter and fuel line for clogs. Clogged fuel lines may be restricting the amount of fuel getting to the engine. 

• Is the oil full? Oil capacity is documented in the owner’s manual. If the recommended amount is added and it still does not reach the threads on the crankcase, add enough oil to reach the bottom of the threads—even if it’s more than the manual recommends. Generac generators are equipped with a low-oil shut down system to protect the engine from low oil damage.

While the generator is running, plug the electric drill into its receptacle (a cordless drill will not work). If the drill is reversible, move the direction switch to the forward position. Compress the trigger on the drill and spin the drill chuck in the reverse direction 3-5 times. This will excite the field and the generator should now produce electricity. If spinning the chuck one direction does not work, try spinning the chuck in the other direction, as you may have the reverse switch positioned backwards. Use caution, because as soon as the field is excited, the generator will produce power and the drill will start working. If flashing the field does not make the generator work, you may have additional problems besides a lack of magnetism in the rotor. Take it to a Generac Service Dealer for more testing.