Why Is My Generator Not Starting?

Generators provide the critical power you need when an outage occurs. Over time, they will face wear and tear like any other appliance. When this happens, they are at a higher risk of facing an issue that could ultimately lead to your system failing to start altogether. It’s good to know how to recognize the problem your furnace is facing so that you can know which route to take for a fix. Keep reading to learn more about some common causes of a malfunctioning generator.

Reasons Your Generator Isn’t Starting

A failed generator is frustrating and can lead to serious hazards should it not be resolved immediately. Some of the most common reasons your generator may not be starting include:

Battery Failure

Your generator’s battery is designed to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. If the battery fails, the system will fail. Battery failure typically results from old age — batteries last an average of three years and should be replaced within this time frame. Other causes of battery failure include neglected maintenance and damage from extreme temperatures.

Fuel Valve Is Closed or Clogged

Fuel lines need to be cleared and in good condition at all times. If your system’s fuel valve is closed or clogged, the fuel required to power the generator won’t reach where it is intended to go. The first step should be to guarantee the fuel valve is set to “OPEN.” If the valve is open, the issue may be due to a clog. Sediment, contaminants, and other debris can accumulate and clog the fuel valve over time without proper cleaning.

Spark Plug Needs To Be Replaced

The issue may be due to a faulty spark plug. The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel and air mixture that starts the generator. If the spark plug is dirty or worn down, it won’t do its job. When this happens, the spark plug should be replaced.

Other Possible Issues

If none of the above are the reason your generator is failing you, some other causes include:

• Clogged carburetor
• Low oil
• Low coolant levels
• Unaligned choke lever
• Clogged or dirty air filter
• Controls aren’t in auto

Call Blind & Sons for Further Diagnosis

A generator is an essential appliance that keeps you comfortable and safe throughout an outage. To ensure yours always works as intended, the Blind & Sons team is here to provide exceptional generator diagnosis and service for your benefit. Since 1937, our team has delivered top-notch generator services backed by a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

Our 80+ years in business have equipped us with the tools to handle major and minor problems. We also offer warranties and guarantees to make the process as stress-free as possible.

Set up expert generator services with the Blind & Sons team today to ensure you never have to go without the power you need!