Generac Generator Troubleshooting: What to Do When Your Backup Power Isn’t Working
Backup Generator Acting Up? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’ve got a Generac backup generator, you already know how important it is. It keeps your fridge running, your lights on, and your home protected during Memphis storms and outages.
But what happens when your generator doesn’t start—or throws a warning light—and you’re not sure what’s wrong?
At Best Care Home Services, we help Memphis-area homeowners troubleshoot and service Generac home standby generators every day. This guide walks you through what to check first, what might be going wrong, and when it’s time to give us a call.
First, Is the Generator Showing a Status Light?
Your Generac generator will typically display a light on the unit. Here’s what each color means:
- Green Light: Everything’s good. The generator is ready to run.
- Yellow Light: Maintenance required. Not an emergency, but needs attention.
- Red Light: Fault detected. Your generator won’t run until the issue is fixed.
If you see yellow or red, it’s time to dig deeper—or give us a call.
Common Generac Generator Problems and What to Check
Let’s go over the most common issues that cause a Generac generator to act up:
1. The Generator Won’t Start Automatically
This is one of the top calls we get—especially during a power outage.
Check This:
- Is the main breaker on the generator turned ON?
- Is the unit set to AUTO mode?
- Has it been a while since your last maintenance? (Oil change, battery check, etc.)
- Is the battery dead?
What to Do:
If the battery is more than 3 years old or hasn’t been maintained, it might not be holding a charge. A quick battery replacement or tune-up often solves the issue.
2. You See a Red Light or Fault Code on the Display
Generac generators will show a red light or error message on the control panel when there’s a fault.
Common Faults:
- Overcrank (tries to start but fails repeatedly)
- Low oil pressure
- RPM sensor loss
- Undervoltage or overvoltage
- Controller error
What to Do:
You can clear the fault temporarily by pressing the OFF button, waiting a few seconds, then pressing AUTO. If the fault returns, the issue is real and needs professional service.
We can run a full diagnostic and safely reset the system—without risking further damage.
3. The Generator Starts But Then Shuts Off
This could be a fuel issue or a sensor failure.
Check:
- Is your propane or natural gas supply open and stable?
- Do you hear it running rough before it shuts off?
- Has the generator been exposed to heavy rain or flooding?
What to Do:
If your fuel supply is fine, the shutdown could be related to a safety sensor detecting low pressure or a damaged part. Don’t keep restarting it—this could make it worse.
4. The Generator Runs a Test But Doesn’t Supply Power
This is a tricky one. The generator may run, but your home stays dark.
Possible Causes:
- Transfer switch not working properly
- Wiring issue between the generator and the switch panel
- Breaker tripped inside the generator
What to Do:
Check your home’s main electrical panel to see if anything tripped. If all looks normal, the issue is likely with the automatic transfer switch (ATS)—and that’s when you need us.
Routine Maintenance Really Matters
Like any machine, your generator needs regular care to stay ready for an outage.
At Best Care, we recommend:
- Twice-yearly maintenance (especially before and after storm season)
- Changing the oil and air filter
- Testing the battery and fuel pressure
- Checking for error codes before they become emergencies
Skipping maintenance is the #1 reason Generac generators fail when you need them most.
When to Call Best Care Home Services
If your Generac generator:
- Won’t start at all
- Shows a red light or error message
- Runs but won’t power your home
- Starts and stops during a test cycle
- Hasn’t been serviced in over a year
Don’t wait until the next storm. Call us now.
We’re one of the most trusted Generac service providers in Memphis, TN, and our licensed techs are trained to work on home standby units the right way.
Why Homeowners in Memphis Trust Best Care
We know backup power isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety. You can count on us for:
- Same-day and next-day appointments
- Certified Generac service and diagnostics
- Upfront pricing with no surprises
- Friendly, local technicians who show up on time
- Maintenance plans that keep your generator storm-ready all year
Whether your generator needs a quick reset or a full repair, we’ll get the job done right—and fast.
Don’t Wait for a Power Outage to Find Out Something’s Wrong
A backup generator is only helpful if it works when you need it. If your Generac is acting up, let Best Care take a look before it becomes an emergency.
We’ll troubleshoot, repair, and test the entire system so you have peace of mind—no matter what the weather brings.