Fix it: generator and power station problems
Step-by-step fixes for a generator or power station that won't start, surges or gives no power.
Generator low oil light on but oil is full? Real causes and fixesWhy the low-oil light comes on or the engine shuts down with oil in it: wrong level, unlevel ground, wrong reading, or a failed sensor. Never bypass it.
Why does my generator only run on choke?A generator that dies when you open the choke is short of fuel. The usual cause is a gummed carburetor from old gas. Checks and fixes, easiest first.
Generator overload light on or breaker keeps tripping? How to fix itWhy a generator's overload light comes on or its breaker keeps tripping: too much load, motor starting surge, a bad cord or appliance, or overheating.
Generator pull cord hard to pull or stuck? Causes and safe fixesSome pull resistance is normal. A cord that's locked solid can mean fuel or oil in the cylinder, a seized engine or a broken recoil. What to check.
Generator running but no power? How to find the faultEngine runs but nothing works? Check breakers, the overload light, cords and load, then how to flash the field on a generator that lost its magnetism.
Why is my generator smoking? White, blue and black smoke explainedWhite or blue smoke usually means burning oil; black smoke means too much fuel. Causes by color, fixes, and when to shut it off right away.
Generator starts then dies: why it quits and how to fix itFixes for a generator that starts then dies after a few seconds or minutes: low oil, choke, fuel flow, a blocked gas cap vent and overload.
Generator surging or hunting? What's normal and what to fixWhy a generator revs up and down at idle or under load, when it's normal (eco mode), and how to fix stale fuel, a dirty carburetor or air filter.
Generator won't start after running out of gas? Here's why and what to doAfter a generator runs dry, the carburetor has to refill, the engine needs choke again, and loads must come off. Steps from the makers' manuals.
Generator won't start after sitting? Fix stale gas and a gummed carburetorWhy a generator that sat for months won't start, and how to drain old gas, clean the carburetor and store it so it starts next time.
Generator won't start in cold weather? Oil, battery, fuel and snowWhy a generator won't start in the cold, and whether you can run one in snow: oil grade by temperature, battery, stale fuel, propane, and keeping snow off the vents.
Dual fuel generator won't start on propane? Check these firstWhy a dual fuel generator runs on gas but won't start on propane: tank valve, fuel selector, choke, hose, a cold tank, or an empty or unpurged cylinder.
Generator won't start? Check these causes in orderA step-by-step fix for a portable generator that won't start: switches, fuel valve, oil, stale gas, spark plug and choke, easiest first.
How to store a generator long term (so it starts next time)Fuel stabilizer or run it dry? How Honda, Champion, Generac and WEN say to store a generator, by length of storage, plus where to keep it.
Portable power station not charging? How to find out whyWhy a power station won't charge from the wall or car, or stops short of 100%: cable, outlet, charger, temperature, charge limit or firmware.
Power station shuts off or says overload? Why and how to fix itWhy a portable power station cuts power when you plug something in, or turns off by itself: overload, motor startup surge, heat, low battery, or auto-off.
Solar panel not charging your power station? Fix it step by stepWhy a solar panel won't charge a power station, or charges slowly: connections, shade and angle, series or parallel wiring, input limits, heat.