You purchased a generator because you live in an area prone to storms and outages, and you want to make sure you still have the essentials during a power outage. Safety, comfort, and convenience are well worth the investment in a backup plan, especially if you have important systems that need to keep running. Therefore, when your backup plan fails, it can be even more frustrating. Generators aren’t failsafe, and there are some common causes that can leave you without your backup plan. Battery issues, fuel problems, insufficient coolant, overheating, control panel failure, leaks, or overloading can all prevent your generator from working when you need it to. If your generator does fail during a power outage, there are some simple troubleshooting steps you can take.

Home backup generator on the side of a house.

Start With the Basics: Check the Fuel, Oil, and Coolant Levels

Your generator needs fuel to work. The first troubleshooting step is to make sure you aren’t out of fuel. If you were anticipating a storm, you likely took the right preparation steps and made sure you had fresh fuel for your generator. However, there can be problems that impact the fuel supply.

The fuel you use in your generator needs to be free from water or other contaminants. Using fresh fuel can usually ensure that the supply is clean, but if the fuel you purchased was compromised, the tank can become contaminated. Fuel issues can also stem from a block in the filter or a leak in the tank. If your generator was recently filled with fresh fuel and appears to have a full tank with no visible leaks, a blocked line or filter could be to blame.

In addition to fuel, generators need oil, and most generators are programmed to automatically shut off if the oil is too low. Generators also need coolant, and low coolant levels, which may be caused by leaks, can cause your generator to overheat and shut down. If your generator isn’t working, start by checking the levels of all your essential fluids. If the levels are good and the fuel is fresh, it’s likely something else is causing the failure.

Could the Battery Be at Fault?

Your generator battery is responsible for getting your generator started, and if the battery fails, the generator won’t start. Loose connections, dirty terminals, or even a dead battery from age or lack of use can all cause failure. Right behind running out of fuel, battery issues are the most common cause of generator failure during a power outage. Most generator batteries only last a few years without needing replced, but if your battery is rusty, excessively dirty, or has a buildup of lead sulfates, it will likely need to be replaced. Discovering you need to replace the battery during a power outage is frustrating, but luckily it’s an easy fix.

Electrical Components

If the battery looks good and your fuel levels are fine with no visible leaks, the problem is likely electrical. First, check the control panel. Most generators have an automatic transfer switch that enables the generator to automatically start during a power failure, however, this switch is often moved from “auto” to “off” during service or maintenance.

Your generator will also need to be reset after maintenance, and if this wasn’t done correctly, you could find yourself without power when you need it. If you suspect it’s a simple control panel issue, check your settings, along with the circuit breaker. A tripped breaker is easy to reset.

Another possible issue is that if your generator has been running without adequate ventilation, it can overheat. If you suspect overheating could be to blame, let it cool down before attempting to restart it. Be very careful not to overload your generator by plugging in too many appliances. Your generator can make dealing with a power outage far easier, but you do need to respect the limits and make sure you aren’t causing failure by trying to run too much.

If electrical issues are behind your generator’s failure, don’t attempt to fix them yourself. Problems like damaged wiring, water exposure, or faulty currents require professional attention. Attempting a DIY electrical repair not only risks making the issue worse and voiding your warranty—it also puts your safety at serious risk.

How Can I Make Sure My Generator Won’t Fail During a Power Outage?

The first thing you need to do to keep your generator running without issue is to follow every letter of the operating instructions. Make sure your generator is adequately vented, and make sure the area around your generator is clear of debris. Have it serviced annually and keep a maintenance record.

During a service check, we inspect all components for leaks or clogs, test the battery, and ensure all connections are functioning properly. If your generator isn’t used frequently, be sure to run it occasionally to spot any potential issues before they become serious problems.

Before an anticipated outage situation, prepare your generator. Check the fuel and fluid levels and consider installing surge protectors to safeguard your generator against voltage spikes. Finally, don’t ignore the warning signs. If your generator is smoking, making strange noises, cycling, or shutting off, call in the professionals right away.

Don’t Let a Generator Failure Leave You in the Dark

Your generator is your lifeline when the power goes out—but like any machine, it needs the right care and attention to perform when it matters most. By staying on top of routine maintenance, watching for early warning signs, and preparing ahead of storms, you can avoid unexpected failures and keep your home protected.

If your generator isn’t working—or you want the peace of mind that it will—Oakwood Electric & Generator is here to help. From emergency repairs to preventative service checks, our experienced team ensures your backup power system is always ready when you need it most. Don’t wait for the next outage to discover a problem. Contact us today to schedule a generator inspection or repair.