Pressed the start button three times? checked the fuel? maybe even given the side of the gennie a whack, and still nothing... 

This guide outlines the first steps you need to do in order to figure out what might be wrong. These are the exact steps we talk through with customers over the phone every day.

Some of these checks are super simple. Others might need a bit of confidence around the machine. And if it’s still not working after going through this list, no stress, just give us a call and we can point you in the right direction.

Step 1: Figure Out What Generator You’ve Got

Before you start pulling things apart, you need to know:

• What’s the brand and model?

• Petrol or diesel?

• Portable or larger fixed unit?

Nobody is going to be able to help unless they know what machine you’re working with.

Step 2: What Do You Mean by “Won’t Start”?

There are two pretty different scenarios:

1. Nothing Happens When You Hit Start

• Check the emergency stop button isn’t pressed in

• Make sure the controller is powered on

• Could be a flat battery

• Could be a dodgy relay or starter motor

(You can test the starter motor by bypassing it directly from the battery, if you're confident doing that.)

2. It Cranks but Doesn’t Fire

• Is there fuel in the tank?

• If you’ve run it dry, air might be in the lines - it’ll need bleeding

• Could be a stuck or failed fuel solenoid

Step 3: Check the Controller for Alarms

If there’s a screen, it can usually tell you what’s going on.

• Scroll to Alarms and read what it says

What Those Alarms Might Mean:

• Stop Fail → Usually an oil pressure switch issue

  • If the controller shows oil pressure while the engine is off, that’s a clear sign the switch is faulty and needs replacing. The controller thinks the engine is still running when it’s not.

• Low Coolant → Check radiator level, not the overflow bottle

  • If it’s full and still shows low, try unplugging the sensor about 30cm back from the plug. This bypasses the sensor but still keeps over-temp protection active.

• RPM Fail → Means it hasn’t started - could still be oil or fuel related

• Low Voltage / Fluctuation → Commonly the AVR or loose alternator wires

  • The AVR is usually horseshoe-shaped and mounted at the back. It's a common failure point and is usually plug-and-play to replace.

Step 4: Generator Runs - But No Power

If it’s purring but not producing power:

• Check the main breaker - switch it fully off and then back on

• Check outlet breakers - these can be hidden behind a panel or hatch on bigger units

  • Sometimes they’re behind a hatch that needs an Allen key to open. Plenty of people don’t even know they’re there, so this step is worth a double-check.

A lot of people don’t know the outlet circuit breakers exist. That’s a common one.

Step 5: Gen6S & Gen7S Specific Tips

We sell a lot of these portable diesel units (Gen6s, Gen7s). These are great portable units, but they're built for short bursts, not 24/7 operation. If you're running them constantly, you’re likely to hit problems. So here’s what to know:

• No Power Output → Usually the AVR (horseshoe-shaped part at the back)

• Cranking but not firing → Fuel line might have air or solenoid might need replacing

• Trips when connected to house → That’s probably an MEN conflict

  • If the house and generator both have an MEN link, an electrician will need to remove the generator’s one.

Last Bit of Advice

Some of this will get your generator going again. Some of it might be out of your depth, and that’s fine. This guide is just a starting point to help you understand what might be wrong.

If you're stuck, reach out. We deal with this stuff every day.

If you've purchased one of our generators and having issues, contact us today or speak to one of our expert team on 1300 998 647.