Troubleshooting
Make sure your generator is ready before you need it. Most generator problems can be corrected with a simple reset of the generator/s computer. The computers are very sensitive and can throw error codes for reasons as simple as repeated quick power outages or fluctuations in the fuel delivery/supply pressure. These simple tips will help ensure that your generator is ready when you need it. Download our Quick Reference Guide.
HOW TO RESET THE COMPUTER IN NEWER GENERATORS (With digital controllers)
- PLACE THE AUTO/OFF/MANUAL SWITCH TO OFF
- HIT ENTER (PAUSE)
- HIT ENTER
- PLACE THE AUTO OFF MANUAL SWITCH BACK TO AUTO
HOW TO RESET THE COMPUTER IN OLDER GENERATORS (With LED lights on the controller)
- PLACE THE AUTO/OFF/MANUAL SWITCH TO OFF
- WAIT 10-15 SECONDS
- PLACE THE AUTO OFF MANUAL SWITCH BACK TO AUTO
COMMON ERROR CODES AND WHAT TO DO (If codes persist please call for service)
- LOW OIL – Add oil (Mobil 1 5w30 synthetic) slowly until dipstick reads close to full. Do not overfill.
- OVERCRANK – If running on propane make sure you have at least 30% in tank, perform computer reset.
- OVER SPEED – Perform computer reset.
- UNDER SPEED – Perform computer reset.
- UNDER VOLTAGE – Perform computer reset.
CHANGING THE EXERCISE TIME
NEWER GENERATORS (with digital controllers):
There is a flow chart that will explain this in detail in your manual. You need to hit escape on the control board. Use the arrow keys to move the flashing cursor to edit (so edit is flashing). The exercise menu is a sub menu there. The up and down arrows change the value. Enter confirms the action, and escape takes you a step backwards. The exact sequence of buttons you will need to press is in the manual.
OLDER GENERATORS (with LED lights on the control panel):
There is a paragraph on the machine (directly above the auto/off/manual switch.) The exact sequence is different for several models of generator. It generally involves holding down the set exercise time switch for about 20seconds. Switch is directly above or below auto/off/manual switch.
CLEARING THE YELLOW MAINTENANCE LIGHT ON NEWER GENERATORS
This light is nothing to be alarmed about. Yellow lights are just friendly reminders from the machine to periodically take a look at the generator. To make this go away you switch the machine to off. Hit enter twice slowly, and then switch the machine back to auto. The yellow light will come on once or twice a year with a different message. If you see a red light however call us immediately so we can have it looked at before an outage occurs.
Check your generator before the storm
- Make sure your green status indicator light in/on the generator is on or the display in the generator says ready to run.
- Make sure you have extra oil on hand (Mobil 1 brand 5W30)
Safe Operation Tips During a Storm
- Make sure the generator is free of limbs and debris as these can obstruct airflow and cause other hazardous situations.
- Make sure the generator is not becoming submerged in water. If the water level begins to rise around the generator DISABLE IT IMMEDIATELY! Failure to do so can cause life threatening situations.
Emergency Service
Tri-Star Electric does not offer 24 hour emergency service. We do however provide preferred service to our maintenance agreement customers. Print this helpful flyer and put it on the fridge so you have the information at hand.