

Standby Generators
Use the information below to help troubleshoot issues with a Briggs & Stratton air-cooled standby generator. This page provides common troubleshooting steps. If you are uncomfortable working with electricity or fuel, please contact a qualified service technician.
Service scenarios may present themselves, including basic symptoms, potential causes, and ‘alarms’ on the GC-1030 Series Controller.
Choose from the following Quick Navigation Buttons to navigate to a specific service scenario:
Generator Does Not Start Generator Starts then Shuts Down Generator Runs Rough Generator Does Not Produce Voltage Generator Running, Does Not Transfer Power Generator Running, Does Not Transfer Power Back (After Utility Returns) Generator Starts and Runs for No Reason GC-1030 Series Controller Alarms & Event Log GC-1030 Series Controller Hardware Issues
Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions offers technical resources and guidance for other types of installation & maintenance scenarios.
For more in-depth electrical troubleshooting instructions, including important safety and warning information, navigate to the Technical Support Resources section and consult the Electrical Troubleshooting and Repair Manual (Air-Cooled Standby Generator with GC-1030 Series Controller) document.
Choose from the following Quick Navigation Buttons to navigate to these helpful resources:
Installation & Start-up Support Service Call & Maintenance Best Practices Technical Support Resources
(need introduction)
(need scenario introduction - where engine does not crank)
NOTICE - Whenever "Test again" appears, install the 15 amp fuse (see your generator's installation and operator's manual for the fuse location), if removed. From MANUAL mode (Engine Off-Ready), press START/SELECT on the controller to check if the engine cranks. If the test fails, remove the 15 amp fuse and proceed to the next step.
If a test passes, follow the linear steps to the appropriate section. If the engine begins to Crank, but does not Start, advance to Symptom: Engine Does Not Start.
Potential Cause: Weak/ Failed battery, battery charger, and/or battery connections issue
ALARM(S): Battery Under Voltage, Battery Over Voltage
(insert Figure 11)
NOTICE - If you do not have an approved battery load tester, refer to the Battery Load Test section in the engine's repair manual (Part No. 80114787) for instructions on performing a battery load test without the battery load test tool.
NOTICE - Meter reading in steps 9 and 10 verify that utility voltage is present.
WARNING - Even if the terminals of Pin 1 (-) and Pin 2 (+) are back-probed as instructed, avoid touching both terminals simultaneously. Do not remove socket terminals and probe the pins directly, because touching both pins with the same probe will result in arcing between terminals. Any arcing can damage controller components and wires, and cause eye injuries if safety glasses are not worn.
WARNING - Fuel and fuel vapors can be ignited, causing explosion, which could result in death or serious injury.
(insert Figure 12)
(insert Figure 13)
(insert Figure 14)
(insert Figure 15)
NOTICE - Before replacing the fuses, turn off utility power and remove the fuses from the fuse holder and verify that no continuity to ground is present. If continuity to ground is present, check for wire shorts or a failed battery charger, warmer, or controller.
(insert Figure 16)
NOTICE - If a new battery is installed during a utility outage, the charging circuit must be tested after restoration of utility power.
(insert Figure 17)
(insert Figure 18)
NOTICE - The relay board on 13 kW units does not have the 3-pin connector shown in the following images.
(insert Figure 19)
(insert Figure 20)
Potential Cause: Starter Relay/ Starter Solenoid component or wiring issue
ALARM(S): Fail to Start
(insert Figure 21)
(insert Figures 22 and 23)
(insert Figure 24)
(insert Figure 25)
(insert Figure 26)
(insert Figure 27)
(insert Figure 28)
Potential Cause: Generator Controller or Relay Board does not output ≥9.6 VDC
ALARM(S): Fail to Start
At the Controller
(insert Figure 29)
At the Relay Board
NOTICE - The relay board on 13 kW units does not have the 3-pin connector shown in the following images.
(insert Figure 30)
(insert Figure 31)
Potential Cause: Emergency Stop button pressed, and/or wiring connection issue
ALARM(S): Emergency Stop
Potential Cause: Generator Controller in MANUAL/ Engine Off mode
ALARM(S): N/A
(need scenario introduction - where Engine Cranks, but does not Start)
Potential Cause: Engine Oil Level is Incorrect/ Insufficient (Low or No Oil)
ALARM(S): N/A
NOTICE - The most accurate oil level readings are obtained when the engine is cold.
NOTICE - Check the oil level on both sides of the dipstick.
NOTICE - Dispose of used oil and the oil filter at a proper waste disposal or recycling center.
(insert Figure 83)
Potential Cause: Fuel Pressure is Incorrect/ Insufficient (Low or No Fuel)
ALARM(S): Fail to Start
NOTICE - Fuel is only present on units with a liquid propane (LP) supply tank.
(insert Figure 3)
12-13kW NG and LP Configurations | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Model | Engine | Frequency | Fuel Type | Main Jet Turns | Idle Jet Turns |
12kW | BSPP 38 v/s | 60 Hz | NG | 1/2 | 2-1/2 |
LP | 0 | 1/4 | |||
13kW | BSPP 38 v/s | 60 Hz | NG | 1-3/8 | 3/8 |
LP | 1/8 | 3/4 |
(insert Figure 4)
NOTICE - If you are changing the setup in the generator's controller from the factory setting of NG fuel to LP fuel you will need to enter the configuration menu by using the Dealer Password, which is available on the Power Portal.
NOTICE - Selecting a profile that is not intended for the generator can cause the generator to run erratically and can result in damage.
(insert Figure 5)
(insert Figure 7)
(insert Figure 8)
(insert Figure 9)
NOTICE - If you are changing the setup in the generator's controller from the factory setting of NG fuel to LP fuel you will need to enter the configuration menu by using the Dealer Password, which is available on the Power Portal.
NOTICE - Selecting a profile that is not intended for the generator can cause the generator to run erratically and could result in damage.
NOTICE - The generator inlet fuel pressure should be 11-14 inches WC (LP) or 3.5-7 inches WC (NG).
NOTICE - If a test port does not exist, see the appropriate installation manual for instructions on installing it. To proceed with troubleshooting in the absence of a test port, go to step 4 of Check Fuel Solenoid and Thermal Fuses to use the test port in the fuel pressure regulator (B, Figure 32). Although use of this port will indicate whether fuel is present, it will not indicate whether the incoming fuel has dropped in pressure.
NOTICE - No more than 0.5 inches WC drop should be seen between static and dynamic fuel pressure and the fuel reading should be stable.
(insert Figure 32)
(insert Figure 33)
(insert Figure 34)
(insert Figure 35)
NOTICE - There will not be voltage at the pauses between cranks. When activated, a "click" is heard at the fuel solenoid and that indicates that it opened correctly.
NOTICE - Step 8 applies only to Fortress II generator units. If you do not have a Fortress II unit, skip to step 10.
(insert Figure 36)
(insert Figure 37)
NOTICE - The relay board on 13 kW units does not have the 3-pin connector shown in the following images.
(insert Figure 38)
(insert Figure 39)
NOTICE: When the fuel solenoid is energized (open) with battery voltage, the applied pressure allows fuel to pass through the fuel pressure regulator. Do not use compressed air, as the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm is easily ruptured.
(insert Figure 40)
Potential Cause: Clogged Air Filter, Bad Engine Spark Plugs and/or Plug Wires, Engine Valve Adjustment needed
ALARM(S): Fail to Start
NOTICE - Always pull on the boot at the terminal end of the cable. Pulling on the cable can result in damage.
WARNING - Be sure there is no fuel or fuel vapors present, which, if spark-ignited, can cause a fire or explosion resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE - The vacuum gauge must fit tightly. On 12-13 kW units, the dipstick tube also serves as the oil fill neck, so wrap the vacuum gauge tube with paper towels as needed to achieve a tight fit.
NOTICE - If necessary, call Briggs & Stratton Technical Support for assistance.
NOTICE - For the best results, check valve clearance when the engine is cold.
(need introduction)
NOTICE - Whenever "Test again" appears, install the 15 amp fuse (see your generator's installation and operator's manual for the fuse location), if removed. From MANUAL mode (Engine Off-Ready), press START/SELECT on the controller to check if the engine cranks. If the test fails, remove the 15 amp fuse and proceed to the next step.
If a test passes, follow the linear steps to the appropriate section.
(insert image of Controller with Voltage information)
NOTICE - General images are shown and may not match your unit. Load side voltage testing may be done on the LOAD side of the breaker or a pre-wired terminal block.
(insert Figure 41)
(insert Figure 42)
NOTICE - General images are shown and may not match your unit. Line side voltage testing may be done on the LINE side of the breaker or a pre-wired terminal block.
(insert Figure 43)
(need scenario introduction - where engine runs for only 10 seconds, then shuts down)
Potential Cause(s): Undersized fuel line (from source to generator)
ALARM(S): Fail to Start + Under Voltage/ Under Speed, or Low Frequency
See Generator Does Not Produce Start section
Potential Cause(s): AVR has incorrect firmware, after replacing AVR
ALARM(S): AVR Fault, Low Voltage (Warning or Failure)
Refer to applicable Service Bulletin and AVR Firmware sections below
Potential Cause(s): Generator produces low voltage (70-120 VAC); Generator produces high voltage (>132 VAC per leg, or >240 VAC)
ALARM(S): AVR Fault, Low Voltage (Warning or Failure); Fail to Start + Over Speed/ Frequency, High Voltage Failure
Potential Cause(s): Generator Overspeed or Underspeed
ALARM(S): Fail to Start + Over Speed/ Frequency, High Voltage Failure
Potential Cause(s): Diode on back of AVR has blown (D12)
ALARM(S): Speed Sensor I/P Lost
NOTICE - Whenever "Test again" appears, install the 15 amp fuse (see your generator's installation and operator's manual for the fuse location), if removed. From MANUAL mode (Engine Off-Ready), press START/SELECT on the controller to check if the engine cranks. If the test fails, remove the 15 amp fuse and proceed to the next step.
If a test passes, follow the linear steps to the appropriate section.
Potential Cause(s): No Engine Oil, or Level is too Low; Low Oil Pressure (shorted wire, and/or open switch when running)
ALARM(S): Low Oil Pressure Switch
NOTICE - The normally closed contacts of the switch are held open by engine oil pressure when the engine is running. If oil pressure drops below 7-10 psi, the contacts close to complete a circuit to ground on Wire 85, and the engine shuts down.
(insert Figure 60)
NOTICE - The switch may be tested using a hand or vacuum pump (Briggs & Stratton part number: 19493) or equivalent, applying either vacuum or pressure.
(insert Figure 61)
NOTICE - If necessary, call Briggs & Stratton Technical Support for assistance.
(insert Figure 62)
Potential Cause(s): Engine Oil Level is too High; High Engine Temperature Switch (component) = Short to Ground
ALARM(S): High Engine Temperature Switch
NOTICE - The switch contacts are normally open. If the engine temperature goes above 300°F, +/- 7°F (149°C, +/- 4°C), the contacts close to complete a circuit to ground on Wire 95 and the engine will shut down.
(insert Figure 63)
(insert Figure 64)
Potential Cause(s): Air intake is blocked/ obstructed; Engine foam seal is deteriorated and recirculating warm engine air
ALARM(S): High Engine Temperature Switch
Potential Cause(s): blank
ALARM(S): Over Current/ Load, or Unbalanced Load
Engine Starts, Runs Poorly (cuts out, misses, hesitates and/or stumbles)
NOTICE - Whenever "Test again" appears, install the 15 amp fuse (see your generator's installation and operator's manual for the fuse location), if removed. From MANUAL mode (Engine Off-Ready), press START/SELECT on the controller to check if the engine cranks. If the test fails, remove the 15 amp fuse and proceed to the next step.
If a test passes, follow the linear steps to the appropriate section.
(text - Confirm breaker voltage to rule out Alternator)
Potential Cause(s):
(see fuel section)
Potential Cause: Incorrect fuel conversion
Air Filter, Spark Plugs, Valve Adjustment
Potential Cause: Faulty spark plugs/ wiring
NOTICE - Pull on the boot at the terminal end of the cable. Do not pull on the cable, as it can cause damage.
WARNING - Make sure there is no fuel or fuel vapors present, which, if spark ignited, can cause a fire or explosion resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE - Keep wires away from hot or moving engine parts.
(insert Figure 65)
NOTICE - There should not be more than a 75-RPM difference between each cylinder.
NOTICE - If necessary, call Briggs & Stratton Technical Support for assistance.
NOTICE - The vacuum gauge tube must fit tightly. On 12-13 kW units, the dipstick tube is also the oil fill neck, so wrap the vacuum gauge tube with paper towels as needed to achieve a tight fit.
NOTICE - If necessary, call Briggs & Stratton Technical Support for assistance.
Potential Cause(s): Clogged engine air filter
(need introduction)
NOTICE - Whenever "Test again" appears, install the 15 amp fuse (see your generator's installation and operator's manual for the fuse location), if removed. From MANUAL mode (Engine Off-Ready), press START/SELECT on the controller to check if the engine cranks. If the test fails, remove the 15 amp fuse and proceed to the next step.
If a test passes, follow the linear steps to the appropriate section.
Potential Cause(s): CANBUS Wire issue between AVR and GC-1030 Controller, No/ Low Generator Output Voltage (at Circuit Breaker and/or Controller), Wire harness problem
ALARM(S): AVR Fault, Low Voltage (Warning or Failure)
NOTICE - General images are shown and may not match your unit. Load side voltage testing may be done on the LOAD side of the breaker or a pre-wired terminal block.
(insert Figure 41)
(insert Figure 42)
NOTICE - General images are shown and may not match your unit. Line side voltage testing may be done on the LINE side of the breaker or a pre-wired terminal block.
(insert Figure 43)
Potential Cause(s): (Need)
ALARM(S): Fail to Start Alarm + Under Voltage/ Speed, or Low Frequency