Generator Storm Troubleshooting Guide

Jan 23, 2026 | Generators

How to Keep Your Generator and Transfer System Operating Safely During a Power Outage

This generator storm troubleshooting guide explains the most common issues homeowners face during winter power outages, including snow buildup, gas supply problems, oil warnings, and transfer switch operation. These steps can help keep your standby generator running safely during emergency conditions.

❄️ Generator Storm Troubleshooting: Snow & Ice Clearance

Your generator must be able to breathe and cool itself to start and run properly.

Backup generator in snow comparison showing improper snow coverage versus properly cleared generator with safe airflow during winter storm.

Snow buildup can prevent a generator from running safely. Always keep at least 12 inches of clearance around your generator to allow proper airflow and exhaust.

  • Clear a minimum of 12 inches of snow on all sides of the generator

  • Keep intake and exhaust louvers completely clear

  • Do not allow snow to pile up against the enclosure

Snow buildup can:

  • Restrict airflow

  • Freeze the air filter

  • Allow moisture into the engine

  • Cause overheating or shutdowns

⚠️ Never cover or enclose a running generator.

 

🔥 Generator Storm Troubleshooting for Gas Supply Issues

If your generator runs on natural gas, snow buildup can shut off fuel to your home.

Natural gas meter and regulator emerging from the ground with snow cleared around the regulator to allow proper venting during winter conditions

The gas regulator must remain clear of snow to allow proper venting. Snow buildup can restrict gas flow and cause the gas supply to shut off.

  • Clear snow away from:

    • The generator’s gas regulator

    • The gas meter on the side of your home

  • Gas regulators have vent openings that must remain clear

  • If blocked, gas pressure may drop and shut off gas to the entire house

Generator Storm Troubleshooting: Warning Lights & Error Codes

🛢️ Error Code 1300 – Low Oil Pressure

Error Code 1300 means the generator has detected low oil pressure, which will stop the unit from operating to protect the engine. This condition is commonly caused by low oil level or extended run time during outages. Before restarting the generator, the oil level must be checked and corrected. Once oil is added, the error can be cleared at the controller and the unit returned to automatic mode.

What to do:

  1. Check the oil level

  2. If low, add 5W-30 synthetic oil

    • Add small amounts only

    • Air-cooled generators typically hold just over 1 quart total

    • Do not overfill

  3. How to Clear the Error Code

    To reset the generator after correcting the issue, use the control panel in the following order:

    1. Press the Red OFF button

    2. Select ENTER twice to acknowledge and clear the fault

    3. Return the generator to automatic operation by pressing Green AUTO

⚠️ Important Oil Change Information

  • If your generator has run for 250 hours, it must receive an oil change

  • During long-term outages, oil changes are critical to prevent engine damage

  • Even if the generator restarts, call for service to schedule an oil change as soon as possible

🟡 Yellow Light on the Generator

A yellow warning light is not an emergency shutdown.

  • The generator will continue to run

  • It indicates routine service or maintenance is due

  • Check the oil and top off as needed

  • Schedule service as soon as conditions allow

Read more about our Winter Generator Prep Article on the needed maintenance for your investment!

Generator Storm Troubleshooting When Power Is Not Restored

⚡ Generator Running but No Power to the House

Generac Air Cooled Control Locations

Generac Air Cooled Fuse and Main Line Circuit Breaker Location

Step 1 – Check the Generator Breaker

  • Open the generator lid

  • Locate the breaker in the top right corner (MLCB)

  • Make sure it is in the ON position

  • A flashing green light means the generator is producing power

  • A Green Light not Flashing breaker is off

Step 2 – Check the Transfer Switch Position

If the generator is running and the breaker is ON, but the house has no power:

  1. Locate your automatic transfer switch

  2. Remove the outer cover (thumbscrew hold-down)

  3. Do not remove the inner cover for your safety

  4. Find the yellow transfer position indicator

    • Yellow dot UP = Utility power

      Manual operation of a generator transfer switch showing utility power at the top position and generator power at the bottom position using a yellow manual transfer handle

      The manual transfer handle is inserted into the center slot to move power between utility (up) and generator (down)

    • Yellow dot DOWN = Generator power

If utility power is out:

  • The yellow indicator should be DOWN

  • If it is UP, insert the yellow handle/key and move it DOWN

If utility power has returned but your house is still without power:

  • The yellow indicator may still be DOWN

  • Use the key to move it UP to the utility position

  • Check if house power is restored

⚠️ If this occurs after power restoration, call for service.
The transfer switch should be inspected to ensure automatic operation is functioning correctly.

Generac Support Article on How do I manually operate an automatic transfer switch

🔥 Fire & Life Safety During Power Outages

🚨 Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

  • Ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are working properly

  • Replace batteries if needed

⚠️ If Smoke or CO Alarms Activate While the Generator Is Running

If a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm sounds during a power outage:

  1. Shut the generator OFF immediately

  2. Check for:

    • Open windows or doors

    • Snow blocking exhaust outlets

    • Snow drifting toward the home

  3. Ventilate the home if safe to do so

  4. Do not restart the generator until the cause is identified

If alarms continue, leave the home and contact emergency services or a professional technician.

❄️ Prevent Exhaust Gas Re-Circulation

Snow and ice can force exhaust gases back toward the home.

  • Keep snow cleared around:

    • Generator exhaust

    • Intake louvers

  • Ensure snow is not drifting toward windows, vents, or foundation openings

  • Exhaust gases must be able to dissipate safely away from the structure

⚠️ Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible—detectors are your first line of defense.

🚨 Safety Reminders

  • Never work on equipment you are unsure about

  • Never block airflow or exhaust

  • If you smell gas, leave immediately and contact your gas utility

  • When in doubt, shut the generator off and call for service

📞 Need Help?

If your generator will not start, keeps faulting, or your transfer switch is not operating correctly, contact us to schedule service. During storm conditions, small issues can quickly turn into major failures.

Have other error code or want to learn more direct from Generac’s Snowstorm Preparedness Guides