DYI Maintenance Tips

Generator Maintenance Tips

We understands your unique requirements. Client satisfaction is our top priority. Some homeowners prefer to perform the basics. Here are some tips to help you maintain your generator. Note: This page will be updated with new tips on the 1st and 15th of each month. Next update 9-15-2026. Always follow the owner’s manual for your specific Generac generator model.

9-15-2026 My Generator is running but not producing power. What can I do as a homeowner do to try to correct the problem?

If a standby generator is running but the house has no power, a homeowner can safely check a few basic things before calling United Generator for service:

  1. Check the generator’s main circuit breaker. It is usually located on or inside the generator near the control panel. Make sure it has not tripped. If it has, turn it fully OFF, then back ON once. If it trips again, do not keep resetting it—call a qualified technician.
  2. Check the generator display for an alarm or error code. Write down or photograph any code before clearing or resetting anything. The code can greatly speed up diagnosis.
  3. Check the automatic transfer switch (ATS) only from the outside. The generator can be running normally but the transfer switch may have failed to transfer the house from utility power to generator power. Do not remove the ATS cover—dangerous utility and generator voltage may be present simultaneously.
  4. Check the home’s main electrical panel. Look for a tripped main breaker or other obviously tripped breakers. Reset a tripped breaker only once.
  5. Verify whether the outage affects the entire house. If some circuits work but others don’t, that can indicate a breaker, transfer-switch, wiring, or loss-of-leg problem rather than a generator that isn’t producing any electricity.
  6. If the generator runs but still produces no usable power, stop troubleshooting. Possible causes include a failed breaker, transfer-switch problem, wiring fault, controller issue, excitation/voltage-regulator problem, or alternator failure. These require electrical testing by a qualified technician.

Important: Never open the generator’s electrical compartment or transfer switch, probe wiring with a meter, or attempt to manually move an automatic transfer mechanism unless you’re trained to do so. 120/240 volts can be present even when utility power is out.

If power isn’t restored, call United Generator at (707) 332-0703. Our technicians can diagnose generator, electrical, and automatic transfer-switch problems.

9-1-2026 How to Check the Oil in Your Generac Standby Generator

Checking the oil in your Generac standby generator is simple and can help protect your generator during an extended power outage.

Easy Oil Check

  1. Turn the generator off safely. If the generator is running and supplying your home, turn the generator’s main circuit breaker OFF, then stop the generator using the controller.
  2. Wait approximately 5 minutes before checking the oil.
  3. Open the generator lid or side door and locate the oil dipstick.
  4. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a clean rag or paper towel.
  5. Reinsert the dipstick completely, then remove it again and check the oil level.
  6. The oil should be at or near the FULL mark. If it is low, add the correct engine oil a little at a time. Do not overfill.
  7. Reinstall the dipstick and oil-fill cap securely.
  8. Return the generator to AUTO and turn the generator circuit breaker back ON.

During Extended Power Outages

If your Generac generator is running continuously during a long power outage, check the engine oil daily. Standby generators can consume some oil during extended operation, so don’t assume the oil level is okay just because the generator is still running.

Need more info or parts? Text or call Mike

United Generator LLC
Generator Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Repair
Text or call Mike 707-332-0703Serving Sonoma, Marin & Napa CountiesAlways follow the owner’s manual for your specific Generac generator model.

Not Comfortable Doing It Yourself? Give Us a Call.

If you’re not comfortable checking or servicing your generator yourself, United Generator LLC is here to help.Feel free to call us to schedule an appointment for:

  • Generator service and maintenance
  • Annual preventive maintenance
  • Troubleshooting and diagnostics
  • Generator repairs
  • Emergency generator repairs

Whether you need routine maintenance or your generator isn’t operating properly during a power outage, give us a call.United Generator LLC
Generator Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Emergency Repairs
707-332-0703

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What Sets Us Apart

Having been in business since 1983, we possess extensive experience and expertise that you can count on. The following are reasons why you should choose our services:


  • We have maintained and repaired hundreds of these systems.

  • We are the authorized Generac Service Center for all Marin and Sonoma County.

  • We only employ Generac Certified Technicians.

  • We have proudly earned a 4.95 Star percentage out if 116 reviews. Reviews

Contact Us Today

We are a diverse company that has the skills and resources to accomplish a wide range of services. Please call or text Mike at (707) 332-0703 for a appontment today. Contact Us