Common symptoms
Shutdown problems show up in a few recognizable ways. Noting which one you have makes troubleshooting much faster:
- Starts and runs a few seconds, then dies
- Runs fine with no load, but shuts off when you plug something in
- Runs for a while, then quits after it warms up
- Shuts off and a warning light (often oil or overload) comes on
- Dies and won't restart until it sits for a while
Possible causes
These are the usual suspects. Many are simple; some need professional diagnosis.
- Low oil level tripping the low-oil shutdown sensor
- Overload — more connected wattage than the generator is rated for
- Partially clogged carburetor or fuel filter from old fuel
- Fuel cap vent blocked, creating a vacuum in the tank
- Overheating from a blocked cooling path or dirty compartment
- A faulty sensor, ignition coil, or control component
Safe things you can check
With the generator off and cool, and outdoors in a ventilated area:
- Check the oil level on level ground and top off with the oil type in your manual
- Unplug everything, start it, then add loads one at a time
- Loosen the fuel cap slightly — if it then keeps running, the vent may be blocked
- Make sure the air filter and cooling vents aren't packed with dust
- Use fresh fuel if it has been sitting more than a month or two
When professional repair makes sense
Stop and call if the generator keeps shutting off after these checks, if you smell fuel or see a leak, if it shuts down with no warning light and no load, or if it's an RV generator tied into your coach's electrical system. Don't bypass oil or safety sensors, and don't open electrical panels or the generator's control box — those jobs carry real shock and fire risk.
Getting help from Heern's
Tell us the brand and model, roughly how long it runs before shutting off, and what was plugged in. A photo of the model tag helps. We offer mobile service from our Alamogordo base and in approved Las Cruces-area communities.