1. We use a full-synthetic, 5W-30, All-Season automotive oil for all Generac generators we service. Do not use a different type of oil. Keep 1 or 2 quarts on hand, purchased at any local automotive store. Reference Changing/Checking the Engine Oil in your Owner’s Manual. 

2. Generac recommends checking the oil level monthly and every 24 hours of continuous operation. To check the oil level, see Checking Engine Oil Level, in the Owner’s Manual. With the unit switched to the “off” position, remove and wipe off the dipstick. Reinsert it fully into the engine, remove it and observe the oil level indicated on the dipstick. To locate the oil dipstick, see The Generator section in your Owner’s Manual.

3. Add oil only as needed. DO NOT FILL ABOVE THE “FULL” MARK. Overfilling could damage the engine. The oil capacity for the engine is listed in the Specifications section, of the Owner’s Manual. Engine oil capacity ranges from 1.1 to 1.9 quarts depending on size.

4. The Generac engine requires an oil change every 200 hours, or every 2 years, whichever occurs first. The CorePower 7kW generator requires an oil change every year or every 100 hours.

1. 2008 models and newer generators have a side compartment with three LED indicator lights; Green, Red & Yellow. See the Side Compartment section, in the Owner’s Manual. For the 2008 8kW and the CorePower 7kW, see #5, below.

2. The GREEN LED is illuminated when the generator is “READY to Run.” It confirms the control panel switch is set to “Auto.”

3. The RED LED is illuminated when the generator has been switched to “Off” or when a fault (failure) has occurred. Unlock and open the top cover of the generator and view the LCD screen on the control panel to identify the fault noted. To clear a fault, place the Auto/Off/Manual switch in “Off” position. Then press the “Enter” key. Place the switch back in “Auto” or “Manual”, as desired.

4. The YELLOW LED indicates a maintenance alert. It does not prevent the operation of your generator, but reminds you to perform periodic maintenance on your generator. The “Inspect Battery” message will appear at 1 year, followed by additional messages at 2 years or 100/200/220 hours. The maintenance alert can be cleared by pressing the “Enter” key twice. Reference the Protection Systems section, in your Owner’s Manual. (Reference SIB09-04-HAC)

5. Generators from 2007 and older have LED indicator lights built-into the control panel. The status or fault is stated adjacent to the LED light. See the Protection Systems section, in the Owner’s Manual.

1. Generac’s Standard Warranty is 2 years labor and 3 years for parts. The Generac warranty for the new 2013 product up-date, 8-20kW, includes a 5 year limited warranty. The limited warranty provides for 2 years parts and labor. Year 3-parts only. Year’s 4 and 5-parts only on the engine and rotor/stator. The CorePower 7kW generator has a 2 year labor and parts warranty. The warranty period begins at the date of generator activation. The transfer switch is warrantied the same as the generator, provided it was registered with the generator at the time of activation.

2. Generac offers an Extended Warranty at an additional cost, providing for a total of 4 years labor and 5 years parts. The additional optional Extended Warranty on the 2013 product provides for a full 5 years parts and labor. The Extended Warranty must be purchased within 12 months of activation and a Generac Certified Service Dealer must perform the maintenance, using Generac maintenance parts. The CorePower 7kW generator is not eligible for extended warranty.

3. On any permanently mounted units, the warranty will transfer to the new owner, provided the unit stays in place.

4. Accessory warranties are as follows:

1. Crankcase and battery heaters have a 90 day parts only, warranty.
   
2. Wireless remotes have a 180 day parts & labor, no travel, warranty.
   
3. Mobile Link has a one year warranty.
   

1. (Reference WIB11-05-GALL)

2. The main circuit breaker to your home or the generator panel circuit breaker has tripped or is switched off. In either case, the generator is responding to a loss of utility (PSE&G) power. Reset the circuit breaker as necessary, to restore power.

3. The generator system or an accessory (engine crankcase heater) has failed.

1. When the generator is switched to “Auto”, it will operate to exercise for 12 minutes each week, at a day and time you selected. The generator, when exercising will not interrupt the power to your home. On 2008 models and newer generators, unlock and open the top cover of the generator and view the LCD screen on the control panel. Using the “Escape button”, enter the menu, select the “Edit” category and navigate to the “Exercise Time” setting. Reference the Control Panel Interface or the Setting the Exercise Timer section in the Owner’s Manual. If you have Generac’s Mobile Link wireless remote, you can perform the exercise schedule change without accessing the generator.

2. The 2008 8kW, CorePower 7kW, 2007 models and older generators require the Set Exercise switch to be depressed at the exact day and time desired for exercise. See the Setting the Exercise Timer section in your Owner’s Manual.

1. To change the Date or Time setting for the generator, follow the Exercise Time procedure above. In the “Edit” category, change the setting for the current “Time/Date”. The Advanced Wireless Remote, can also perform the Time/Date changes. (The 2008 8kW, CorePower 7kW, 2007 models and older generators do not apply).

2. Daylight Savings Time is not automatically adjusted by the generator control panel.

• Whole-House ATS

1. Switch off the main service disconnect (circuit breaker) inside the ATS.
   
2. The generator will start after a 10 second delay.
   
3. Once operating, it will transfer the entire house to the generator.
   
4. Switch the main service disconnect to “On” when you wish to end the test.
   
5. After a 15 second delay, the ATS will transfer back to utility (ComEd) power. The generator will continue to run for 60 seconds to cool-down, and then shut off automatically.
   

• Indoor ATS with 8–16 circuit breakers

1. The Generac generator typically requires an automotive style, 12VDC, group 26R, lead acid battery. Reference the Specifications section in your Owner’s Manual.

2. The battery must be maintained properly to ensure reliable generator starting. Reference Battery Maintenance in your Owner’s Manual.

3. Proper battery maintenance is provided by our Factory Trained generator technicians, during all service and maintenance visits. We recommend replacing the battery at least every 4 years with the Generac recommended Exide battery

1. Prevent ground water from rainstorms to flood your generator. When ground water is a threat, use plastic sheeting and sand bags to create a water barrier. A small sump pump with an integral float switch can be used to remove water from the containment area surrounding your generator.

2. When flooding is a real concern, we can elevate the generator to minimize the threat of water damage.

3. When uncontrolled ground water rises above the black sub-base of your generator; place the generator in the “off” mode to prevent operation while submerged. Water entering the alternator section can cause significant damage.

1. The sub-base of the generator has four holes to provide for the placement of the generator. Once the unit is set in place, the holes can be sealed to prevent the nesting of rodents and insects. We offer the installation of a fascia base wrap to seal the holes and provide a sleek finished look to the generator.

2. During our scheduled preventive maintenance, we will confirm the integrity of the gasket on the underside of the generator top cover and the wire mesh screens to prevent insect and rodent infestations.

1. Generac’s cellular based wireless remote, Mobile Link™, informs you of the status of your generator whether at home or away. 
2. The communication link between your generator and the internet is accomplished through the Verizon cellular network. 
3. The user is able to receive selectable alerts via website, email or text message. In addition, the user can select messages to be sent to their local Generac Service Dealer. Contact us to have this remote installed in your 2008 and newer generator. (The 2008 8kW, CorePower 7kW, 2007 models, and older generators are not compatible.)

1. Engine Crankcase Heater – the thermostatically controlled 40 watt heater maintains optimal engine oil temperature for more reliable generator starting in extreme cold conditions. It also reduces wear and tear on the starter by promoting faster and easier engine starting.

2. Engine Crankcase Heater and Battery Warmer – a thermostatically controlled 50 watt battery warmer maintains optimal battery temperature along with the crankcase heater described above to help ensure easier and more reliable generator starting in extreme cold conditions. Generac, model #6212.

3. The fascia base wrap gives the generator a sleek, finished look while closing the four lifting holes on the base of the generator to discourage rodent and insect infiltration. Available for 2008 models and newer generators only, except the CorePower 7kW.

4. A whole-house surge protector provides the highest level of protection from ComEd system generated power surges as a result of storms and system faults. It protects your entire home by capturing and dissipating damaging surges (think of a power surge as a tsunami) at your circuit breaker panel, before they travel throughout your home damaging computers, electronics and appliances.

5. Generator owners concerned with basement flooding would be prudent to have two redundant sump pump systems. This includes two full capacity 120 volt pumps, each on their own dedicated circuit.