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Engine cranks but won't start

Why generators show "engine cranks but won't start": 27 documented causes and brand-specific fixes, compiled across 9 manufacturers.

Out of fuel; Fuel solenoid (FS) is defective; Open Wire #14A from Engine Control circuit board; Spark plugs defective; Door on tank not closed

5 brands
  • Ford: 1. Replenish fuel; 2. Replace solenoid; 3. Reconnect wire; 4. Clean, regap or replace plugs; 5. Close door on tank
  • GenSpec065: 1. Replenish fuel; 2. Replace solenoid; 3. Reconnect wire; 4. Clean, regap or replace plugs; 5. Close door on tank
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel; 2. Replace solenoid; 3. Reconnect wire; 4. Clean, regap or replace plugs; 5. Close door on tank
  • Mitsubishi: 1. Replenish fuel; 2. Replace solenoid; 3. Reconnect wire; 4. Clean, regap or replace plugs; 5. Close door on tank
  • Olympian: 1. Replenish fuel; 2. Replace solenoid; 3. Reconnect wire; 4. Clean, regap or replace plugs; 5. Close door on tank

Out of fuel

3 brands
  • Carrier: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Replace solenoid. 3. Reconnect wire.
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Open fuel shutoff valve(s). 3. Repair or replace if defective. 4. Repair, replace or adjust. 5. Wait 5-10 minutes; try again. 6. Replace filter if clogged. 7. Replace bad circuit board; 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Replace fuel pump. 3. Reconnect wire. 4. Wait 5-10 min. before trying. 5. Clean, regap or replace plug.
  • Nexus: 1. Replenish fuel/turn on fuel valve. 2. Replace solenoid.* 3. Clean, regap or replace plugs.

Fuel solenoid (FS) is defective

3 brands
  • Carrier: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Replace solenoid. 3. Reconnect wire.
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Replace solenoid.* 3. Reconnect wire.; 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Replace solenoid.* 3. Reconnect wire. 4. Clean, regap or replace plugs. 5. Close door on tank.
  • Nexus: 1. Replenish fuel/turn on fuel valve. 2. Replace solenoid.* 3. Clean, regap or replace plugs.

Spark plugs defective

2 brands
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Replace solenoid.* 3. Reconnect wire. 4. Clean, regap or replace plugs. 5. Close door on tank.; 1. Replenish fuel/turn on fuel valve. 2. Replace solenoid.* 3. Clean, regap or replace plugs.
  • Nexus: 1. Replenish fuel/turn on fuel valve. 2. Replace solenoid.* 3. Clean, regap or replace plugs.

Fuel shutoff valve is closed

1 brand
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Open fuel shutoff valve(s). 3. Repair or replace if defective. 4. Repair, replace or adjust. 5. Wait 5-10 minutes; try again. 6. Replace filter if clogged. 7. Replace bad circuit board

Fuel pump not operating

1 brand
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Open fuel shutoff valve(s). 3. Repair or replace if defective. 4. Repair, replace or adjust. 5. Wait 5-10 minutes; try again. 6. Replace filter if clogged. 7. Replace bad circuit board

Automatic choke not operating property

1 brand
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Open fuel shutoff valve(s). 3. Repair or replace if defective. 4. Repair, replace or adjust. 5. Wait 5-10 minutes; try again. 6. Replace filter if clogged. 7. Replace bad circuit board

Engine is flooded

1 brand
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Open fuel shutoff valve(s). 3. Repair or replace if defective. 4. Repair, replace or adjust. 5. Wait 5-10 minutes; try again. 6. Replace filter if clogged. 7. Replace bad circuit board; 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Replace fuel pump. 3. Reconnect wire. 4. Wait 5-10 min. before trying. 5. Clean, regap or replace plug.

Fuel Filter is clogged

1 brand
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Open fuel shutoff valve(s). 3. Repair or replace if defective. 4. Repair, replace or adjust. 5. Wait 5-10 minutes; try again. 6. Replace filter if clogged. 7. Replace bad circuit board

Defective Controller Circuit Board

1 brand
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Open fuel shutoff valve(s). 3. Repair or replace if defective. 4. Repair, replace or adjust. 5. Wait 5-10 minutes; try again. 6. Replace filter if clogged. 7. Replace bad circuit board

1. Out of fuel.

1 brand
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel.; Replenish fuel tank.

Out of fuel.

1 brand
  • Generac: Replenish fuel tank.; Replenish fuel.

1. Out of fuel

1 brand
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel.

Fuel pump is defective

1 brand
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Replace fuel pump. 3. Reconnect wire. 4. Wait 5-10 min. before trying. 5. Clean, regap or replace plug.

Open Wire #14 from Eng. Control Bd

1 brand
  • Generac: 1. Replenish fuel. 2. Replace fuel pump. 3. Reconnect wire. 4. Wait 5-10 min. before trying. 5. Clean, regap or replace plug.

Affected models

Generac 30k

Related fault codes

Cummins/Onan fault codesGenerac fault codes

Common questions

What causes engine cranks but won't start?

Common causes, most-reported first: Out of fuel; Fuel solenoid (FS) is defective; Open Wire #14A from Engine Control circuit board; Spark plugs defective; Door on tank not closed; Out of fuel; Fuel solenoid (FS) is defective; Spark plugs defective; Fuel shutoff valve is closed; Fuel pump not operating.