Generac Generator Fault Codes List (1902, 1904, 2800, P2601)
It is impossible to memorize and know all the fault codes for every brand of generator, engine, or appliance. There are just too many of them. But when you can’t remember or do not know what a fault code stands for, you can always track down the list and look it up.
The good news is there are at least 2 places to go to to check what a Generac fault code means. It doesn’t take long to connect to those lists. There is more good news, this list of fault codes is not that long so it may be easier to remember.
To learn about these fault codes and see the list, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so you can find the reason why your Generac Generator is not working as it should
Generac Fault Codes List
Generac Generator Fault Codes List
Some of the explanations for this list are quite long, so we will only place the most pertinent information in this list. Unfortunately, the list we found on the Generac website is not as complete as the two we will link to now. The first one is here and the second one is here.
-controller fault- no code number and it is a red alert signal with an alarm
-1100- overcrank- red alert with alarm- a common code where the controller tells the engine to start but it can’t
-1101- overcrank- red alert with alarm but only for the 8 & 9 kW units
-1200- overspeed- red alert with alarm
-1205- overspeed- red alert with alarm
-1207- overspeed- red alert with alarm
-1300- low oil pressure- red alert with alarm
-1400- high temperature- red alert with alarm
-1501- RPM sensor loss- red alert with alarm- 2 cylinder unit already running but lost RPM signal
-1505- RPM sensor loss- red alert with alarm- 2cyl. Unit cranking and lost signal that engine was turning
-1511- RPM sensor loss- red alert with alarm- for 1 cylinder units running and lost RPM signal
-1515- RPM sensor loss- red alert with alarm- 1 cylinder unit cranking and lost signal that said the engine was turning
-1600- underspeed- red alert with alarm- engine slowed down
-1603- underspeed- red alert with alarm- never got to its rated 3600 RP< start up speed
-1800- overvoltage- red alert with alarm- rated voltage output exceeded for a long time
-1900- undervoltage- red alert with alarm- voltage stayed under 80% of rated voltage for over 10 seconds
-1901- undervoltage- red alert with alarm- sudden drop in voltage
-1902- undervoltage- red alert with alarm- two zero crosses are missing
-1906- undervoltage- red alert with alarm- one zero cross is missing
-2099- wiring error- red alert with alarm
-2100- overload remove load
-2102- overload remove load- red alert with alarm-only for the 8 & 9 kW units
-2103- overload remove load- red alert with alarm- only for the 8 & 9 kW
-2299- undervoltage overload- red alert with alarm- generator was started with the load connected
-2399- stepper overcurrent- red alert with alarm-
-2400- fuse problem
-2800- AUX shutdown
-low battery- yellow warning light
-battery problem- yellow warning light
-charger warning- yellow warning light
-missing charger AC- yellow warning light
-2 year maintenance reminder- yellow warning light
-4 year maintenance reminder- yellow warning light
The full explanations will be at the links above. As we said some are quite lengthy. In the following subsections, you will get some full explanations for specific fault codes
Generac Generator Fault Code 1902
Undervoltage 1902- ALARM- Fault is displayed when both zero crosses are missing from the controller's input for 1.5 seconds or more. Could be a faulty excitation winding, zero cross circuit, loose wiring, or field boost hardware problem. The same applies here, v1.12 or later firmware should be installed
We looked on the Generac website but we did not find an explanation for the ‘zero cross’ phrase.
Fault Code 1904
As you can see by the list, this fault code should not exist and you should not see it on your display screen. That may be because there are 2 fault code lists. One is for the standard Generac generators and the other one is for the following units- Generac Protector Liquid Cooled (Gas/Diesel) Evolution e-Code error code fault list with troubleshooting/repair guide
This list is far longer than the previous one and the 1904 code stands for- undervoltage- red alert with alarm- No field current but controller detects DPE voltage. Should check brush hardware, brushes and check for loose wiring.
You can find this longer list at this link. The previous list we quoted above, is for the Generac Air-Cooled Error Codes as of November 2018. We have not found any updates for that list so far.
If you are unsure of the fault codes we advise you to contact Generac directly.l
Generac Fault Code 2800
This is the last numbered fault code on the initial list and it states:
“Aux Shutdown 2800- ALARM
This only pertains to units with an external shutdown switch or switches installed. New WiFi units come standard with these switches, some (15kW and above) with 2. One located on the back side of the unit and one inside on the firewall. They must be on for the unit to run. If they are both on, check the wiring and connections for problems.”
The second list says the same thing with a few extra details-
“ESTOP Pressed/Aux Shutdown 2800- ALARM
This ONLY pertains to newer Evolution Protector units with an external shutdown switch installed. Liquid cooled units now have 2 switches installed, 1 in the control panel area under the cover and to the upper corner, and one externally mounted on the removable access panel covering the controller and main breaker. They must be on for the unit to run. If they are both on, check the wiring and connections for problems.”
1600 Fault Code On My Generac Generator
From the first list:
“Underspeed 1600- ALARM
An e-code that's triggered when the engine speed is slowed to 55Hz for a 60Hz unit for 30 seconds (or 40Hz for a 50Hz unit). Most likely problem is that the unit is overloaded or something has tried to turn on that overloaded the unit. Could also be fuel related or a stepper motor throttle control problem.”
From the second list:
“Underspeed 1600- ALARM
Unit has slowed to <83.3% of its rated speed at 60Hz or <66.6% of rated speed at 50Hz. Most likely problem is that the unit is overloaded or something has tried to turn on that overloaded the unit. Could also be fuel related or a Bosch actuator or throttle linkage issue.”
We include the second list for all those owners of the Solar generator system. It looks like there are slight differences between the two generator series.
Generac Generator Fault Code P2601
This fault code is not on the first list so it will pertain only to the other units made by this company. The second list states this fault code is for:
“Ignition Fault 2601- ALARM
Missing camshaft pulse. Camshaft sensor isn't sending feedback to controller. Could be a bad sensor, misalignment of the sensor, loose wiring, or an engine issue.”
If you are getting this code on the Generac Air-Cooled Error Codes then we suggest you contact the company or their dealers to find out if it is the same as mentioned immediately above.
When we went to the Generac website, we found only 7 fault codes listed on one of their web pages. You can check the owner’s manual to see if there are more listed on those pages.
Generac Home Generator Fault Code E2800
The first thing you should be aware of is that the letter e may be in some explanations but it won’t be on your display screen. It should simply say error code 2800 and then flash aux shutdown.
Here is what the code means on the 2 lists:
The first list:
“Aux Shutdown 2800- ALARM
This only pertains to units with an external Auxiliary Shutdown switch or switches installed. New WiFi units come standard with these switches, some (15kW and above) with 2. One located on the back side of the unit and one inside on the firewall. They must be on for the unit to run. If they are both on, check the wiring and connections for problems”
The second list:
“ESTOP Pressed/Aux Shutdown 2800- ALARM
This ONLY pertains to newer Evolution Protector units with an external shutdown switch installed. Liquid cooled units now have 2 switches installed, 1 in the control panel area under the cover and to the upper corner, and one externally mounted on the removable access panel covering the controller and main breaker. They must be on for the unit to run. If they are both on, check the wiring and connections for problems.”
What Causes The Red Light On The Generac Generator?
This generator operates on a 3-light warning system. The green light, as you would expect, means everything is fine and the generator is working as it should.
The red light is telling you that the generator is in failure mode. This light will remain on until you fix the problem. Then the yellow light is just a warning, much light the traffic light yellow that everyone ignores.
You shouldn’t ignore this yellow light as it is telling you that maintenance is required. It is also a warning light telling you that you may have a battery problem.
When the red light is on, do not expect your generator to work. The light seems to turn the generator off and keeps it off until the repairs are made.
What is The Code For Generac Rpm Loss?
There are several codes for this and they are divided between the 1 and 2-cylinder units. 1501 and 1505 are for the 2-cylinder units and 1511 and 1515 are for the 1-cylinder units. That is from the first list we quoted above.
The list for the Generac Protector Liquid Cooled (Gas/Diesel) Evolution has different 1500 numbers for the same problem. Those numbers are- 1500, 1516, 1517, 1518, 1519, and 1520 with 1520 being the same as 1518.
The 1500 error code says- “RPM Sensor Loss 1500- ALARM
Controller is missing magnetic pickup pulses. Mag pickup should be tested for resistance, alignment, and to make sure no metal shavings or debris have stuck to the sensor pin.”
That will give you a basic foundation for the rest of the fault codes.
How do You Clear The Fault on a Generac Generator?
The first linked list above provides a warning that the second list does not. It is important to read the warnings as that information will help you avoid damaging your generator.
The warning states that you should not clear most codes without talking to a Generac dealer first. Once you do that, here are the procedures for the red and yellow codes:
1. Yellow:
-Press the gray colored ‘ENTER’ key once to confirm the
maintenance has been performed.
- Press the gray colored ‘ENTER’ key a second time to
confirm the action, or press ‘ESCAPE’ to cancel and
leave the maintenance reminder active on the screen
2. Red:
- Confirm that the problem has been repaired and no
longer exists.
- Put the unit into ‘OFF’ by pressing the RED button
under the ‘OFF’ red LED
- Push the ‘ENTER’ key to confirm that the alarm has
been repaired
- Put the unit back into either ‘AUTO’ or ‘MANUAL’ depending on which is desired.
(‘MANUAL’ will cause the unit to start and run, ‘AUTO’ will resume automatic standby
functions and wait for the next outage or exercise date)
Some Final Words
Fault codes are never going to go away. It would be a wise move to print out any fault sheets we have linked to and presented in our posts and store them in a safe place.
You may not be able to get to your computer to read those posts and see what the trouble is.
