Control panel shows STARTER FAULT; generator may click but not crank, or starter may stay engaged.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn the generator OFF and disconnect the negative battery cable before working on the starter.
- Check battery cables: Ensure both positive and negative cables are tight at the battery and starter terminals.
- Listen for solenoid: When attempting to start (briefly), listen for a solid click at the starter. A click with no crank suggests a bad starter; no click suggests solenoid or control issue.
- Inspect starter wiring: Look for burned or loose wires at the starter and solenoid.
When to call a technician: Starter replacement on Centurion standby units often requires removing shields and routing heavy cables. A technician should replace the starter motor/solenoid and verify proper operation.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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